Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, attracts visitors with its diverse and affordable cuisine. Around Ben Ninh Kieu, Xuan Khanh Market, and An Nghiep Market, stalls bustle with steaming bowls of hu tieu, nem nuong grilling over hot coals, crispy banh cong, golden banh xeo, refreshing sweet soups, and platters of fresh fruit. A food tour encompassing all six of these specialties can easily be accomplished in a day for under 200,000 VND. From savory soups and grilled dishes to fried treats and desserts, visitors can enjoy a satisfying culinary journey that captures the generous spirit of Can Tho's food scene.

Can Tho's dry hu tieu has its own unique characteristics compared to hu tieu in other regions. Photo: Thanh Pham

Hu tieu is a familiar dish found on almost every street in Can Tho. Unlike the hu tieu of My Tho or Nam Vang (Phnom Penh), Can Tho's version features thin, soft noodles in a clear, sweet broth made from simmered bones, served with pork, shrimp, and pork offal. A bowl costs between 30,000 and 35,000 VND.

Hu tieu is appealing for its balanced, easy-to-eat flavor; it's filling but not heavy. Visitors can easily find it at small eateries on Mac Thien Tich Street, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, or around Xuan Khanh Market, a hub for breakfast vendors. In addition to the traditional hu tieu with broth, many Can Tho restaurants also serve dry hu tieu, stir-fried hu tieu, and crispy fried hu tieu, offering more variety.

Nem nuong, a famous Can Tho specialty, consists of grilled pork served with rice paper, fresh vermicelli noodles, herbs, and pickled vegetables. A serving, costing between 40,000 and 50,000 VND, makes for a satisfying light meal.

The dish's appeal lies in the rich flavor of the grilled pork, combined with fresh herbs and a unique dipping sauce. Nem nuong is a popular choice among visitors for its delicious taste and quintessential Mekong Delta flavor. Many renowned nem nuong stalls, frequented by locals, can be found on Nguyen Van Cu Street or in the Cai Rang district.

Banh cong is a common afternoon snack in Can Tho. Photo: Huynh Nhi

Banh cong is made from rice flour filled with minced pork, mung beans, and whole shrimp, then deep-fried to a crisp in a special mold. It typically costs between 10,000 and 30,000 VND per serving. Banh cong's highlight is its crispy exterior and savory, rich filling. Served with a dipping fish sauce and fresh herbs, the dish becomes even more delectable.

Many long-standing eateries in Ninh Kieu Ward (on Ly Tu Trong Street, the Nguyen Trai snack street, or within Xuan Khanh Market) offer this dish.

Mekong Delta banh xeo features a thin, crispy crepe filled with shrimp and pork, accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs. A single banh xeo usually costs between 30,000 and 40,000 VND, ideal for sharing with friends or family.

Wrapping the banh xeo with herbs and dipping it in fish sauce creates a complete flavor profile, both rich and refreshing. This is a must-try dish for many visitors to Can Tho. Popular banh xeo spots are concentrated in Cai Rang ward, near Can Tho Bridge, or in the alleys of Nguyen Van Cu Street, which are always bustling with diners, especially on weekend evenings.

Mekong Delta banh xeo is served with various herbs. Photo: Thanh Pham

No Can Tho culinary experience is complete without trying the sweet treats. From mixed sweet soup, pomelo sweet soup, taro sweet soup, to mung bean sweet soup, each bowl costs just 10,000 to 20,000 VND, often served with rich coconut milk.

Seasonal fruits are also abundant: rambutan, mangosteen, durian, mango, guava, and ambarella. At the Tay Do night market or around Ben Ninh Kieu, many stalls sell mixed fruit platters for 20,000 to 25,000 VND, served with chili salt.

Most eateries are concentrated in Ninh Kieu ward, within 1-2 km of each other, making it convenient to visit multiple places on the same trip. Visitors can easily travel by motorbike or even on foot with a well-planned itinerary.

In total, the cost for this culinary journey ranges from 190,000 to 200,000 VND. For a reasonable price, visitors can savor a variety of flavors, from savory soups and fried dishes to sweet treats, experiencing the richness, generosity, and authenticity of Can Tho cuisine.

Hai Long