Tien Giang’s specialties go beyond its famous fruits, as it also boasts a variety of unique and delectable dishes. Join us as we explore 15 must-try specialties from Tien Giang that make perfect gifts for your loved ones!
1. What are the must-buy specialties in Tien Giang?
Hoa Loc Mangosteen
This is a specialty fruit you must not miss when visiting Tien Giang. These mangosteens are golden yellow, intensely fragrant, and impressively large.
Hoa Loc Mangosteen
The flesh of these mangosteens is juicy and incredibly sweet, guaranteeing an unforgettable taste that will leave you craving for more. Don’t miss out on this excellent gift option!
Estimated price: 40,000 – 80,000 VND/kg (~$1.70 – $3.40)
Suggested place to buy: Cai Be Floating Market: Cai Be Town, Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province.
Vu Sua Lo Ren (Lò Rèn Breast Milk Fruit)
Vu Sua Lo Ren has been synonymous with Tien Giang Province for generations. These fruits boast ripe, fragrant flesh with a glossy skin that is simply irresistible.
Vu Sua Lo Ren
When you cut open a Lo Ren breast milk fruit, you’ll discover a stream of sweet, creamy milk and thick, luscious flesh. This is definitely a must-buy specialty whenever you visit Tien Giang.
Estimated price: 40,000 – 80,000 VND/kg (~$1.70 – $3.40)
Suggested places to buy:
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Vu Sua Lo Ren Vinh Kim: Ap Vinh Thanh, Vinh Kim Commune, Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province.
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Cai Be Floating Market: Cai Be Town, Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province.
Ngũ Hiệp Durian
Ngu Hiep durians thrive in the fertile soil of Ngu Hiep Town, Cai Lay District, Tien Giang. The distinct fragrance of these durians will greet you even before you reach the town’s entrance.
Ngũ Hiệp Durian
Ngu Hiep durians are renowned for their golden-hued flesh, thick texture, perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, and flat seeds. This variety of durian will be a fantastic choice to bring home after your trip to Tien Giang.
Estimated price: 80,000 – 140,000 VND/kg (~$3.40 – $6)
Suggested places to buy:
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Ngũ Hiệp Durian: Ngũ Hiệp, Cai Lậy, Tien Giang.
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Vuon Sau Rieng Nha Nam Tan: Long Tien, Cai Lậy, Tien Giang.
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Tien Giang Durian Garden: My Long, Cai Lậy, Tien Giang.
Trung Luong Apricot
In addition to breast milk fruit and durian, Trung Luong apricot is another fragrant and delectable fruit that is indispensable in the list of Tien Giang specialties.
Trung Luong Apricot
These apricots boast a bright red-pink skin and a crisp, sweet flesh. Pairing them with salt and chili pepper takes the experience to a whole new level.
Estimated price: 30,000 – 85,000 VND/kg (~$1.30 – $3.60)
Suggested place to buy: Cai Be Floating Market: Cai Be Town, Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province.
Nhị Quý Longan
If you visit Tien Giang during July-August (lunar calendar), you’ll find an abundance of delicious longan sold along the province’s roadsides.
Nhị Quý Longan
Nhị Quý longan features a thin skin, thick flesh, small seeds, and a sweet fragrance reminiscent of lychees. This addictive fruit is an ideal gift for your loved ones when visiting Tien Giang.
Estimated price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/kg (~$1.30 – $2.15)
Suggested places to buy:
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Nhãn Xuồng Anh Út: Opposite of the elementary school, Nhi Quy, Cai Lay, Tien Giang.
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Cai Be Floating Market: Cai Be Town, Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province.
Go Cong Shrimp Paste
Go Cong shrimp paste stands out with its vibrant red color. The production process of this delicacy is intricate and meticulous. Its unique blend of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors will leave you with an unforgettable culinary experience.
Go Cong Shrimp Paste
Its long shelf life and carefully sealed packaging make it an excellent choice for gifts.
Estimated price: 80,000 – 200,000 VND/jar (~$3.40 – $8.50)
Suggested places to buy:
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Co So Mam Ba Hai Go Cong: 50 Hoang Tuyen, Ward 5, Go Cong, Tien Giang.
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Co So Mam Ba Hai I: Thua dat so 2, ap Cho Moi, Go Cong, Tien Giang.
Fish Paste
Fish paste is another well-known specialty of Tien Giang, made from various types of fish such as snakehead, mudfish, and catfish, offering a diverse range of choices to suit your preferences.
Fish Paste
You can also incorporate fish paste into various dishes, such as steamed fish paste or hot pot, for a unique and mouthwatering treat. Don’t forget to bring home this specialty when visiting Tien Giang!
Estimated price: 150,000 – 220,000 VND/kg (~$6.40 – $9.35)
Suggested place to buy: Cai Be Floating Market: Cai Be Town, Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province.
Crab Paste
In addition to its famous fruits, Tien Giang is also renowned for its crab paste, which offers a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors with a hint of spiciness and saltiness. This paste goes exceptionally well with hot rice.
Crab Paste
Make sure to buy a few jars of crab paste to enjoy at home or as gifts for your loved ones when visiting Tien Giang.
Estimated price: 90,000 – 130,000 VND/jar (~$3.85 – $5.55)
Suggested places to buy:
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Co So Mam Tom Kim Sa: 141 Truong Dinh, Ward 2, Go Cong, Tien Giang.
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Cho My Tho: Nguyen Hue, Ward 1, My Tho City, Tien Giang Province.
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Co So Mam Ba Hai I: Thua dat so 2, ap Cho Moi, Go Cong, Tien Giang.
Crispy Rice
Crispy rice is a popular snack and specialty in Tien Giang. The crispy rice is seasoned with a variety of flavors, both savory and sweet, and topped with a savory layer of dried shrimp. It’s so addictive that you won’t be able to stop eating it!
Crispy Rice
While it may not be the most prominent specialty, it’s still worth buying a few packs of crispy rice as gifts for your loved ones when visiting Tien Giang.
Estimated price: 35,000 – 50,000 VND/pack (~$1.50 – $2.15)
Suggested places to buy:
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Com Chay Cha Bong Tai Nguyen: 8 Luu Thi Dung Street, Ward 2, Go Cong, Tien Giang.
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Com Chay Phuong Linh: 62/3 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 2, Go Cong, Tien Giang.
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Com Chay Cha Bong Co Deo: 100 Nam, Ban Chon, Cai Lay, Tien Giang.
Lai Vung Nem
Lai Vung Nem is the final specialty we’ll introduce in this article. You’ll easily spot these nem bundles along the inter-provincial and inter-district roads in Tien Giang.
Lai Vung Nem
This nem variety features a perfect blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, with a hint of fermented rice fragrance that makes it incredibly addictive. If you’re visiting Tien Giang, don’t forget to buy a few bundles of this nem as gifts.
Estimated price: 35,000 – 50,000 VND/kg (~$1.50 – $2.15)
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Lo Nem Lai Vung Co Thao: DT 867, Long Dinh, Chau Thanh, Tien Giang.
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Nem Lai Vung: Cai Be, Tien Giang.
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Banh Keo Nhat Huy Nem Lai Vung: QL30, An Thai Trung, Cai Be, Tien Giang.
2. Tien Giang Specialties to Enjoy at Restaurants
My Tho Hu Tieu (Rice Noodles)
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