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Top 14 Must-Try Specialties In Ben Tre, Vietnam

Friday, August 25, 2023 Food & drink BaoAnh

Dining isn't just a basic need but a reflection of Vietnam's history and distinct cultural identity. While traveling, food becomes more than a necessity. Trying new dishes becomes a delightful part of your journey, offering diverse culinary experiences from around the world that might be entirely new to you.

In places like Ben Tre, you'll encounter not only picturesque orchards but also a delightful array of dishes that showcase the region's unique culinary style. These dishes serve as a bridge between local traditions and the inquisitive tastes of travelers. Ben Tre's delectable cuisine goes beyond its famous fruit-filled landscapes, providing a delicious way to savor the essence of the land and immerse yourself in its flavors.

So let’s find out many specialties that should not-to-be-missed:

1. Coconut rice
2. Coconut tuber salad (Gỏi Củ Hũ Dừa Tôm Thịt)
3. Coconut mice
4. My Long rice paper
5. Coconut candy
6. Field crab porridge
7. Flattened grilled banana
8. Pancake with rice snail
9. Coconut worm
10. Sea snail in coconut milk
11. Coconut wine
12. Duck noodle
13. Shredded pork rolls
14. Elephant Ear Fish (Fried Giant Gourami)

1. Coconut rice

When you embark on a journey to the enchanting province of Ben Tre, there's one culinary delight that you absolutely shouldn't miss: coconut rice. The process starts with the chef carefully washing the rice using coconut water, infusing it with the subtle yet distinctive coconut essence right from the very beginning. What comes next is the heart of the magic – cooking the rice directly within the embrace of a coconut.

Imagine each grain of rice soaked in the goodness of the coconut, absorbing its essence to create a harmony of tastes that's both heavenly and satisfying. When served, this dish finds its perfect companions in savory delights like succulent fried shrimp or tender braised meat. The different textures and flavors make your taste buds happy. It's like having a treat that's both comforting and exciting.

A journey of flavors, a tale of dedication, and an opportunity to experience the heart and soul of Ben Tre's culinary heritage are what coconut rice is about. So, when you find yourself in this province, make sure to relish this exceptional dish – an edible gem that captures the essence of the region in every mouthful.

Some recommended addresses:

Ben Tre Floating Restaurant

Address : 60 Hung Vuong – Ninh Kieu District – Ben Tre

Tel : +84 275 3822 492

Web : https://ttchospitality.vn/palace-filter/nha-hang

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/xcw1sj4zcqeAmMs57

2. Coconut tuber salad (Gỏi Củ Hũ Dừa Tôm Thịt)

Nestled within the upper reaches of the coconut stem, coconut tubers hold a treasure trove of textures and flavors. These dishes will make you feel wonderful.

Picture the ensemble: succulent black tiger shrimp, tender pork belly, thinly sliced pork ears, aromatic laksa leaves, finely chopped onions, and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts. All of these things come together to make a dish that shows what Ben Tree food culture is all about. This dish is more than just food; it is a celebration of tradition, local ingredients, and culinary skills.

In a land where the coconut tree is revered for its versatility, the coconut tuber dishes show how Ben Tre's people are creative.

Some recommended addresses:

Hung Vuong restaurant

Address : 148 Hung Vuong, Ward 3, Ben Tre
Opening hours : 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tel : +84 275 3822 408 - +84 275 3826 134
Web : http://hungvuonghotelbentre.vn/noi-dung/nha-hang-nha-khach-hung-vuong.html
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/TdpBHWkcPUhkdNpq9

3. Coconut mice

When the subject of mice comes into conversation, it's only natural for apprehensions regarding dish cleanliness and safety to arise. However, let me introduce you to a fascinating twist within the culinary realm of Ben Tre – the incorporation of coconut mice. These small animals live in coconut trees and have a unique skill – they can open coconuts. It's difficult to catch them, but this makes the food more special.

Coconut mice typically boast meat with a firm texture and rich fattiness. After their skin is carefully taken off, their meat becomes a flexible ingredient that can be turned into many tasty dishes. Two popular preparations are grilled coconut mice and steamed coconut mice.

It shows that cooking can turn simple things into amazing dishes, making you appreciate the diverse flavors of Ben Tre even more.

Currently, coconut mice have become a delicacy favored by food enthusiasts in the city, selected by restaurants and eateries for rodent-themed gatherings. These mice are sold at prices ranging from 120.000 to 180.000 VND per kilogram, and you can choose the specific mouse you prefer, which will be promptly prepared for you by the staff.

Some recommended addresses:

Ben Tre Floating Restaurant

Address : 60 Hung Vuong – Ninh Kieu District – Ben Tre
Tel : +84 275 3822 492
Web : https://ttchospitality.vn/palace-filter/nha-hang
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/xcw1sj4zcqeAmMs57

An Nam restaurant

Address : 898 Nguyen Van Nguyen An Thuan A, My Thanh An, Ben Tre
Opening hours : 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tel : +84 704 705 706 - +84 909 361 109
Web : https://amthucannam.com.vn/
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/sztNJEet7enzcqjM6

Mai An Tiem garden restaurant

Address : 108E An Thuan B, My Thanh An, Ben Tre
Tel : +84 913 189 610 - +84 975 021 985
Web : https://maiantiemgarden.com/
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/jChd5AETPvrgwHXDA

4. My Long rice paper

"My Long" rice paper is a favored gift from Ben Tre that many people choose. Rice paper is made from rice flour, coconut milk, white sesame, sugar, and some other ingredients. It is often enjoyed by baking rice paper. Unlike ordinary rice paper, "My Long" rice paper is delightfully fragrant and crispy. When fully toasted, it boasts a lovely golden hue and carries a subtle coconut richness. It tastes much better when salads are typically served with it. The sweetness of coconut and the fat of fragrant sticky rice combined with sesame and milk is what you will feel when eating My Long rice paper.

Some recommended addresses:

My Long Rice Paper traditional craft village

Address : 6CGC+MHQ, My Thanh, Giong Trom, Ben Tre
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Bpi3vTzR99iQqw5JA

5. Coconut candy

Coconut Candy

Coconut candy, a special treat in Ben Tre, is highly regarded among its culinary delights. The best coconut candy is produced in Mo Cay District, where a symphony of flavors and skillful craftsmanship comes to life.

Creating this delightful treat involves blending coconut milk and maltose, resulting in a distinctive flavor that's both sweet and rich. With the first bite, you're welcomed by a medley of flavors that are both inviting and comforting, showcasing the meticulous care and expertise put into its making.

The residents of Ben Tre have come up with new ways to make coconut candy. Today, there's a mixture of flavors to cater to various preferences. Imagine relishing cocoa-infused coconut candy or the intriguing fusion of durian or jackfruit. Even a version with peanut filling adds a delightful crunch. With every different version, there's a fresh taste to explore while still keeping the traditional essence that makes coconut candy beloved.

So, when you savor a piece of coconut candy, you're not just enjoying a treat; you're taking a bite of Ben Tre's history, a culinary treasure that has been cherished through generations.

Some recommended addresses:

Hai To coconut candy

Address : 379C Nguyen Van Tu, Ward 7, Ben Tre
Tel : +84 888 818 899
Email : info@bentredonga.com
Website : https://www.bentredonga.com/
Fanpage : www.facebook.com/keoduabentre.dacsanviet

Cocofarm

Address : 232B Nguyen Van Tu, Ward 7 Ben Tre
Tel : +84 837 820 820
Email : contact.cocofarm@gmail.com
Website : https://cocofarm.com.vn/
Fanpage : www.facebook.com/cocofarmvn/

Hong Van Coconut Candy

Địa chỉ : An Phu hamlet, An Khanh commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre
Tel : +84 919 414 379
Email : keoduahongvan@gmail.com
Website : https://keoduahongvan.vn/
Fanpage : www.facebook.com/Keoduasaphongvan

Tuyet Phung Coconut Candy

Address : No.56, Quarter 7, Mo Cay Town, Mo Cay Nam District, Ben Tre
Tel : +84 275 3843 011 - +84 918 545 373
Email : Keoduatuyetphung373@gmail.com
Website : https://keoduatuyetphung.vn/

Thanh Long Coconut Candy

Address : 212B Đong Khoi Avenue, KP5, Phu Khuong Ward, Ben Tre
Tel : +84 903 964 730 - +84 989 723 292
Email : hdangthlongkd@gmail.com
Website : http://www.keoduathanhlongvn.com.vn/intro.php

6. Field crab porridge

Making crab porridge in Ben Tre is a very careful process that makes a delicious dish. To start, the field crabs are carefully peeled to obtain the delicate meat, and the shells are transformed into flavorful bricks that contribute to the broth. This intricate preparation adds depth and richness to the porridge.

The emphasis on cooking it in an earthen pot makes this dish truly exceptional. This traditional method ensures that the flavors are locked in, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that captivates the senses. The earthy undertones of the pot infuse the porridge with a unique aroma and taste that's simply irresistible.

When you indulge in a bowl of crab porridge, you're in for a treat that will etch itself into your memory. The charm of Ben Tre's crab porridge lies not only in its taste but also in the stories it carries. Each ingredient and step of preparation is connected to the region's cultural heritage and culinary tradition. The food tastes like it has been around for a long time and shows how much people love the area's natural resources and how well they can make simple things taste amazing.

Some recommended addresses:

Vuon Am Thuc Ut An

Address : 15A Binh Khoi, Ward 6, Ben Tre
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: 50.000 - 320.000 VND
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/wHxnpr52zrScsRMv9

7. Flattened grilled banana

In the coconut-rich region, there's a dish that stands out and is well-known. These bananas are peeled and placed on a grill over charcoal, getting a nice toasty touch from all sides. After around 5 minutes of baking, each piece of banana gets a gentle pounding with a pestle while inside a plastic bag.

A side of creamy coconut milk is served with the dish. As you take a bite, you'll experience the delightful fusion of flavors – the sweetness of the banana mixing with the rich, creamy taste of coconut milk.

The beauty of this dish is how it captures the region's flavors with just its simplicity. Ripe bananas, transformed by the grill and a quick pounding, combine with the comforting richness of coconut milk. This is a dish that combines bananas and coconut together to make something delicious and hearty.

Although it's just a fun treat, smashed bananas with coconut cream are incredibly tempting and become a memorable favorite for many people. Simple but powerful. As you enjoy each bite, let it take you on a journey through the tastes and stories of the coconut land.

This snack is often sold by street vendors, at prices ranging from 10.000 - 20.000 VND

Some recommended addresses:

Flattened grilled banana with coconut milk: 311B, Đong Khoi Avenue, Phu Khuong Ward, Ben Tre
Flattened grilled banana Ba Tam: 69P8+689, Nguyen Van Tu, Ward 5, Ben Tre

8. Pancake with rice snail

Pancake With Rice Snail

The North, Central, and South regions of Vietnam have a popular delicious cake called band xeo (Rice pancake). Each region has a different way of making this pancake, from ingredients, cake size, and dipping sauce, with its own unique local characteristics. In the South, people make banh xeo with bacon and shrimp. They also add rice snails to make a special flavor that is inspired by the Mekong Delta River. Ben Tre is known for its rice snail pancakes.

Visiting Ben Tre without enjoying rice snail pancakes is a mistake. It will be difficult to forget the taste of rice snail pancakes once they are tasted. The heart of the cake is filled with rice snails, milky white meat, and fragrant fat. When the cake is ready, fold it in half and scoop it onto a plate. The cake is topped with lemon garlic chili fish sauce and raw vegetables like mustard greens, lettuce, sprouts, herbs, cucumbers, etc...

Rice snail pancakes can be found along the roadside or in eco-tourism areas. There are vegetables and dipping sauces served with a tray of rice snail pancakes. When enjoying, put raw vegetables in the palm of your hand, pick up a piece of pancake mixed with rice snail meat, and then dip it in a cup of lemon fish sauce, garlic and chili. Slowly chew it in your mouth. The sweet and crispy taste of snail meat is mixed with the fatty and aromatic taste of rice flour to make a tasty dish.

Rice snail pancakes can be easily found in Cho Lach district, Ben Tre, especially in Doan Ngo New Year

9. Coconut worm

Coconut Worm

When people think of the countryside of Ben Tre Vietnam, they think of the peaceful countryside with delicious coconut candy. Also, there is a special dish called "Ben Tre coconut worms" that is not always available, and not everyone wants to try it.

In the past, people in Ben Tre ate coconut worms, which were simple dish that had lots of nutrients. You can find these little bugs in coconut trees. During the breeding season, weevils often choose healthy coconut trees to cut out the tops and make eggs. The eggs turn into tiny creatures called larvae, which grow up and eat coconut tubers to stay alive. Coconut worms have become one of the most precious dishes of culinary connoisseurs today.

Coconut worms are a popular dish, but they are now very rare and expensive (30.000 - 40.000 VND per worm). It's not always possible to catch these round, fat coconut worms. Even farmers who work in the fields and gardens can only eat this dish a few times a year. Legend says that a special dish of coconut worms cooked on a charcoal fire in the South was brought to the court of the Nguyen Dynasty by Empress Dowager Tu Du and Queen Nam Phuong. Many culinary experts have said that coconut worm larvae are similar to the "cormorant worm" that Queen Mother Tu Hy gave to Western emissaries.

Some recommended addresses:

Phoenix Island

Address : Tan Thach commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre
Opening hours : In the daytime
Entrance ticket price : Free
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Fc78gSNa7USY6qd29

10. Sea snail in coconut milk

Sea Snail In Coconut Milk

There is a dish that is very attractive to diners from far away, which is fried snails with coconut milk, which is combined with coconut. If you've been to Ben Tre before, you'll always remember the delicious Sea snails with coconut milk.

To make delicious snails with coconut milk, it's important to marinate them for a while. This stage makes sure that all the spices, such as chili, lemongrass, garlic, salt, sugar, and fish sauce, are available to make the typical flavor of the dish.

The stir-fried apple snails with coconut milk are a delectable dish that you should give a try when you have the chance to visit the West of Ben Tre. Snails are taken out and put on a plate. The smoke smells like lemongrass, chili, and coconut milk, making people want to eat it right away. You can enjoy fried snails with coconut milk, laksa leaves, and a cup of ginger fish sauce. The experience of "gourmets" shows that both snails and coconuts have cooling properties, so it's important to drink a cup of ginger sauce and laksa leaves to balance the yin and yang in the stomach, which is good for your health.

You can find this common dish in many restaurants in Ben Tre.

11. Coconut wine

In Ben Tre, there's a type of special wine. It's coconut wine, which is a special thing and can be complicated to make. There is a sweet taste of coconut and a mild spicy taste to the Ben Tre coconut wine. It makes a unique flavor of coconut wine that you will never forget when you drink it.

Furthermore, Ben Tre coconut wine is highly sought after by individuals not only due to its delectable taste but also due to its significant health benefits. Coconut wine can help women look and feel better because it helps with digestion.

At present, regular coconut wine is typically sold for approximately 60.000 to 70.000 VND per bottle, depending on the volume, which ranges from 500ml to 550ml. This variety of coconut wine is commonly found in local pubs, budget-friendly restaurants, and small-scale specialty stores.

For premium and commercially available coconut wine, the prices are higher, usually ranging from 70.000 to 95.000 VND per bottle. These products are usually distributed by well-known local brands.

12. Duck noodle

Duck noodle soup originates from the Mekong Delta provinces, featuring soft and chewy noodle strands made from rice flour. The delicious rice used for these noodles is cultivated in the fertile plains of the Mekong Delta. The broth is a naturally sweet and clear concoction, with a rich and aromatic flavor derived from the duck meat. Furthermore, duck meat is also highly regarded for its health benefits.

The duck noodle in Ben Tre is usually cooked with duck and served with a ginger sauce. The noodles are sliced into tiny pieces. The duck meat has a white color and the soup has a good taste, which you will never forget if you try it only once.

Some recommended addresses:

Ba Mu Bridge market (Note: some restaurants serve this dish around the market)

Address : https://goo.gl/maps/9FCqH2L9KbT59F2A7 (near Lac Hong market)

13. Shredded pork rolls

Shredded Pork Rolls

Coconut is renowned as a delicacy of Ben Tre. However, amidst this coconut haven, there is a dish that has nothing to do with coconuts yet is equally famous: the Ben Tre spring rolls. These rolls are a familiar snack among locals and a favorite of many due to their unforgettable flavor.

Let's jump into the unique world of Ben Tre spring rolls. Originating from the Southwestern region of Vietnam, these rolls are commonly enjoyed as a light breakfast. You can easily savor Ben Tre spring rolls anywhere. However, for the most delectable experience, a visit to the land of coconuts, Ben Tre, is a must. This dish being one of the best specialties in the Southwestern region is not by chance.

These rolls include vegetables, pork sides, and vermicelli. As you enjoy this dish, roll it up with vermicelli and fresh vegetables, then dip it into the garlic and chili sauce for a delightful blend of flavors. All of this will make a very interesting dish in the hot summer days.

Some recommended addresses:

Di Hai Thoi Restaurant

Address : 59 Le Loi Street, Ward 2, Ben Tre
Opening hours : 10:00 AM - 19:00 PM
Price : 40.000 - 60.000 VND
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/KTFKF5gBF6nrZbzr8

14. Elephant Ear Fish (Fried Giant Gourami)

Elephant Ear Fish

The fried giant fish dish looks simple, but it takes a lot of work to make, especially the dipping sauce. Accompanied by crispy fried large fish, this dish is a must-experience for those who appreciate greens like fresh herbs, bananas, star fruit, tender toad buds, greens, chives, and more.

During your meal, place the greens onto moistened rice paper, then pick up a piece of piping-hot fish. Add in the herbs, cinnamon, and pure white vermicelli, and proceed to wrap everything up. Put that much food in it. Dip the cake in garlic and chili fish sauce, take a bite, and you'll taste the fatty taste of fish, the sweetness of boiled meat, vermicelli, and vegetables, and the pungent taste of chili. All blending makes the dish's going to the next level.

Some recommended addresses:

Ngo Dong Restaurant

Address : 165B Dong Khoi, Phu Khuong district, Ben Tre
Opening hours : 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tel : +84 345 252 739
Web : http://heorungbentre.com/
Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/K8P7AN9M9iDVuv6r6

Ben Tre cuisine is an integral part of Vietnamese culinary culture. Situated by the riverside, Ben Tre benefits from a diverse range of ingredients from water, land, and fruit trees, resulting in unique and delicious dishes.

In conclusion, Ben Tre is a culinary destination that will delight the taste buds of Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts. The dishes mentioned in this article are just a glimpse of the culinary delights you can discover in this region. Whether you are a fan of fresh seafood, flavorful rice dishes, or unique specialties, Ben Tre has something to offer for every palate.

Don't miss this good chance to explore the unique cuisine of this region.

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