Discover Ben Tre’s top 10 coconut dishes, from coconut rice to snail in coconut milk, in Vinh Long. Explore prices, where to eat, and book guided tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta food adventure!
Ben Tre ward in Vinh Long province, dubbed the “Coconut Kingdom,” is a culinary paradise where coconut reigns supreme, infusing dishes with its rich, tropical essence. With over 72,000 hectares of coconut groves, Ben Tre produces an array of iconic coconut-based delicacies, from creamy Ốc Dừa (snail in coconut milk) to sweet Kẹo Dừa (coconut candy), per coconutvietnam.com.vn. These dishes, rooted in the Mekong Delta’s fertile lands and waterways, offer a unique blend of flavors that captivate food lovers. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates immersive culinary tours that let you savor these specialties at their source, paired with Ben Tre’s cultural gems like canal cruises and bonsai gardens. Ready to taste Vinh Long’s coconut-infused cuisine? Book your tour via the links on this page and embark on a flavorful Mekong Delta journey!
Ben Tre’s cuisine is a celebration of its coconut abundance, with the fruit’s milk, meat, and water transforming dishes into tropical masterpieces, per vietnamnet.vn. From savory stews to sweet confections, coconut adds a creamy, aromatic depth that defines the region’s culinary identity. These dishes, often served at bustling markets like Phu Cho or cozy homestays, reflect Ben Tre’s rustic charm and resourcefulness, using every part of the coconut tree, per vemekong.com. Whether you’re savoring Cơm Dừa cooked in a coconut shell or sipping Rượu Dừa (coconut wine), each bite and sip tells a story of Vinh Long’s heritage. Legend Travel Group’s guided tours bring you to authentic eateries and festivals, ensuring a delicious and culturally rich experience.
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Mekong Delta experiences with English-speaking guides, sustainable partnerships with local vendors, and seamless logistics. Our coconut dish tours inspire action, combining tastings with visits to Ben Tre’s waterways, orchards, and cultural sites. Reserve your spot now and let us guide you through Vinh Long’s culinary and cultural treasures!
Ben Tre’s coconut dishes are a cornerstone of Mekong Delta cuisine, leveraging the region’s 800 million annual coconut fruits to create diverse, flavorful specialties, per vietnam.vn. Coconut milk lends creaminess to savory dishes like Ốc Dừa, while coconut meat sweetens treats like Kẹo Dừa, crafted in artisanal workshops, per legendtravelgroup.com. The coconut core (củ hũ dừa) stars in luxurious salads, and coconut wine offers a unique sip of local tradition, per saigonriders.com. These dishes shine at the Ben Tre Coconut Festival (biennial, July), where coconut-based cuisine is celebrated, per vietnamnews.vn. From Phu Cho Market to rural homestays, Ben Tre’s coconut cuisine in Vinh Long province is a sensory delight, blending tradition and tropical bounty.
Ben Tre’s coconut dishes are available year-round, but key times enhance the experience:
Dry Season (December–April): Mild weather (25–35°C) is perfect for market visits and outdoor dining, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Rainy Season (May–October): Lush greenery and abundant coconut harvests; morning tastings (8:00–11:00 AM) avoid showers, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Ben Tre Coconut Festival (July, biennial): Features coconut dishes, crafts, and đờn ca tài tử music, per vietnam.vn.
Tet (Lunar New Year, January–February): Markets bustle with fresh coconut products, ideal for festive dining, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Tip: Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead for July’s festival or Tet to secure spots, as crowds peak, per tripadvisor.com reviews.
Ben Tre’s culinary hubs, like Phu Cho Market and homestays, are 20–30 km from Ben Tre city center and 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City:
Route: Follow National Highway 60 to Cho Lach or Giong Trom, then local roads to Phu Cho or homestays.
Motorbike: 30–45 min, rental $8–$10/day (200,000–250,000 VND) + fuel $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Taxi/Ride-Hailing: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND), 30–40 min.
Local Bus: Buses to Cho Lach ($1–$1.60, 25,000–40,000 VND), 45 min, then xe ôm ($1–$1.60), per vietnamtravel.com.
Route: Take Highway 1A to My Tho, cross Rach Mieu Bridge, follow Highway 60 to Ben Tre, then to Cho Lach or Giong Trom.
Bus: 1.5–2h from Mien Tay Bus Station ($3–$5, 75,000–125,000 VND), then taxi ($3–$5), per innoviet.com.
Private Car: 2–2.5h, $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).
Tip: Use Google Maps for navigation; Legend Travel Group’s tours include round-trip transfers from Ben Tre or Ho Chi Minh City for a seamless experience.
Below are Ben Tre’s must-try coconut dishes, with approximate prices (1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND) and tour options to savor them authentically:
Coconut Rice (Cơm Dừa)
Description: Sticky rice soaked in coconut water and cooked inside a coconut shell, served with sautéed shrimp or pork, offering a fragrant, sweet flavor, per vietnamnet.vn.
Price: $1.20–$3.20 (30,000–80,000 VND)/serving.
Where: Con Phung Island or riverside eateries in Chau Thanh.
Tour Option: Our Con Phung Island Tour includes Cơm Dừa in a traditional lunch.
Price: $48 (1,200,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: info@legendtravelgroup.com or (+84) 825862222.
Snail in Coconut Milk (Ốc Dừa)
Description: Rice snails simmered in creamy coconut milk with lemongrass and chili, creating a rich, aromatic stew, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND)/portion (serves 1–2).
Where: Snail Shop 6 Phung (29 Dong Khoi Boulevard, Ward 4) or Giong Trom homestays.
Tour Option: Our Mekong Delta Culinary Tour features Ốc Dừa at a local eatery.
Price: $56 (1,400,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: Call (+84) 825862222.
Coconut Candy (Kẹo Dừa)
Description: Chewy, sweet candy made from coconut milk and malt, available in flavors like durian, peanut, or pandan, crafted in workshops, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND)/300g.
Where: Thanh Long or Ngoc Huong factories in An Khanh.
Tour Option: Our Coconut Village Tour includes candy workshop visits and tastings.
Price: $48 (1,200,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: info@legendtravelgroup.com.
Coconut Worm (Đuông Dừa)
Description: Fat coconut tree larvae served live in chili fish sauce, fried with butter, or baked and wrapped in lettuce, offering a rich, yolk-like taste, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND)/portion.
Where: Specialty stalls in Cho Lach or homestays.
Tour Option: Our Rural Ben Tre Food Adventure includes Đuông Dừa tastings.
Price: $60 (1,500,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: Call (+84) 825862222.
Coconut Rat Meat (Thịt Chuột Dừa)
Description: Field rats that feed on coconuts, grilled or steamed with lemongrass, offering tender, sweet meat, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND)/serving.
Where: Rural eateries in Mo Cay Bac or homestays.
Tour Option: Our Off-the-Beaten-Path Food Tour features Thịt Chuột Dừa.
Price: $64 (1,600,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: info@legendtravelgroup.com.
Coconut Wine (Rượu Dừa)
Description: Smooth liquor fermented in coconuts with glutinous rice wine, available in 18%, 29%, or 35% variants, served chilled or warm, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $0.80–$2 (20,000–50,000 VND)/glass; $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND)/500ml bottle.
Where: Phu Le distilleries or Phu Cho Market.
Tour Option: Our Cultural & Culinary Tour includes a distillery visit and Rượu Dừa tasting.
Price: $52 (1,300,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: Call (+84) 825862222.
Coconut Jam (Mứt Dừa)
Description: Sweet, dried coconut meat strips candied with sugar, often colored with pineapple leaves or beetroot, a Tet favorite, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND)/500g.
Where: Ben Tre Night Market or Cho Lach stalls.
Tour Option: Our Ben Tre Night Market & Food Tour includes Mứt Dừa sampling.
Price: $36 (900,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: info@legendtravelgroup.com.
Coconut Core Salad (Gỏi Củ Hũ Dừa)
Description: Crisp coconut core mixed with shrimp, bacon, herbs, and fish sauce dressing, a luxurious dish, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND)/portion (serves 1–2).
Where: Phu Cho Market or Ba Tri homestays.
Tour Option: Our Mekong Delta Culinary Tour features Gỏi Củ Hũ Dừa.
Price: $56 (1,400,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: Call (+84) 825862222.
Coconut Porridge (Cháo Dừa)
Description: Creamy rice porridge cooked with coconut milk, often paired with snakehead fish, mussels, or herbs for a nutritious dish, per vietnamnews.vn.
Price: $1.60–$3 (40,000–75,000 VND)/bowl.
Where: Riverside eateries in Giong Trom or Phu Hung Porridge Shop.
Tour Option: Our Rural Ben Tre Food Adventure includes Cháo Dừa.
Price: $60 (1,500,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: info@legendtravelgroup.com.
Roasted Shrimp with Coconut Milk (Tôm Rim Dừa)
Description: Shrimp marinated and roasted in coconut milk, creating a glossy, sweet-savory dish with a vibrant red hue, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Price: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND)/portion (serves 1–2).
Where: Chau Thanh restaurants or homestays.
Tour Option: Our Mekong Delta Boat & Culinary Tour includes Tôm Rim Dừa.
Price: $56 (1,400,000 VND)/person.
Book Now: Call (+84) 825862222.
Phu Cho Market: Offers Kẹo Dừa, Gỏi Củ Hũ Dừa, and Ốc Dừa at vibrant stalls.
Ben Tre Night Market: Features Mứt Dừa and Rượu Dừa alongside street food, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Snail Shop 6 Phung: Specializes in Ốc Dừa (29 Dong Khoi Boulevard, Ward 4).
Homestays in Giong Trom/Mo Cay Bac: Serve Thịt Chuột Dừa, Cháo Dừa, and Tôm Rim Dừa with local hospitality, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Con Phung Island: Ideal for Cơm Dừa and Đuông Dừa with riverside views, per vietnam.vn.
Tip: Pair dishes with đờn ca tài tử music at homestays or festivals for a cultural touch.
Plan Timing: Visit December–April for mild weather or July for the Coconut Festival; book tours 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals, per vietnam.vn.
Pack Smart: Wear light clothing, closed shoes for markets, and raincoats for May–October. Bring a reusable bag for souvenirs, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Budget Wisely: Dishes cost $0.80–$8 (20,000–200,000 VND); budget $2–$5 for meals, $5–$10 for boat rides, and $10–$15 for cooking classes.
Respect Vendors: Follow stall etiquette; ask before photographing food prep, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Bring Cash: Small VND notes (5,000–20,000) for stalls and boats; few vendors accept cards, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Stay Safe: Keep valuables secure in markets; use crossbody bags. Boat rides require life vests, provided by operators, per legendtravelgroup.com.
Join a Guided Tour: Legend Travel Group’s tours ensure vetted vendors, safe transport, and cultural insights, addressing crowding concerns noted on Tripadvisor.
Ready to taste Ben Tre’s coconut cuisine? Legend Travel Group makes it effortless:
Browse Tours: Explore our culinary-focused options on this page (right or below).
Customize Your Trip: Contact us for private tours, festival itineraries, or cooking class add-ons.
Book Seamlessly: Secure your spot with a small deposit and enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.
Live the Mekong Dream: Our guides deliver an authentic, unforgettable experience in Vinh Long.
Book Now and let Legend Travel Group craft your perfect coconut culinary adventure!
Ben Tre’s coconut dishes, from creamy Ốc Dừa to sweet Kẹo Dừa, are a vibrant celebration of the Mekong Delta’s “Coconut Kingdom” in Vinh Long province. Whether you’re savoring Cơm Dừa on Con Phung Island or sipping Rượu Dừa at Phu Cho Market, each dish offers a taste of Ben Tre’s tropical heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours provide a seamless, authentic way to explore these culinary gems, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience blending tastings with Ben Tre’s canals, markets, and cultural treasures. Don’t just dream of Vinh Long’s coconut-infused cuisine—taste it. Browse our tours on this page and book your Mekong Delta adventure today!
Ready to try Ben Tre’s coconut dishes? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vinh Long’s culinary heart!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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