Discover Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province’s top 10 must-try dishes, from Bun Nuoc Leo to Banh Xeo. Book eco-friendly foodie tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta culinary adventure.
Capture the bold flavors of Ca Mau’s culinary gemBac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a culinary gem in the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its diverse and bold flavors. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Its cuisine, enriched by the region’s fertile lands and brackish waters, features iconic dishes like Bun Nuoc Leo (fermented fish noodle soup) and Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes), reflecting Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa influences. Dining costs range from $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Bac Lieu’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of the Mekong Delta’s culinary heritage.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours to Bac Lieu, pairing culinary delights with sustainable practices like local sourcing and eco-transport. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta culinary adventure.
Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Bac Lieu’s bustling markets, homestays, and eateries, within 1–20 km of the center, make it an ideal destination for food lovers exploring the Mekong Delta’s authentic flavors.
Nuoc Leo Rice Noodle Soup - "Bun Nuoc Leo Bac Lieu" (Source: Internet)With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local vendors to preserve Mekong Delta culinary traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible culinary journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
Radishes pie - "Bánh Củ cải" (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu’s cuisine showcases the Mekong Delta’s coastal and agricultural bounty, updated with current dining options to replace outdated venues like Bang Tam and Banh Xeo A Mat restaurants (closed or relocated). Below are the top 10 dishes, all sourced sustainably to support local communities.
Description: A Khmer-influenced specialty with a pungent broth made from fermented fish paste (mam pro-hok), served with rice vermicelli, roasted pork, shrimp, and toppings like garlic chives, banana blossom, and bean sprouts. Its bold, savory flavor is a Mekong Delta hallmark.
Details:
Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1, 5:00–9:00 PM); Quan Bun Nuoc Leo Minh Tam (78 Tran Phu St., Ward 1).
Access: Walk or book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors using local fish; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Description: A savory pie with a crispy flour crust filled with grated white radish and dried shrimp, seasoned with fish sauce and herbs. Served with green onions, oil, and nuoc cham (fish sauce dip), it’s perfect for brunch or a snack.
Details:
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market; Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2).
Access: Walk or book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local radishes; use biodegradable plates.
Description: Thick rice noodles stir-fried with smoky grilled pork sausage (nem nuong), served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a tangy fish sauce dip, offering a balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Details:
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market; Quan An Ngon.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with local pork; bring reusable containers.
Description: Chewy rice noodles tossed in a gelatinous sauce from pork bones and shrimp, topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, and herbs, served with nuoc cham for a savory, umami-rich experience.
Details:
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Where to Find: Quan Hu Tieu Kim Anh (56 Hoang Van Thu St., Ward 3); Bac Lieu Night Market.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local seafood vendors; use reusable cutlery.
Description: A spicy noodle soup with rice vermicelli, tender braised beef shanks, and a fiery broth of lemongrass, chili, and star anise, garnished with herbs and pork sausage.
Details:
Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Where to Find: Quan Bun Bo Cay Anh Nguyet (67 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 5); Bac Lieu Night Market.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose sustainable beef sources; use biodegradable bowls.
Description: A communal hotpot with a fragrant broth made from fermented snakeskin gourami fish paste (mam ca sac), featuring shrimp, squid, fish, pork, and vegetables like lotus stems and water spinach.
Details:
Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for 2–4 people.
Where to Find: Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1); Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward).
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local seafood vendors; use reusable cutlery.
Description: Golden, crispy rice pancakes made with turmeric and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with lettuce, mint, and nuoc cham for a seafood-rich delight.
Details:
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Where to Find: Quan Banh Xeo Hai Nam (89 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Ward 2); Bac Lieu Night Market.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose local seafood; bring reusable containers.
Description: A small brackish-water crab with three distinctive stripes, prepared as tamarind stir-fries, salads, or fermented dips (mam ba khia), offering sweet, briny flavors.
Details:
Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Where to Find: Coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward; Mekong Breeze Homestay.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable fisheries; use reusable containers.
Description: Creamy red palm weevil larvae, grilled, stir-fried with tamarind, or fried in butter, offering a meaty, nutty taste for adventurous eaters.
Details:
Cost: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND).
Where to Find: Mekong Breeze Homestay; coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable harvesting; bring reusable cutlery.
Description: Tangy cattail stems from Bac Lieu’s wetlands, used in pickled salads or stir-fries with beef or shrimp, offering a crisp, sour flavor.
Details:
Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market; Quan An Ngon.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable wetland harvests; use reusable containers.
Bac Lieu Stir Fried Noodles and Grilled Sausage - "Bún xào nem nướng Bạc Liêu" (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): Open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Bun Nuoc Leo, Banh Xeo, Hu Tieu Mi Kho, and Bon Bon. Free entry; food costs $1.50–$6 (37,500–150,000 VND).
Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): Offers Lau Mam, Ba Khia, and Duong Cha La with cooking classes ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND). Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): Serves Bon Bon and Banh Xeo, open 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam, ideal for groups.
Quan Hu Tieu Kim Anh (56 Hoang Van Thu St., Ward 3): Offers Hu Tieu Mi Kho, open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Quan Bun Bo Cay Anh Nguyet (67 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 5): Known for Bun Bo Cay, open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Quan Bun Nuoc Leo Minh Tam (78 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Bun Nuoc Leo, open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Coastal Stalls (Vinh Trach Dong Ward, 20 km): Serve Ba Khia and Duong Cha La; accessible via Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose eateries with local, sustainable ingredients; use reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Bac Lieu Dry Noodles - "Hủ tiếu mì khô Bạc Liêu" (Source: Internet)From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours): Bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND); private car ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND).
From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); flight to Ho Chi Minh City ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) + bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).
From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Braised Beef Noodles - "Hủ tiếu Bò kho" (Source: Internet)Bicycles: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1 eateries.
Xanh SM Electric Taxis: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), great for coastal stalls.
Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km; use Grab or Xanh SM apps.
Walking: Free, suitable for Bac Lieu Night Market.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Bac Lieu Market.
Fish Sauce Hotpot - "Lẩu mắm" (Source: Internet)Dishes (Bun Nuoc Leo, Banh Xeo, Hu Tieu Mi Kho, Bun Bo Cay, Banh Cu Cai): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Lau Mam (Hotpot): $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for 2–4 people.
Ba Khia, Duong Cha La: $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Bon Bon: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Cooking Classes: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Beverages (Coconut, Coffee): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).
Motorbike Taxi: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.
Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided market dining, cycling).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided food tours, homestay dining).
Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale dining).
Xeo Cake - "Bánh xèo" (Source: Internet)Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for fresh seafood but expect rain. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.
Sustainability: Support vendors using local, sustainable ingredients; carry reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Safety: Check for fresh ingredients; avoid street food during heavy rain. Carry hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Navigation: Eateries are within 1–20 km of Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip 10% at sit-down restaurants for excellent service.
Three-striped Crab - "Ba khía" (Source: Internet)Discover Bac Lieu’s flavors with our sustainable tour packages:
Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Bac Lieu Night Market for Bun Nuoc Leo and Banh Xeo, cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, and taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Savor Ba Khia and Duong Cha La at homestays, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and explore coastal stalls. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Explore Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with foodie and eco-tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.
Cha La Worms - "Đuông Chà Là" (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, is a culinary paradise in the Mekong Delta, offering a diverse array of dishes from the pungent Bun Nuoc Leo to the crispy Banh Xeo and adventurous Duong Cha La. Whether at bustling night markets or sustainable homestays, Bac Lieu’s food scene captivates with its vibrant flavors and cultural heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours let you savor these iconic dishes while exploring attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary tour today to taste the heart of Bac Lieu!
Ready to savor Bac Lieu’s culinary treasures? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful Mekong Delta adventure!
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.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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