WHAT TO EAT WHEN YOU TRAVELING TO CAN THO CITY?

Can Tho, the beating heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a dream destination for food enthusiasts. If you’re planning a trip to Can Tho, I will introduce you to the must-try dishes in this city.

1. Nem Nướng Cái Răng (Vietnamese grilled pork sausage)

Nem Nướng is a familiar dish found throughout the country, with a unique version in the Mekong Delta region. When people think of nem, they often associate it with simplicity and rustic charm, yet it also has an element of sophistication.

Nem Nuong Can Tho

Nem is made from fresh lean pork, shrimp, pork fat, and various spices. These ingredients are mixed together, rolled into small balls, skewered on bamboo sticks, and grilled to a golden brown over hot charcoal. The dipping sauce for grilled nem is made from glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, minced garlic, and various seasonings such as sugar, vinegar, monosodium glutamate, roasted peanuts, and chopped chili.

Grilled Nem is typically served with lettuce, fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, and rice paper.

Address: No. 34, Luong Dinh Cua Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 20.000 to 50.000 VND (0.8 to 2 USD).

2. Bánh Cống (Fried Shrimp Cake)

Bánh Cống is one of the must-try delicious dishes in Can Tho. It is made from the main ingredients of mung bean flour and shrimp. To create a perfect bánh cống, many small steps are required, from kneading the dough to frying the cake.

The cake has a golden, eye-catching color, and the flavor is a blend of the rich mung bean flour and the delicious shrimp filling.

Banh Cong

When you eat it, you’ll experience a crispy texture, and dipping the cake in a sweet and sour fish sauce or flavorful fermented fish sauce, along with fresh herbs, makes the dish even more flavorful.

Address: No. 28, Ly Tu Trong Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 15.000 to 50.000 VND (0.6 to 2 USD)

3. Ba Khía Rang Me (Sesarmid crab)

Ba Khía is a type of mud crab that is commonly found in the brackish mudflats of areas like Ca Mau and Bac Lieu. If you have the chance to visit Can Tho, make sure to try various delicious dishes made from ba khía, such as beer-steamed, boiled, or tamarind-fried Ba khía.

Ba Khia Rang Me

Among them, tamarind-fried ba khía is particularly special. This dish combines the sour, sweet, rich, and crispy flavors of the ba khía with the tangy taste of tamarind, complemented by the spicy and aromatic taste of Vietnamese coriander served as a side.

Address: No. 1/76, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 120.000 VND (1.2 to 4.8 USD)

4. Vịt Nấu Chao (Vietnamese duck and fermented bean curd hot pot)

Vịt Nấu Chao celebrated for its distinctive flavor. Local chefs emphasize that the dish requires several essential steps to bring out its authentic taste. The duck, typically a large wild one, is cleaned and seasoned with ginger and rice wine.

Vit Nau Chao

Chao, the key ingredient, is marinated with the duck meat before being either simmered or added directly to the broth, enriching the flavor. The dish also includes ingredients like duck blood, taro, and straw mushrooms, which contribute to the sweetness of the broth.

It is traditionally served with a variety of fresh herbs, such as water spinach and mustard greens.

Address: No. 1, Ly Tu Trong Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Prices: 50.000 to 150.000 VND (2 – 6 USD)

5. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese crispy pancake)

Bánh Xèo is easy to find when visiting the Mekong Delta, and in Can Tho, the unique Bánh xèo củ hũ dừa (Vietnamese pancake with coconut palm heart) is a must-try dish that captivates diners far and wide.

Banh Xeo

The Củ hũ dừa, the tender, edible part found deep within the trunk of the coconut tree, is the star ingredient. Combined with whole mung beans, minced pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, it creates a filling that’s both fragrant and flavorful.

The golden, crispy bánh xèo is served hot, accompanied by a signature dipping sauce and a variety of fresh vegetables. To enjoy it the traditional way, cut the pancake into smaller pieces, place it on a fresh leaf, roll it up, and dip it into the sauce for a burst of flavors that’s quintessentially Can Tho.

Address: No. C6B, Tran Khanh Du Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 80.000 VND (1.2 to 3.2 USD).

6. Bánh Tằm Bì (Steamed cassava cake)

In the Southwestern region of Vietnam, you can easily find and enjoy Bánh tằm bì any province or city.

When visiting Can Tho, this dish is an absolute must-try. The softness of the noodles combines perfectly with the richness of coconut milk, the tangy garlic-chili fish sauce, the crunchiness of shredded pork skin, the sweetness of the meat, and the light aroma of fresh herbs to create a truly delightful dish.

Banh Tam

Just one plate of Bánh tằm is enough to keep you full and satisfied for breakfast!

Address: No. 16B1, Ung Van Khiem Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 6:00 to 9:00 AM daily.

Prices: 10.000 to 30.000 VND (0.4 to 1.2 USD)

7. Cá Kèo Nướng (Grilled spiny goby)

Cá Kèo, also known as mud goby, is a versatile fish used to prepare many delicious dishes, including caramelized goby with pepper, crispy fried goby, goby braised with Vietnamese coriander, goby grilled with chili salt, goby grilled in bamboo, goby with garlic butter, and goby porridge. However, the most unique and enticing dish is goby grilled in reed tubes, which captivates diners near and far.

Grilled Ca Keo

The reeds used for grilling goby must be young, plump, and filled with water. The reeds are cut into sections with hollow ends to insert the fish. Live goby is cleaned, marinated with aromatic rice wine, and then placed inside the reed tubes, which are grilled over glowing charcoal. This method of cooking makes the goby tender and flavorful. When the reed tube turns golden and collapses slightly, the fish is perfectly cooked, thanks to the steam and heat from the reed’s natural juices.


Just use your hands to tear the reed tube, separate the fish and slowly sip it with fish sauce.

Enjoy the goby grilled in reed tubes with aromatic herbs, slices of green banana, and a dipping sauce like chili salt with lime or your favorite condiment for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Address: No. 63, Huynh Cuong Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Prices: 100.000 to 150.000 VND (4 to 6 USD).

8. Lẩu Cá Linh (Linh fish hotpot)

Linh Fish is abundant in the fields of Dong Thap, An Giang and Can Tho. Despite its simplicity, Lẩu cá linh is a renowned specialty of the Mekong Delta.

You must try this hotpot when visit Can Tho City.

When visiting Can Tho, this must-try dish is a culinary highlight. The hotpot’s key ingredients are linh fish and Bông điên điển (sesbania flowers). It’s typically served with fresh vegetables like water spinach and water mimosa, alongside fresh vermicelli noodles or steamed rice.

A bowl of pure fish sauce with chili is an essential accompaniment, adding a bold and flavorful touch to this beloved dish.

Address: No. 162/18, Tran Ngoc Que Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.

Prices: 100.000 to 400.000 VND (4 to 16 USD).

9. Lẩu Bần (Ban Hotpot)

Lẩu Bần is a signature specialty that you must try when visiting Can Tho. To prepare a delicious hotpot, ripe bần fruits are essential.

The broth is simmered with fresh fish for a natural sweetness, combined with pork bones for richness, and seasoned with a touch of tamarind juice for an extra layer of sourness.

Finally, the broth is enhanced with finely chopped aromatic herbs and slices of chili for a spicy kick. Depending on the season, the hotpot’s main ingredients can include various catfish species such as pangasius, basa fish, or tilapia, along with other options like softshell turtles or freshwater crabs.

Lau Ban

As you enjoy the hotpot, you’ll savor the delicate tanginess of the broth, the richness of the fish, and the sweetness of the fresh vegetables—a truly captivating culinary experience.

Address: No. 98, Huynh Cuong Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prices: 50.000 to 200.000 VND (2 to 8 USD)

10. Cơm Cháy Kho Quẹt (Scorched rice with caramelized fish sauce)

Cơm cháy kho quẹt is a long-standing traditional dish in Vietnam, especially in Can Tho City. Though it looks simple, its preparation is quite meticulous. Rice is spread thinly around the bottom of a pan and cooked slowly over low heat to create a crispy golden layer.

Com Chay Kho Quet

The perfect crispy rice is crunchy yet not overly dry or soggy. It’s served with a savory-sweet pork and soy sauce dip and paired with an assortment of boiled vegetables, making it an incredibly satisfying and flavorful dish.

Address: No. 28, Mac Thien Tich Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

11. Bún Mắm (Vietnamese fermented fish noodle soup)

Bún Mắm has long been a famous specialty of the Southwestern region of Vietnam. This dish consists of rice noodles served in a broth with the distinctive aroma of fermented fish made from various types of fish.

Bun Mam

Locals often enjoy Bún mắm with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as water lily stems, shredded water spinach, bean sprouts, and bitter herbs.

A steaming bowl of bún mắm in Can Tho, fragrant with fermented fish, brimming with the natural sweetness of seafood, and spiced with chili, is a dish you simply cannot miss when visiting the Western Capital.

Address: No. 12, De Tham Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 50.000 VND (1.2 to 2 USD)

12. Bánh Hỏi Heo Quay (Pork rice vermicelli)

Can Tho is famous for its special dish Bánh hỏi heo quay. These intricately crafted rice noodle sheets are served with grilled pork, grilled sausage, or roasted pork belly.

Banh Hoi Heo Quay

They are topped with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and scallion oil for added flavor. Accompany the dish with fresh vegetables or rice paper rolls, and don’t forget the signature garlic-chili fish sauce—a perfectly balanced dip that’s known to be addictively good for diners.

Address: No. 141, Tran Hung Dao Street, Can Tho.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.

Prices: 30.000 to 50.000 VND (1.2 to 2 USD)