Ben Tre coconut rice

Ben Tre coconut rice, although it carries a simple, rustic, and countryside essence, requires meticulous and intricate processes to achieve the perfect, delicious flavor. All steps, from selecting the ingredients to the cooking process, demand a certain level of care and precision. The main ingredients of Ben Tre coconut rice are quite simple, consisting of coconut and rice. However, the coconut used for cooking must be the Siamese coconut, which imparts a naturally sweet flavor to the rice. As for the rice, the locals often use Hau Giang white rice, known for its plump, round, and glossy grains, to ensure that Ben Tre coconut rice is the most fragrant and sticky. This is one of the rustic dishes that has been closely associated with the people of the coconut land for generations, possessing a simple and rustic flavor, much like the character of the locals in this region. Over time, thanks to its delicious and appealing taste, Ben Tre coconut rice has gradually spread to other provinces and has become a must-try specialty for those who visit this area.

 

Phu Da rice snail pancake

Not only does Phu Da Islet boast fragrant flowers and sweet fruits, but it is also an ideal destination for those who are captivated by the flavors of Ben Tre’s rustic cuisine, especially the famous rice snail pancake (bánh xèo ốc gạo). This is the most famous specialty in Phu Da Islet, loved by both travelers and locals alike. The serving tray of rice snail pancakes is presented with a variety of wild herbs and dipping sauces, making it visually appealing and highly stimulating to the taste buds. To enjoy it, place a mustard leaf in the palm of your hand, take a piece of pancake with a bit of rice snail meat, roll it up, and dip it into a sweet and sour sauce. Eat slowly and savor… The sweetness and crunchy texture of the rice snail meat combined with the fragrant, rich rice batter create a flavor that keeps guests coming back for more, even when they’re full.

 

Chopped flour soup cake

Chopped flour soup cake is a coconut land specialty that is highly favored by people from near and far, alongside other distinctive dishes of this region. When visiting this water-rich province in the Mekong Delta, everyone wants to savor a bowl of this fragrant and steaming hot soup cake. The noodles of Ben Tre’s Chopped flour soup cake are mostly handmade, requiring the skillful hands of the artisans, which gives them a uniquely appealing flavor. If you have the chance to explore the local cuisine, you must try this meticulously prepared dish.

 

Coconut heart salad with shrimp and pork

Coconut heart salad with shrimp and pork is a signature dish of the Coconut Land, representing the essence of Ben Tre’s cuisine. This dish is considered simple because it is easy to prepare, yet it is also elegant because the coconut heart is the tenderest part of the coconut tree, with a pure white color and a naturally sweet and refreshing taste. The shrimp and pork coconut heart salad not only captivates diners with its visually appealing presentation, featuring a variety of colors—from the white of the coconut heart, the red of the carrots, to the green of the Vietnamese coriander—but also with its rich, flavorful, and refreshing taste that is easy to enjoy. This is why the dish often appears on the menus of parties in this water-rich region of the Coconut Land.

 

Goby fish braised in coconut water

When you visit Ben Tre, the land of coconuts, and ask about braised goby fish in coconut water, everyone will know it. This dish is a signature delicacy in the culinary culture of the people of Ben Tre in particular and the Mekong Delta in general. Ben Tre goby fish, with its strong riverine flavor, is delicious in any dish, but it tastes best when braised in coconut water. People often use goby fish with roe for this dish instead of other types of goby, as it brings out the authentic flavor of the braise. The goby fish with roe is a small freshwater fish, with the largest ones only as big as a finger. Although small, each fish has a belly full of round, golden roe. This is definitely a dish you shouldn’t miss when visiting the land of coconuts.

 

Sour soup with fish

Sour soup with fish is a Ben Tre specialty that visitors should not miss when coming here. The flood season is when fish are large, fat, and rich in fatty meat, making them tender and sweet. While fish can be used to prepare many delicious dishes, the most flavorful is sour soup. Sesbania flowers, which typically bloom at the beginning of the flood season, come in purple or white and have a slightly bitter taste but leave a sweet aftertaste. The unique flavor of this sour soup is something you can only find in Ben Tre, and it’s sure to surprise you from the very first taste!

 

Coconut wax

Coconut wax is a variety that originated in Tra Vinh but has been propagated and widely cultivated in various provinces of Ben Tre. The largest Coconut wax plantation in Ben Tre is located along Đồng Văn Cống Road in Giồng Trôm District, Ben Tre Province. Coconut wax is fragrant, creamy, and can be used to create many delightful beverages. On a hot midday, there’s nothing better than sipping a glass of Coconut wax mixed with a bit of milk, peanuts, and fresh shredded coconut.

 

Flattened banana with coconut milk

Among the specialties of Ben Tre, you absolutely must not miss the delicious flattened banana with coconut milk. This dish is a delicate combination of two of Ben Tre’s most famous products: coconut and banana. The name flattened banana comes from the method of preparing the dish, where the bananas are flattened with a utensil. An essential component that makes this dish so tasty is the coconut milk. The coconut milk is seasoned with sugar, salt, and a bit of green onion to add fragrance. The hot, chewy, and sweet flattened banana, dipped in the rich, sweet, and salty coconut milk, is irresistibly delicious and sure to leave diners craving more.

 

Coconut worm

Coconut worm is a specialty of Ben Tre that not every diner is brave enough to try. In Ben Tre, coconut worms are one of the rustic and nutritious dishes. These worms can be found inside the coconut tree trunks. The locals choose the right time to cut down the coconut trees and catch these plump, roundworms. The people of Ben Tre turn these plump coconut worms into delicious dishes that leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them. Grilled coconut worms or those grilled over charcoal are especially beloved by the locals. Eating the worms raw preserves their nutritional value, while coconut worms coated in batter and fried until crispy, served with aromatic herbs and chili, offer a rich and savory flavor.

 

Coconut candy

When visiting Ben Tre, alongside exploring famous attractions or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the unique Mekong Delta festivals, you can’t miss the chance to experience the specialty coconut candy of Ben Tre! This type of candy is made from ingredients like coconut meat, coconut milk, malt, and sugar. When you taste it, you’ll notice the sweetness of the coconut and the natural sugar. Initially, the candy is crispy, but as you chew, it softens, leaving a lingering coconut aroma. There are many varieties of coconut candy for visitors to choose from, such as durian, coconut-peanut, chocolate, custard, and pandan coconut. Don’t forget to buy some coconut candy as a gift for your loved ones when you visit Ben Tre.

 

Son Doc puffed rice cakes

Sơn Đốc puffed rice cakes (from Ben Tre Province) are aromatic with the scent of sticky rice flour and wheat flour combined with the rich, subtly sweet flavor of coconut, creating a simple yet unforgettable taste. This snack is popular among many locals in Ben Tre, and just standing at a distance and smelling the aroma of the cakes is enough to tempt you. Puffed rice cakes are best enjoyed with tea. Although the cake’s appearance may seem unremarkable, its unique and delicious flavor only becomes apparent when you taste it. If you have the chance to visit Ben Tre, be sure to stop by the Son Doc puffed rice cake village (Giong Tom District) to witness the process of making these delightful cakes, enjoy them on the spot, or purchase some as gifts for family and friends.

 

Coconut milk rice paper

Ben Tre’s specialty rice paper is favored by visitors as a gift due to its distinctive and delicious flavor. The rice paper is made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk, white sesame seeds, sugar, and other ingredients. What sets this rice paper apart and makes it unforgettable is its crispy texture combined with the fragrant coconut flavor of Ben Tre. If you’re unsure about which Ben Tre specialty to choose as a gift, coconut milk rice paper is a great option.

 

Giong Luong coconut cake

Giong Luong coconut cake, with its delicate layers of light yellow leaves peeled back from the outside, reveals the fragrant sticky rice, rich coconut milk, and the sweet and savory flavor from beans or bananas inside. Making coconut cake involves meticulous selection of ingredients, careful wrapping, and precise steaming, reflecting the dedication and warmth of the baker. When you enjoy this cake, you not only taste its delicious flavors but also feel the heartfelt effort put into making it. If you visit Ben Tre, be sure to buy the renowned Giong Luong coconut cake as a gift for your loved ones and friends.