Epic Can Tho Food Tour Itinerary: Must-Try Dishes!

Visitors to Can Tho often catch the floating markets, traditional craft villages, and beautiful river scenery. However, this bustling city also offers a unique aspect for those who are passionate about cuisine.

Joy Journeys understands that local meals are essential to a perfect trip. So, join us in summarizing the Can Tho food tour itinerary you must try on your journey.

What are the specialties of a Can Tho food tour?

Can Tho is known as the capital of the Mekong Delta and the region’s economic and cultural hub. It attracts people from neighboring provinces who come to live, work, and study. Those who move here often bring their hometown’s traditional dishes, adding a touch of familiarity to their new home.

These dishes offer comfort and a sense of connection to their roots. Over time, Can Tho’s cuisine has become a fusion of specialties from various localities in the Mekong Delta, making its food culture remarkably diverse.

As a region defined by its rivers, Can Tho is famous for seafood-based dishes such as fried elephant ear fish, braised fish in clay pots, steamed snails, fish sauce hotpot, sour fish soup, and steamed shrimp.

Additionally, rice-based dishes are prominent, including crab paste noodle soup, Can Tho noodles, rice paper, and ‘banh tet’. Other local specialties include ‘banh xeo’ (Vietnamese Pancake), ‘banh cong’ (Fried shrimp cake), and ‘nem nuong’ (Baked rolls).

Sample 1-day Can Tho food tour itinerary for food lovers

Let’s explore the must-try specialties on your Can Tho food tour itinerary

Morning: Kickstart your day with breakfast on floating markets

When you arrive in Can Tho, your first stop should be the Cai Rang floating market. As early as 3–4 am, the river comes alive with bustling ‘restaurants’ on boats. These boats carry pots of steaming broth, filling the air with delicious aromas.

You can find a variety of dishes, from vermicelli soup to broken rice and ‘banh mi’, all served right on the water. Indulge in seasonal tropical fruits like rambutan, mango, durian, and star apple for dessert.

Beyond the unique culinary experience, the floating market offers a chance to chat with friendly vendors and learn about the daily lives of the locals.

Mid-morning: Coffee break

In the global coffee market, Vietnam stands as the second-largest exporter, trailing only Brazil. Many tourists enjoy Vietnamese coffee when visiting the country, and it’s typically enjoyed in three ways: iced black coffee, milk coffee, and bac xiu (a sweeter version with more milk).

The traditional brewing method uses a slow drip filter that allows each drop of strong, bitter coffee to develop, making Vietnamese coffee notably robust and aromatic. Just one cup can keep you energized all day.

In Can Tho, you can enjoy coffee everywhere—from the floating and traditional markets to Ninh Kieu Wharf and larger chains like Highlands, Phuc Long, and Trung Nguyen Legend.

While Vietnamese coffee is a must-try, do not drink it on an empty stomach, as its strong, bitter taste may cause discomfort. Savoring it slowly is recommended, allowing you to fully appreciate this specialty drink’s rich layers of flavor.

Lunch: Dive into traditional cuisine at a local eatery

Satisfy your hunger with a lunch of Southwestern specialties. You can enjoy a typical local meal at renowned restaurants like “Hoi Do”, “Chu Lun”, and “Lua Nep”. Consider dining at garden restaurants, where the owners have adorned the spaces with details reflecting local culture, such as lotus ponds, traditional huts, small bridges, and lush greenery. This ambiance allows you to connect more deeply with the natural surroundings.

Typically, a Vietnamese meal, particularly a Southwestern one, consists of white rice and three main dishes: soup, braised, and stir-fried. This guideline can help you choose your dishes wisely. Popular soups include sour fish soup, crab paste soup, and squash soup with shrimp.

Typical savory dishes feature braised fish, fish cooked in clay pots, and meat braised in coconut water. For stir-fried options, you might enjoy stir-fried morning glory with beef or stir-fried meat with pickled cabbage. Additionally, you can find dishes made from fresh river catch, including shrimps, fish, and eels.

Afternoon: Join a cooking class or enjoy snack break

In Can Tho, visitors have the unique opportunity to savor delicious food and participate in creating specialty dishes. Many resorts and accommodations offer cooking classes featuring local favorites such as ‘banh xeo’ (Vietnamese pancakes) and fried spring rolls. This hands-on experience can also be found in Can Tho food tour.

If you’re curious about the local people’s afternoon meals, head to the markets to explore street food. Here, vendors sell a variety of enticing dishes, from spring rolls and ‘banh xeo’ to ‘hu tieu’ (noodle soup) and grilled rice paper, all at reasonable prices starting from just 10,000 VND.

Some popular spots to consider for a street food experience include “Hoi Do” Snack Shop, “7 Toi” Pancakes Shop, “Hai Van” Grilled Spring Rolls Shop, and “Di Ba” Burnt Rice with Fish Sauce Stall.

Evening: Experience Can Tho street food at Ninh Kieu night market

One of the iconic sights of Can Tho City is Ninh Kieu Wharf, a lively hub where the vibrant walking street and night market come alive with energy and excitement. Each evening, as the sun goes down, the night market buzzes with activity, creating an enchanting atmosphere filled with the enticing aromas of Can Tho street food.

Here, you’ll find street vendors offering a delightful array of snacks and fruits, including crispy grilled rice paper, savory balut (fertilized duck eggs), and succulent grilled seafood that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

As you indulge in these delicious treats, take a moment to soak in the stunning views of the Hau River. At night, the water sparkles under the glow of beautiful lights from the nearby cafes and the passing yachts, creating a picturesque scene that captures the essence of this charming city.

It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the vibrant life that flourishes along the riverfront.

Enjoy local specialties on Mekong Delta tours of Joy Journeys

If you’re seeking a tour that harmoniously blends cultural and culinary exploration, consider the Mekong Delta tours Joy Journeys offers.

On the one-day tour to Ben Tre, you’ll have lunch at a local’s home. The menu features a typical Southwest region menu with both meat and vegetarian options. This unique experience allows you to enjoy your meal in a more intimate setting, away from fancy restaurants, and truly connect with the local culture.

For those interested in exploring the floating market, the two-day Cai Rang Floating Market Tour from Joy Journeys provides a distinctive culinary experience that includes:

• Breakfast at the floating market: Joy Journeys will guide you through the floating market, where you can savor dishes like ‘bun rieu’ (crab noodle soup), ‘banh mi’ (Vietnamese sandwich), and ‘com tam’ (broken rice).
• Lunch and dinner with delicious local dishes: You’ll enjoy meals made from fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to experience the authentic flavors of Mekong Delta cuisine.
• Bamboo Eco Village Resort: This eco-friendly resort offers opportunities to participate in activities like cooking classes, enabling you to immerse yourself in local culinary traditions.

Conclusion

The unique cuisine of the river region is sure to captivate every visitor. With a variety of ethnic groups residing here, the dishes are diverse and rich in flavors, utilizing fresh ingredients sourced from the river.

For an unforgettable culinary experience, refer to the Can Tho Food Tour Itinerary and contact Joy Journeys today to plan your culinary adventure in the Mekong Delta:

• Website: joyjourneys.com.vn
• WhatsApp: +84 (0) 868.17.66.79