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Top 13 Must-Try Specialties In My Tho, Vietnam

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Food & drink BaoAnh

Whether you're a food blogger, a food critic, a food photographer, or simply a regular tourist, one thing is certain: you will be blown away by these following local delicacies:

1. My Tho clear rice noodle soup (Hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho)
2. Banana with coconut (Chuối quết dừa)
3. Hang Bong market Bloating-Fearn-Shaped Cake (Bánh bèo chợ Hàng Bông)
4. My Tho Goi Da noodle salad (Bún gỏi già Mỹ Tho)
5. Bean sprout cake (Bánh giá)
6. Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá Lóc nướng trui)
7. Cháo Cá Lóc Rau Đắng (Snakehead Fish Porridge with bitter vegetables)
8. Lo Ren star apple fruit (Vú sữa Lò Rèn)
9. Rice snail (Ốc gạo)
10. Cho Gao grilled egg mix (Chả nướng Chợ Gạo)
11. Go Cong horseshoe crab (Sam biển Gò Công)
12. Fermented soft-shell fiddler crab (Mắm còng lột)
13. Elephant Ear Fish Fried (Cá Tai Tượng chiên xù)

1. My Tho clear rice noodle soup (Hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho)

My Tho Noodle Soup

My Tho's clear rice noodle soup takes the top spot among Tien Giang's specialties. Every strand of noodle is delightfully soft and chewy, while the broth boasts a pleasing sweetness. The meat, tender and sweet in flavor, blends harmoniously with the mildly tangy dipping sauce, creating an irresistible, memorable taste sensation. Typically served alongside are fresh lettuce and chives, garnished with a sprinkling of crispy fried onions and pepper. Depending on your preferences, the chef can customize the dish by incorporating bones or seafood.

Recommended addresses:

Hủ Tiếu Quần Ký

Address: 55 Ngo Quyen, Ward 7, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Tel: +84 273 3878 641

Price: 40.000 VND - 50.000 VND

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/WgokSf5E5kEZtx799

Hủ Tiếu Dì Tư (Di Tu Noodle Soup)

Address : Dao Thanh, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Tel : +84 949 548 540

Price : 30.000 VND - 100.000 VND

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/8r8YdejDhPPPLfdk6

Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho 43

Address : 305 Ap Bac, Ward 10, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price : 30.000 VND - 90.000 VND

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/4y1kZdj2WXsKycFo9

2. Banana with coconut (Chuối quết dừa)

This renowned delicacy from Tien Giang features two primary ingredients: ripe Thai bananas and freshly grated coconut. The marriage of banana and coconut creates a delightful blend of the banana's aromatic essence, the natural sweetness of sugar, and the rich, creamy texture of grated coconut. The addition of fragrant herbs and the refreshing touch of melon complete the dish, leaving a distinct and delightful impression. Each bite is a journey of flavors that keeps you captivated, making it a dish you'll never tire of enjoying.

This fun treat can be easily found in many local markets, such as My Tho Market (Chợ Hàng Bông) or Gao Market (Chợ Gạo), or you can find this dish at Ben Tre Floating Market.

3. Hang Bong market Bloating-Fern-Shaped Cake (Bánh bèo chợ Hàng Bông)

Bloating-Fearn-Shaped-Cake

The Hang Bong market is renowned for its delectable bloating-fearn-shaped cakes. Despite the simplicity of the street vendors, they are consistently bustling with customers, drawn by the scrumptious cakes and affordable prices, typically ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 VND per serving. These bloating-fearn-shaped cakes come in two main varieties: sweet and savory.

The sweet filling consists of green beans and coconut milk, while the savory version typically includes green beans, shredded pork skin, and aromatic fried onions. Enjoying these duckweed cakes is often accompanied by a side of mixed fish sauce and pickles to keep the palate engaged and delighted.

You can easily find specialty eateries serving "bánh bèo" around the market with a small bowl of spicy fish sauce and a few pickled vegetables to help you fully savor the delicious taste of each small bite!

Recommended address:

Bánh Bèo bì (Hang Bong Market)

Address : 23 Le Thi Phi, Ward 1, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/NCsCYXRz2NE8tvYv8

4. My Tho Goi Da Noodle Salad (Bún gỏi già Mỹ Tho)

Goi Da Noodle Salad

The distinctive My Tho Goi Da noodle salad is renowned for its sweet and tangy broth, accompanied by succulent silver shrimp, peeled shrimp, and black tiger shrimp. This delightful dish is typically served with fresh water spinach, grated banana tree, and chives, all complemented by a delectable dipping sauce crafted from fish sauce.

Recommended addresses:

Bún gỏi già, cơm tấm bé Mai

Address : 77 Le Van Nghe Street, Dao Thanh, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : In the daytime

Price : 50.000 VND - 100.000 VND

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/PeoCVk7amZQDfTWR6

5. Bean sprout cake (Bánh giá)

Bean Sprout Cake

Bean sprout cake is crafted from common ingredients like rice flour, tapioca flour, pig liver, and fresh bean sprouts. To create the filling, raw bean sprouts, pig liver, and shrimp are placed into a ladle, followed by the addition of the dough. The ladle, filled with the mixture, is then immersed in a pan of hot oil. As the cake crisps up and turns golden, it's lifted from the pan. This crispy bean sprout cake is best enjoyed with vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and a delectable chili garlic dipping sauce.

Recommended addresses:

Quán bánh giá Cô Mười:

Address : Nguyen Van Con, Binh Nhi, Go Cong Tay, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 4:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Tel : +84 395 442 377

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/D1i9c6HHMD6C9S9FA

6. Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá Lóc nướng trui)

Grilled Snakehead Fish

The striped snakehead fish, known as "cá quả" or "cá lóc" in Vietnamese, is abundant in minerals and vitamins, with lean flesh. This culinary preparation is highly regarded in Vietnam. Dishes featuring striped snakehead fish always bring a unique sweetness and aroma, especially grilled fish seasoned with salt and zesty lemon pepper. The delightful taste of the grilled fish, with its succulent and crispy texture, combined with a side of salt and pepper, lemon, and chili, creates a sweet and sour contrast, making the dish even more enjoyable and unforgettable.

Recommended addresses:

Cá Lóc nướng trui Lúa Vàng

Address : 122 Le Thi Hong Gam, Ward 6, Mỹ Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : In the daytime

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/FXKVsHR9wycnqNhy8

7. Snakehead Fish Porridge with bitter vegetables (Cháo Cá Lóc Rau Đắng)

Snakehead Fish Porridge with Bitter Vegetables

If you ever have the chance to visit Tiền Giang, you should definitely try this dish for its delicious and irresistible flavor. The porridge is made from golden roasted rice and served hot with firm and fragrant snakehead fish. The bitter taste of bitter vegetables, especially when eaten with hot porridge, creates a perfect balance and stimulates the taste buds wonderfully. Taking a piece of fish, dipping it in fish sauce, and enjoying it with a spoonful of hot porridge, diners will only be left in awe of its deliciousness.

Recommended addresses:

Cháo cá Cây Xoài

Address : 86, ĐT864, Ward 6, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : In the daytime

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/jtZCCKjYw5yrMexQ6

Cháo cá Huyền

Address : 9923+W9H, Le Thi Hong Gam, Ward 6, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 14:00 PM - 19:00 PM

Tel : +84 388 530 341

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/HAaaT4VNFwBpTmiQ9

Quán cháo Cá Lóc 3 Hải

Address : 13 Tran Nguyen Han, Ward 8, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 8:00 AM - 21:30 PM

Tel : +84 273 3881 413

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/pWE6dfq98AKXtYDa7

8. Lo Ren star apple fruit (Vú sữa Lò Rèn)

Lo Ren Star Apple Fruit

The Lo Ren star apple fruit is renowned as one of the signature delicacies in Tien Giang, greatly adored by tourists. These star apple fruits feature round shapes, thin skin, plump pulp, and small seeds. When they ripen, their skin takes on a pink-yellow hue, emanating a subtle fragrance and a delightfully sweet, easily edible taste. Locals craft various delectable dishes from star apple fruits, including star apple fruit pickles, creamy star apple fruit smoothies, mock pomegranate seed snacks, and sweet star apple fruit soups.

You can easily find this type of fruit in many fruit markets or fruit gardens in Tien Giang

9. Rice snail (Ốc gạo)

Rice Snail

Tan Phong, an islet formed by the rich alluvial soil deposits, boasts a renowned specialty – rice snails. Thanks to the plentiful food supply, these snails grow exceptionally large with plump and firm meat. Once harvested, the snails undergo thorough cleaning to remove any traces of mud and are then transformed into a plethora of delectable dishes. Whether it's the boiled snails served with a zesty ginger fish sauce dip, the crispy fried snails with fragrant onions and garlic rolled in a refreshing salad, or the comforting snail-infused congee cooked with savory onions, every snail dish here is exceptionally enticing. Visitors to this locale should savor these diverse snail creations, and rest assured, disappointment is not on the menu.

Recommended addresses:

Quán Ốc 283

Address : 283 Tet Mau Than, Ward 4, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 9:30 AM - 23:00 PM

Tel : + 84 273 3970 372

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/2vnbbv29iv7eQ42y5

Ốc Ngọc My Tho

Address : 218 Phan Thanh Gian, Ward 3, My Tho, Tien Giang

Opening hours : 11:00 AM - 21:00 PM

Tel : +84 903 878 647

Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/CiPMVHuUydExBoWq7

10. Cho Gao grilled egg mix (Chả nướng Chợ Gạo)

Cho Gao Grilled Egg Mix

This dish is prepared with a touch of sophistication, typically gracing festive occasions and special anniversaries. The key components for crafting this cabob delight are duck eggs and lean pork shoulder. Following a gentle boil, the lean shoulder meat is meticulously sliced into thin pieces, and then marinated with aromatic fried onions and garlic. These flavorful slices are arranged in a sizeable bowl, blended with duck eggs, and seasoned with the perfect harmony of fish sauce and pepper. When it's time to grill these delectable rolls, the local tradition entails using sturdy cast iron pans placed atop charcoal stoves, ensuring even cooking until they reach perfection.

This is a popular dish that is readily available to satisfy the tasting cravings of both domestic and international travelers. You can easily find it at local markets or restaurants in My Tho.

11. Go Cong horseshoe crab (Sam biển Gò Công)

Go Cong Horseshoe Crab

The horseshoe crab, a marine arthropod known for its tough shell and long, pointed tail, dwells in pairs, with males and females remaining inseparable. If you find yourself in Tien Giang from October to February of the lunar calendar, don't pass up the chance to savor the unique and delectable king-crab delicacies available here. These king crabs are meticulously cleaned and then masterfully grilled over charcoal stoves until their shells take on a tantalizing hue and the aroma becomes irresistible. Among these, the female horseshoe crab with eggs stands out as a delicacy, offering fragrant, nutritious, and golden eggs that pair beautifully with zesty grapefruit, sliced radish pickled in vinegar, fresh herbs, peanuts, and crispy fried onions. Additionally, horseshoe crabs are also used to prepare sour soups, often combined with water spinach or dragon beans for a flavorful culinary experience.

This seafood is served by many restaurants around Tan Thanh Beach.

12. Fermented soft-shell fiddler crab (Mắm còng lột)

Fermented Soft-Shell Fiddler Crab

Fermented soft-shell fiddler crab is a renowned delicacy in Tien Giang. These crabs are harvested shortly after molting from June to September when their exoskeletons are still soft. People often gather to catch these crabs, marinate them in a blend of flavorful spices, coat them in flour, and then fry or roast them with a touch of tamarind for a delightful crunch. The remaining crabs are preserved with salt to be enjoyed over time. Salted peeled small crabs are typically savored with fresh vegetables, boiled pork, mango or pineapple slices, vermicelli, and rice paper. This culinary delight offers a unique combination of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors that leave a lasting impression, ensuring that once you've tasted it, you'll remember it forever.

You can easily find it at many local markets in Mỹ Tho.

13. Elephant Ear Fish Fried (Cá Tai Tượng chiên xù)

Elephant Ear Fish Fried

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 on the next level.

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

In the sections above, we've highlighted some of Tien Giang's famous and tasty dishes. These flavorsome specialties, though simple, are skillfully prepared and cherished by locals and tourists alike. Tien Giang has numerous delicious dishes, and while we've mentioned a few, there are many more to explore. If you visit Tien Giang, be sure to try the local cuisine for a rewarding culinary experience.