1. What are some popular local dishes to try in Can Tho?
– Banh Xeo: a savory crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts
– Cai Rang Floating Market noodles: a noodle dish made with thick rice noodles, pork broth, meatballs, and various herbs and spices
– Bun rieu: a crab-based soup with vermicelli noodles and tomato broth
– Chao Ca Loc: snakehead fish congee often served for breakfast
– Lau Mam: a hot pot dish featuring various meats and seafood cooked in a fermented fish broth
– Goi Du Du Kho Bo: green papaya salad with beef jerky
– Can Tho Hot Pot: a traditional hot pot featuring local freshwater fish and vegetables
2. Is there any must-visit market or food street in Can Tho?
The biggest and most well-known market in Can Tho is the Cai Rang Floating Market which operates daily from 5am to noon. It’s famous for its colorful boats filled with fresh produce and street vendors serving up local dishes. As for food streets, Can Tho has several popular spots including Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu Night Market, Hoa Binh Avenue Food Street, and Nguyen Van Cu Street.
3. Are there any unique food experiences or food tours in Can Tho?
Yes, there are plenty of unique food experiences and food tours available in Can Tho. Some popular ones include:
– Cooking classes at local homes or restaurants where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes such as banh xeo or bun bo Hue.
– Taking a boat tour of the floating markets while trying different local foods from vendors along the river.
– Visiting local fruit orchards or honey farms to taste fresh fruits or honey straight from the source.
-Trying out street foods on motorbike tours through lesser known areas of the city.
– Participating in night markets walking tours to sample a variety of local dishes and snacks.
– Joining a guided food tour by bicycle to explore different markets and street food stalls.
2. Where can I find the best street food vendors in town?
One of the best ways to find the best street food vendors in town is to ask locals or check online reviews and recommendations. Street markets, food festivals, and popular tourist spots are also great places to find a variety of street food vendors. Additionally, following food bloggers or social media accounts that focus on local cuisine can also lead you to some hidden gems for street food vendors.
3. Are there any good vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Can Tho?
Yes, there are a few vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Can Tho. Here are some popular options:
1. The Loving Hut: This is a well-known international chain of vegan restaurants that offers a variety of dishes including Vietnamese and international cuisine.
2. Dau Anh Vegetarian Restaurant: Located on the rooftop of Hotel Ninh Kieu, this restaurant serves a mix of Vietnamese and Chinese vegetarian dishes.
3. Hum Vegetarian: This cozy restaurant serves strictly vegetarian dishes made with fresh and organic ingredients.
4. Minh Chay: Another popular spot for vegetarian and vegan food, Minh Chay offers delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes made without any animal products.
5. Thai Phuoc Vegetarian Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its extensive menu of Vietnamese vegetarian dishes, as well as some Thai-inspired options.
4. How can I participate in a traditional Vietnamese cooking class?
There are several ways to participate in a traditional Vietnamese cooking class:
1. Look for a cooking school: Many cooking schools in Vietnam offer traditional Vietnamese cooking classes. You can search online for popular schools or ask for recommendations from local tour guides or hotels.
2. Take a food tour: Some food tours also include a section on traditional Vietnamese cooking, where you can learn how to cook local dishes in a hands-on experience.
3. Book an Airbnb experience: If you are staying in an Airbnb accommodation, you can check if there are any local hosts offering cooking classes as part of their experiences.
4. Attend a community cooking class: In some cities and towns in Vietnam, there are community centers or organizations that hold cooking classes for tourists. You can ask around or do a quick search online to find out if there is any available near you.
5. Hire a private chef: If you prefer personalized attention and instruction, you can hire a private chef who specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine to come to your accommodation and teach you how to cook.
6. Learn from locals: If you have the opportunity to stay with a local family or make friends with locals, don’t be afraid to ask if they would be willing to teach you some traditional dishes. Many Vietnamese people are proud of their cuisine and would love to share their knowledge with visitors.
7. Watch YouTube videos or take online courses: If attending a physical class is not possible, you can still learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes through online platforms such as YouTube tutorials or paid online courses offered by professional chefs.
5. What is the most famous dish at the local night market?
The most famous dish at the local night market varies depending on the region. Some popular options may include grilled skewers of meat or veggies, stinky tofu, fried chicken, bubble tea, dim sum, and various street-style noodle dishes. Ultimately, it is best to explore and try a variety of dishes to find your own personal favorite!
6. Which restaurants offer a waterfront dining experience in Can Tho?
1. Hai Cafe (Ninh Kieu District)
2. Nam Bo (Ninh Kieu District)
3. Blue Note Bar & Restaurant (Ninh Kieu District)
4. Mekong Rustic Riverside Bistro (Cai Rang District)
5. Grand Terrace Restaurant (Ninh Kieu District)
6. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Eco-Resort (Thot Not District)
7. Are there any must-try seafood restaurants in the city?
Yes, there are several must-try seafood restaurants in the city. Some popular options include:
1. McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant: This upscale restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including their famous stuffed Atlantic salmon.
2. Oceanaire Seafood Room: Known for its extensive selection of oysters, this restaurant also serves up delicious seafood entrees such as lobster tail and grilled Chilean sea bass.
3. The Crab Pot: A classic seafood spot, The Crab Pot is known for their Pacific Northwest-style seafood boil with options like crab legs, shrimp, and clams.
4. Cuttlefish Fish & Chips: This local favorite serves up tasty fish and chips using sustainable seafood and homemade batter.
5. Matt’s in the Market: Located in Pike Place Market, this restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes with a stunning view of the Puget Sound.
6. Duke’s Chowder House: With multiple locations across the city, Duke’s is known for their award-winning clam chowder and sustainable seafood options.
7. Taylor Shellfish Farms Oyster Bar: If you’re a fan of oysters, this is the place to go. They serve up a variety of fresh oysters from their own farms in Washington state.
8. How can I try authentic Mekong Delta cuisine while visiting Can Tho?
1. Visit local markets:
The best way to experience authentic Mekong Delta cuisine is by exploring the local markets in Can Tho. Here, you will find an array of fresh and vibrant produce, seafood, and local dishes that reflect the unique flavors and ingredients of the Mekong Delta region.
2. Go on a food tour:
There are several food tours available in Can Tho that allow you to sample various dishes from different parts of the Mekong Delta. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture behind each dish while enjoying delicious meals.
3. Dine at local restaurants:
Another option is to dine at local restaurants that specialize in traditional Mekong Delta cuisine. You can ask for recommendations from locals or your hotel staff for the best places to try authentic dishes.
4. Sample street food:
Walking through the streets of Can Tho, you will find numerous street vendors selling a variety of delicious snacks and meals. These street foods offer a glimpse into everyday life in the Mekong Delta and are often cheaper than dining at restaurants.
5. Try regional specialties:
Each area within the Mekong Delta has its own specialties, so make sure to try some of these dishes while visiting Can Tho. Some must-try dishes include Cai Rang noodles (rice noodles with pork and broth), hu tieu (pork noodle soup), banh cong (savory fried rice flour pastries), and banh xeo (savory rice crepes).
6. Attend a cooking class:
To truly immerse yourself in Mekong Delta cuisine, consider taking a cooking class where you can learn how to prepare traditional dishes from a local chef.
7. Stay at a homestay:
Opting for a homestay during your visit to Can Tho is an excellent way to experience authentic Mekong Delta cuisine as most homestays offer home-cooked meals prepared by the host using local ingredients.
8. Visit local villages:
If you have time, visit some of the nearby villages in the Mekong Delta region, where you can observe and participate in traditional cooking methods and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family.
9. What are some traditional drinks to try in Can Tho?
1. Ca Phao Sam Bo Luong: a refreshing herbal drink made from dried longan fruits, medicinal herbs, and rock sugar.
2. Nuoc Mia: a popular drink made from fresh sugarcane juice and served with a squeeze of lime.
3. Rau Ma: a medicinal herbal tea made from the leaves of the pennywort plant.
4. Kem Xoi: a thick, creamy blend of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and mung bean paste served over ice.
5. Chanh Muoi: a salty lemonade made by pickling lemons in salt and sugar for several months before mixing with water and ice.
6. Tra nha que: a fragrant black tea infused with chrysanthemum flowers or lotus petals.
7. Che Troi Nuoc: a warm sweet soup made with glutinous rice balls stuffed with mung beans in ginger-spiced syrup.
8.Tra Mat Gia Lai: a strong black tea grown in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam known for its rich, deep flavor.
9.Tra Atiso: an herbal tea made from artichoke flowers believed to have health benefits such as promoting digestion and reducing cholesterol levels.
10. Is it safe to eat raw fruits and vegetables from street vendors?
It depends on the cleanliness and hygiene practices of the particular street vendor. In general, it is safer to eat fruits and vegetables that have been washed or peeled before consuming. If you are unsure about the safety of the produce, it is best to avoid eating it.
11. Are there any specific dining etiquette customs to be aware of in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, it is common for people to eat with chopsticks and a spoon. It is considered polite to wait until everyone has finished receiving their food before starting to eat. In most restaurants, it is customary to pay at the counter after finishing your meal.
It is also polite to always use both hands when passing dishes or items to others, as well as when receiving items from others. Refrain from putting your chopsticks upright in your bowl of rice, as this symbolizes death. Instead, rest them on the chopstick rest provided at the table or on the edge of your plate.
Sharing food and offering bites of your dish to others is seen as a friendly gesture in Vietnamese culture. If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, it is considered impolite to refuse any food that is offered to you.
It is also important not to waste food in Vietnam, so try not to take more than you can finish and if you cannot finish your food, try your best to pack it up and take it with you rather than leaving it on your plate. This shows respect for the food and helps avoid unnecessary waste.
Lastly, it is considered rude and unsanitary to put used utensils back into communal serving dishes, so use serving utensils or clean utensils if you need more food from a shared dish.
12. Where can I find the best banh mi sandwiches in Can Tho?
One popular place for banh mi sandwiches in Can Tho is Banh Mi Phuong, located at 32B Nguyen Trai Street. Their sandwiches are made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, and they offer a variety of fillings including traditional pork, chicken, and vegetarian options. Many locals and tourists rave about their flavorful banh mi sandwiches. Other recommended places to try banh mi in Can Tho include Dac San Chaybanhbao (16C Street 30/4), Banh Mi Co Vo (49 Hoa Binh Boulevard), and Quang Vinh Banh Mi Da Lat (31B Tran Van Kheo Street).
13. How can I enjoy a unique floating market breakfast experience?
One way to enjoy a unique floating market breakfast experience is by visiting a floating market in Thailand, such as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or Amphawa Floating Market. These markets offer a variety of delicious breakfast dishes that can be enjoyed from vendors on traditional longtail boats. Another option is to take a boat tour through the canals of Bangkok’s Thonburi district, where you can stop at various floating vendors to try local breakfast favorites like khao tom (rice porridge), pad thai, and fresh fruit shakes. Additionally, some floating market tours offer the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Thai breakfast dishes with a local chef on a floating kitchen.
14. Are there any upscale restaurants with a modern twist on Vietnamese cuisine?
Yes, here are a few options: 1) Hoi An House in New York City – specializes in modern versions of traditional Vietnamese dishes, using locally sourced ingredients and creative presentation.
2) Crustacean in Beverly Hills, CA – known for their “secret kitchen” with unique interpretations of classic Vietnamese dishes.
3) Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles – offers a prix fixe tasting menu featuring Vietnamese-inspired dishes created by Chef Nancy Silverton.
4) Ba Bar in Seattle – offers upscale street food and modern twists on traditional Vietnamese flavors.
5) Ro-Ha Brewing Project & Dinner Lab in St. Louis – pairs craft beer with gourmet Vietnamese small plates for a unique dining experience.
15. What are some unique local dessert options to try after a meal?
1. Key Lime Pie from Florida
2. Beignets from New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Huckleberry Pie from Montana
4. Marionberry Cobbler from Oregon
5. Baked Alaska from Alaska
6. Moon Pies from Tennessee
7. Avocado ice cream from California
8. Hummingbird Cake from North Carolina
9. Apple Cider Donuts from New England states
10. Kool-Aid Pickles from Mississippi
11. Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips from Ohio
12. Peach Cobbler from Georgia
13. Lemon Bars from Arizona
14. Tres Leches Cake from Texas
15. Blueberry Cheesecake Squares from Wisconsin
16. What types of drinks are commonly served at roadside cafes and bars?
It depends on the location and cultural preferences, but some common types of drinks served at roadside cafes and bars include coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
17. Is there a specific time of day when certain dishes are served, such as pho for breakfast?
Yes, some dishes in Vietnamese cuisine are traditionally associated with certain meals of the day. Pho is typically served for breakfast or brunch, as it is a popular morning dish in Vietnam. Other breakfast dishes may include banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and xoi (sticky rice). Rice dishes such as com tam (broken rice) and bun (rice vermicelli) are often served for lunch, while dinner may consist of more elaborately prepared dishes such as bo kho (beef stew) or ca kho to (braised fish in claypot). However, these days there is more flexibility and many Vietnamese dishes can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
18.Are there any food tours available to explore the city’s culinary scene?
Yes, there are food tours available in many cities to explore the local culinary scene. These tours can include visits to popular restaurants, street food vendors, markets, and other food-related establishments where you can try a variety of dishes and learn about the city’s cuisine and culture. Some tour companies also offer themed food tours, such as vegetarian or cocktail-focused tours. You can usually find these tours by searching online for “food tours” in your desired city, or by checking with local tourism offices or visitor centers.
19.What are some good places to grab a quick and affordable meal for travelers on a budget?
1. Food trucks or street vendors: These can offer local and authentic food at a low cost.
2. Fast food chains: Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, etc. often have budget-friendly options.
3. Convenience stores: Many convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or Wawa have a selection of prepared meals and snacks at affordable prices.
4. Local markets and supermarkets: These are great for picking up fresh produce, breads, and other snacks that can be made into a quick and cheap meal.
5. Ethnic shops or restaurants: Often offer delicious and inexpensive options from various cultures.
6. Cafes or coffee shops: They may have cheaper grab-and-go options like sandwiches, pastries, or salads.
7. Food courts in shopping malls: These offer a variety of inexpensive meals from different restaurants.
8. Independent delis or bakeries: They can offer freshly made sandwiches, soups, and other treats at an affordable price.
9. Hostels with communal kitchens: These provide the opportunity to cook your own meals using budget-friendly ingredients purchased from a nearby store.
10. Chain restaurants with value menus: Many chain restaurants like Taco Bell and Wendy’s have budget-friendly menus specifically for travelers on a tight budget.
20.Are there any local food festivals or events that happen throughout the year in Can Tho?
There are several food festivals and events that happen throughout the year in Can Tho, including:
1. Can Tho Food Festival: This annual festival, usually held in April or May, celebrates the culinary tradition of Can Tho with a variety of dishes from local restaurants and street vendors.
2. Ninh Kieu Street Food Festival: Held every three years in February, this festival showcases the best of Ninh Kieu’s street food scene with over 100 stalls offering various dishes.
3. Floating Market Festival: Celebrated on the 10th day of the lunar new year, this festival highlights the unique culture and cuisine of the floating markets in Can Tho.
4. Southern Cuisine Festival: Held in June or July, this event features traditional southern dishes from different provinces in Vietnam and attracts both locals and tourists alike.
5. Rice Festival: This festival is held annually in November to honor rice farmers and their important role in the local economy. It features various rice-themed activities and dishes.
6. Annual Vietnamese Tet Food Fair: During the Lunar New Year celebrations, a major food fair is held at Binh Thuy Old House featuring traditional Tet dishes from different regions of Vietnam.
7. Can Tho Durian Festival: This annual festival pays tribute to the famous fruit growing region of Can Tho with various durian-based dishes, competitions, and cultural performances.