1. What are the top dining options around Cai Be Floating Market?
1. Mekong Rustic, Cai Be
2. Bon Café, Cho Cu, Vinh Long
3. Mekong Floating House Restaurant, Cai Be
4. Hieu Huong Floating Restaurant, Cai Be
5. Dong Tam Local Food Restaurant, Ninh Kieu District
6. Pho Mai Que Huong, Ba Diem Binh Chanh District
7. Dragon Lodge Okki Souvenirs Cafe Du Thao River Bark Bar Snack Food in Can Tho City
8. Blanc restaurant (Dining on boat), Ben Tre Province
2. Are there any restaurants or cafes located on the floating market itself?
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located on the floating market itself. Some popular options include:
1. Khao Man Gai By The River – serves traditional Thai dishes and is known for their tasty khao man gai (chicken and rice dish).
2. The Floating Market Restaurant – offers a diverse menu including Thai, Chinese, and Western dishes.
3. Moo Kata Boat – known for their delicious grilled meats, this restaurant lets you cook your own food at your table.
4. Krua Mae Noi – a popular seafood restaurant with a variety of fresh seafood dishes.
5. Coconut Ice Cream Boat – serves refreshing coconut ice cream in a unique setting on the water.
These are just a few of the many options available on the floating market for visitors to enjoy!
3. Can you find traditional Vietnamese food at the floating market?
Yes, some traditional Vietnamese foods can be found at the floating markets, such as banh xeo (savory pancakes), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches), and pho (traditional noodle soup). Other local specialties may also be available, depending on the location of the floating market.
4. Do any of the vendors offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, most vendors will offer vegetarian and/or vegan options. However, it is always advisable to check with the specific vendor beforehand to ensure they have suitable options available. Some vendors specialise in plant-based cuisine and may have a wider variety of options for vegetarians and vegans.
5. What is the most popular dish at the market?
The most popular dish at the market varies depending on personal preferences and the specific vendors or stalls at the market. However, some common dishes that tend to be popular at markets are traditional street foods like tacos, empanadas, falafel wraps, dumplings, crepes, and barbecue. Freshly made smoothies and juices are also often popular choices. Ultimately, the most popular dish at a market will depend on the individual taste of each customer.
6. Are there any special dishes or delicacies unique to this area?
Some special dishes or delicacies unique to this area may include:-Burgoo: A traditional stew typically made of various meats, vegetables, and seasonings. It is often associated with the annual Kentucky Derby festival and is considered a comfort food in Kentucky.
-Hot Brown: An open-faced sandwich on white bread, topped with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce. It was originally created in Louisville, Kentucky at The Brown Hotel.
-Spoonbread: A hybrid between cornbread and a souffle that is popular in both Kentucky and Virginia.
-Bourbon Balls: A confection made of bourbon whiskey, butter, cocoa powder and powdered sugar. They are typically served as a dessert or holiday treat.
-Ale-8-One (or “A Late One”): A ginger and citrus-flavored soft drink that has been produced in Winchester, KY since 1926.
-Derby Pie: A chocolate and walnut pie that originated in Prospect, KY near Churchill Downs racetrack. It is commonly served during the Kentucky Derby season.
-Benedictine Spread: A cucumber and cream cheese spread that is often used as a sandwich filling or dip. It was invented by a Louisville caterer in the early 20th century.
-Fried Chicken: While not unique to this area specifically, fried chicken is a popular dish in Kentucky due to its history as a farming state with an abundance of chickens.
7. Is there a place to sit down and eat at the market, or do people mostly eat while walking around?
Some markets may have seating areas or benches available for people to sit down and eat, but this is not always the case. Many people at markets tend to eat while walking around, especially if they are trying various food samples or buying snacks and small bites from different vendors. Some markets may also have designated picnic or outdoor dining areas where visitors can sit down and enjoy their food before continuing to explore the market. It’s best to check with the specific market you plan on visiting about their seating options.
8. How are the prices at the market compared to other dining options in nearby cities?
The prices at the market can vary depending on the products being sold and the location of the market. Generally, prices at markets tend to be lower than restaurants in nearby cities as they are often directly sourced from local farmers or producers. However, some markets may have higher-priced items that cater to more upscale or specialty products.
9. Are there any local street food stalls near the market that are worth trying?
Yes, there are several street food stalls near the market that are known for their delicious and affordable dishes. Some popular ones include:
1. Cibiuk Sari Bunkus: This stall is famous for its spicy and flavorful Padang-style dishes such as rendang, sate, and gulai ayam.
2. Warung Soto Bang Tajuddin: Here, you can enjoy a bowl of warm and comforting traditional Indonesian soup, soto ayam (chicken soup), served with rice cakes, shredded chicken, and a variety of condiments.
3. Martabak Asan: Don’t miss out on trying martabak here – a savory pancake filled with minced meat, vegetables, and spices. They also have sweet options filled with chocolate or cheese.
4. Bakmi Ayu: This stall specializes in serving delicious homemade noodles topped with various toppings such as chicken or pork meatballs, vegetables, and fried shallots.
5. Nasi Goreng Pecel Lele: If you’re craving for some local fried rice paired with crispy fried catfish (pecel lele), this stall is worth visiting.
Note: As it is street food, please make sure to check the hygiene and cleanliness of the stall before purchasing your food.
10. Is seafood a common food option at Cai Be Floating Market?
Yes, seafood is a common food option at Cai Be Floating Market. The market offers a variety of fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, crabs, and clams that are caught from nearby rivers and canals. These seafood items are often cooked on-site and served hot for visitors to enjoy while they shop at the market.
11. How spicy is the food typically served at this market?
The spiciness of the food served at this market can vary. Some dishes may be mild, while others can be very spicy. It is best to ask the vendor about the level of spiciness before ordering if you are sensitive to spice.
12. Can you find international cuisine options here, or is it mostly traditional Vietnamese food?
While traditional Vietnamese food is abundant in Hanoi, there are also a lot of international cuisine options available. The city has a diverse food scene with restaurants serving dishes from all over the world such as Italian, French, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and more. You can also find fusion restaurants that combine both Vietnamese and international flavors.
13. Are there any must-try dishes at the floating market recommended by locals or tourists?
Some popular dishes at the floating market include kanom buang (sweet Thai crepes), pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), som tam (green papaya salad), and tom yum (spicy and sour soup) noodles. It’s also highly recommended to try the fresh fruits, such as mangoes, dragon fruit, and rambutans, as they are typically sourced directly from nearby orchards. Coconut ice cream is another popular treat that can be found at many floating markets.
14. Are there any all-day breakfast spots available for visitors who arrive early in the day?
Yes, there are many all-day breakfast spots available for visitors who arrive early in the day. Some popular options include Denny’s, IHOP, and The Original Pancake House. Additionally, many local cafes and brunch spots offer breakfast options throughout the day. It is best to check online or ask a local for recommendations near your location.
15. Is it safe to eat from vendors on the floating boats without getting sick?
It is generally safe to eat from vendors on the floating boats. However, it is always recommended to exercise caution and make sure that the food is fresh and prepared in a sanitary manner. It is also a good idea to go to vendors with a high turnover of customers to ensure that the food is being constantly restocked and not sitting out for too long. If you have any concerns, it may be best to avoid street food altogether and stick to restaurants where sanitary standards may be easier to regulate.
16. Are reservations recommended for popular restaurants near Cai Be Floating Market, or can you usually get a table on arrival?
Reservations are generally recommended for popular restaurants near Cai Be Floating Market. The market attracts a lot of tourists, especially during peak seasons, and some restaurants may have limited seating or be fully booked. It is always best to call ahead and make a reservation to ensure you get a table on arrival.
17. What are some popular local fruits sold at Cai Be Floating Market, and can visitors sample them before buying?
Some popular local fruits sold at Cai Be Floating Market in Vietnam include dragon fruit, pineapple, rambutan, mango, and watermelon. Visitors can typically sample these fruits before buying from the vendors’ boats. They may also find other traditional Vietnamese fruits such as custard apple, jackfruit, and durian at the market.
18. How far is it to walk from one end of Cai Be Floating Market to another if you want to try different foods along the way?
It is difficult to determine the exact distance as the Cai Be Floating Market does not have a defined beginning and end point. However, the market can span over 5 kilometers along the Tien River, so it could potentially take several hours to walk from one end to another if trying different foods along the way.
19.Is it customary to tip servers when dining out in this area?
Yes, it is customary to tip servers when dining out in this area. The general guideline for tipping is 15-20% of the total bill, but some people may choose to tip more or less depending on their level of satisfaction with the service. It is considered good etiquette to tip based on the quality of service provided rather than on the cost of the meal.
20.Are there any cooking classes offered near Cai Be Floating Market where visitors can learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes using ingredients from the market itself?
Yes, there are several cooking classes offered near Cai Be Floating Market where visitors can learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes using ingredients from the market itself. Some options include:1. The Mekong Rustic Cooking Class: This class takes place in a traditional rural house located near Cai Be Floating Market. Participants will visit the market to select ingredients before learning how to prepare and cook popular Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls, braised fish, and other local specialties.
2. Les Rives Authentic Cooking Class: This class also offers a hands-on experience of cooking traditional Vietnamese food using fresh ingredients from Cai Be market. Participants will get to try their hand at making dishes like pho noodle soup and rice paper rolls, all while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the Mekong Delta.
3. Mekong Riverside Cooking Academy: Located only 10 minutes from Cai Be Floating Market, this cooking academy offers small group classes in a beautiful outdoor setting along the Mekong River. In addition to teaching participants how to make Vietnamese dishes, they also offer classes on making artisanal drinks such as coconut coffee and fruit smoothies.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is recommended to inquire/book in advance for these cooking classes before visiting Cai Be Floating Market. Additionally, some options may be temporarily closed or have limited availability during this time.