Can Tho Food Guide: Traditional foods in Can Tho

Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a vibrant city in southern Vietnam. Known as the economic and cultural center of the region, Can Tho offers a unique blend of modern development and traditional Vietnamese charm. The city is famous for its picturesque floating markets, where locals sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats. These markets, such as Cai Rang and Phong Dien, provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the locals and offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy authentic local cuisine.

Can Tho, Vietnam

What to eat in Can Tho, Vietnam

This is a list of the must have dishes in Can Tho. Ranked on best food score.

Banh cong

Banh cong is a popular street food in Can Tho, Vietnam. This delicious treat is a deep-fried cake made from a mixture of rice flour, shrimp, mung bean, and various spices. The cake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a perfect texture combination. Banh cong is usually served with a special dipping sauce that adds a tangy and savory flavor to the dish. Locals often enjoy banh cong as a snack or a light meal, and it can be found at many street food stalls throughout the city.

Ingredients
Rice flour, Shrimp, Mung bean, Spices

Nem nuong

Nem nuong is a Vietnamese grilled pork sausage that is a popular street food snack in Can Tho. This tasty treat is made from ground pork, garlic, and various spices, which are shaped into small cylindrical patties and grilled over charcoal. Nem nuong is often served with fresh herbs, lettuce, rice paper, and a special dipping sauce. The combination of flavors and textures in nem nuong makes it a delicious and satisfying snack. You can find this street food delicacy at local markets and food stalls throughout the city.

Ingredients
Ground pork, Garlic, Spices

Hu tieu

Hu tieu is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that is a must-try in Can Tho. This flavorful and comforting dish has many variations, but it typically consists of rice noodles in a clear broth, topped with various meats such as pork, beef, or seafood, and garnished with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. Hu tieu can be enjoyed as a light meal or a hearty bowl of soup, depending on your preference. You can find this delicious noodle soup at local eateries and street food stalls throughout the city.

Ingredients
Rice noodles, Pork, Beef, Seafood, Fresh herbs, Bean sprouts

Bun rieu cua

Bun rieu cua is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that is a must-try when visiting Can Tho. This flavorful dish is made with a tomato-based broth, crab paste, and crab meat, giving it a unique and delicious taste. The soup is usually served with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste. The combination of sweet and sour flavors makes bun rieu cua a refreshing and satisfying meal. You can find this popular dish at local eateries and street food stalls in Can Tho.

Ingredients
Tomato, Crab paste, Crab meat, Rice vermicelli noodles

Goi cuon

Goi cuon, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, is a light and healthy dish that is popular in Can Tho. These fresh rolls are made with rice paper, which is filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, lean pork, fresh herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli noodles. Goi cuon is typically served with a peanut dipping sauce or a hoisin-based sauce. The combination of flavors and textures in goi cuon makes it a refreshing and satisfying meal. You can find this dish at local restaurants and street food stalls in Can Tho.

Ingredients
Rice paper, Shrimp, Lean pork, Fresh herbs, Lettuce, Vermicelli noodles

Ca loc kho to

Ca loc kho to is a traditional Vietnamese clay pot dish that is a specialty in Can Tho. This mouthwatering dish features catfish, which is marinated in a flavorful sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and various spices. The fish is then braised in a clay pot until it becomes tender and infused with the rich and aromatic flavors of the sauce. Ca loc kho to is typically served with steamed rice and fresh herbs. This hearty and delicious dish can be found at local restaurants and seafood markets in Can Tho.

Ingredients
Catfish, Fish sauce, Sugar, Garlic, Spices

Banh xeo

Banh xeo is a Vietnamese pancake that is loved by locals and visitors alike. This crispy and savory pancake is made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and water, which is then filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. Banh xeo is typically served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce, allowing you to wrap the pancake in a flavorful bundle. The combination of textures and flavors in banh xeo makes it a delightful dish to try in Can Tho. You can find this pancake at local restaurants and street food stalls.

Ingredients
Rice flour, Turmeric, Coconut milk, Shrimp, Pork, Bean sprouts, Green onions