Savor Ba Khia, Bac Lieu’s iconic three-striped crab, with our culinary guide to this Mekong Delta delicacy. Book eco-friendly foodie tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic experience.
Capture the savory essence 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 unique coastal flavors. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Ba Khia, a small, three-striped crab from the region’s brackish waters, is a signature delicacy, prepared in diverse dishes like tamarind-sauced stir-fries, salads, or fermented dips, showcasing Bac Lieu’s rich culinary heritage. 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 cuisine, influenced by Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa traditions, offers a vibrant taste of the Mekong Delta’s soul.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours to Bac Lieu, pairing Ba Khia with local experiences like market visits and cooking classes, using sustainable practices to support coastal communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or 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 coastal eateries, within 1–20 km of the center, make it an ideal destination for food lovers exploring the Mekong Delta’s authentic flavors.
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 fishers and 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.
Photograph the vibrant allure of Ca Mau’s cuisine (Source: Internet)Ba Khia is a small, dark freshwater crab unique to the brackish waters of Bac Lieu’s mangrove forests, characterized by three distinct stripes on its carapace. Known for its sweet, tender meat and slightly briny flavor, it’s a versatile ingredient in Bac Lieu’s cuisine, prepared as a tamarind-sauced stir-fry, fresh salad, or fermented dip (mam ba khia). Served with rice, herbs, or wrapped in rice paper, Ba Khia dishes highlight the region’s coastal bounty and culinary creativity, blending sweet, sour, and savory notes.
Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) per dish.
Eco-Friendly Note: Seek vendors using sustainably sourced Ba Khia from local fisheries to support mangrove ecosystems.
The preparation of Ba Khia showcases Bac Lieu’s coastal traditions and fresh ingredients:
Selection: Fresh Ba Khia crabs are sourced from brackish waters, cleaned, and soaked to remove excess saltiness.
Tamarind Stir-Fry: Crabs are stir-fried with tamarind sauce, garlic, chili, and sugar, creating a sweet-sour-spicy dish, often garnished with green onions.
Salad: Fresh Ba Khia is mixed with shredded mango, herbs, and fish sauce, served with rice crackers for crunch.
Fermented Dip (Mam Ba Khia): Crabs are fermented with salt and spices, creating a pungent dip paired with rice or vegetables.
Serving Tip: Enjoy with sticky rice or wrap in rice paper with mint, cilantro, and lettuce, dipping in nuoc cham(fish sauce with chili and lime). Pair with a cold coconut ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for balance.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support eateries using biodegradable plates; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reduce waste.
Bac Lieu’s vibrant food scene offers numerous spots to savor Ba Khia, updated to replace outdated venues like the Nguyen Tat Thanh restaurant (closed or relocated) with current recommendations. Below are the top locations, all accessible and committed to sustainable sourcing:
Description: Rustic stalls near Bac Lieu Wind Farm serve fresh Ba Khia stir-fried with tamarind or as a salad, offering stunning coastal views and authentic Mekong Delta flavors.
Details:
Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) per dish.
Location: Vinh Trach Dong Ward, 20 km from Bac Lieu center.
Access: Reach by Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND) or book via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports local fishers harvesting sustainable Ba Khia; use reusable containers for takeout.
Tip: Visit for lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) to enjoy fresh catches; pair with a wind farm tour.
Description: A sustainable homestay in Hiep Thanh Ward offering Ba Khia dining experiences, including tamarind stir-fry and mam ba khia dip, often paired with cooking classes to learn preparation techniques.
Details:
Cost: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) for dining; $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) with cooking class.
Location: Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km from Bac Lieu center.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) or Eco Adventure ($160–$220).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses solar power and locally sourced crabs; supports family-run businesses.
Tip: Book cooking classes in advance; combine with a Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary visit (12 km).
Description: A vibrant hub in Ward 1, open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Ba Khia salad and stir-fry alongside street foods like Banh Xeo ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND). Vendors showcase Bac Lieu’s coastal flavors in a lively setting.
Details:
Cost: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) per dish.
Location: Ward 1, Bac Lieu center, near Tran Phu St.
Access: Walk or cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND); book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for a guided street food crawl.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local crabs; bring reusable containers for takeout.
Tip: Visit evenings for the liveliest atmosphere; try stalls near the market’s central area for the freshest Ba Khia.
Learn Ca Mau’s coastal heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Enhance your Ba Khia experience with these complementary dishes:
Lau Mam: Fish sauce hotpot ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) at Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1).
Bun Xao Nem Nuong: Stir-fried noodles with grilled sausage ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) at Bac Lieu Night Market.
Banh Xeo: Crispy pancakes with shrimp and pork ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) at Quan Banh Xeo Hai Nam (89 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Ward 2).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with sustainable sourcing; bring reusable containers for leftovers.
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.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Ca Mau Travel (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.
Ba Khia Dishes: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Other Specialties (Lau Mam, Banh Xeo): $1.50–$7 (37,500–175,000 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).
Capture the sustainable charm of Ca Mau’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for fresh crab catches but expect rain. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.
Sustainability: Support vendors using sustainably sourced Ba Khia; carry reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Safety: Check for fresh crabs; 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.
Discover Ba Khia and more with our sustainable tour packages:
Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit coastal stalls for Ba Khia, 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 at homestays, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and explore Bac Lieu Night Market. 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.
Ba Khia, Bac Lieu’s three-striped crab, is a culinary delight capturing the Mekong Delta’s coastal essence, served in tangy tamarind stir-fries or pungent fermented dips for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) at bustling night markets or sustainable homestays in Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, located 170 km from Can Tho. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through this rich food scene, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like local sourcing and low-impact tours, paired with visits to Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary and Tac Say Floating Market. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Ba Khia in Bac Lieu? Reserve your sustainable 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, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Ba Khia Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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