Banana Mixed with Coconut: A Sweet Tien Giang Delight in My Tho

In the vibrant heart of My Tho, Tien Giang, chuối quết dừa (banana mixed with coconut) is a beloved Mekong Delta dessert that blends the rustic sweetness of bananas with the creamy richness of coconut. This unique snack, enhanced by tangy lime, savory fish sauce, and a hint of chili, offers a delightful fusion of flavors that captures the region’s tropical essence. A staple in local markets and homestays, it’s a must-try for foodies exploring Tien Giang’s culinary landscape. Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, curates foodie tours to enjoy this treat while discovering My Tho’s eco-attractions. Embark on this sweet adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as its dynamic center, now encompasses the former Dong Thap Province, boosting its tourism appeal. Enhanced with eco-friendly infrastructure like electric boats and cycling paths, My Tho is a hub for sustainable culinary and cultural exploration, supporting the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group leads Southeast Asia’s sustainable tourism, committed to showcasing Vietnam’s culinary and cultural treasures. Our Tien Giang tours pair eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—with guided tastings of chuối quết dừa and other local specialties. Supporting My Tho’s farmers and artisans, we provide transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for a flavorful, eco-conscious experience!

Chuối quết dừa is a cherished dessert in My Tho, where Tien Giang’s fertile lands yield sweet bananas and fresh coconuts. This dish, ground to a creamy texture and seasoned with a savory-sweet sauce, reflects the Mekong Delta’s agricultural bounty. The region’s tropical climate—dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F)—ensures year-round ingredient freshness. Enjoy it at local eateries, markets, or Thoi Son Island, paired with eco-tours for a complete Mekong experience.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• Ripe bananas (4–5, preferably local varieties like chuối sứ)

• Fresh coconut meat (1 cup, thinly sliced or grated)

• Coconut milk (2 tbsp)

• Lime juice (1 tbsp)

• Fish sauce (1 tsp)

• Sugar (1–2 tsp, to taste)

• Salt (pinch)

• Minced garlic (1/2 tsp)

• Minced chili (1/2 tsp, optional)

• Roasted peanuts (2 tbsp, crushed, for garnish)

Preparation Steps

1. Cook Bananas: Steam or boil bananas in their skins until soft and aromatic (about 10 minutes). Peel and let cool slightly.

2. Prepare Coconut: Slice or grate fresh coconut meat into thin strips. Lightly toast for extra flavor, if desired.

3. Grind Mixture: In a mortar or bowl, mash bananas with coconut meat, adding coconut milk for creaminess. Grind until smooth but textured.

4. Season: Mix in lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, salt, garlic, and chili (if using) to balance sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

5. Serve: Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, and serve fresh as a dessert or snack.

Tips: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture; adjust chili to taste for a mild or spicy kick.

1. My Tho Night Market

A lively food hub on 30/4 Street, offering chuối quết dừa at budget-friendly stalls with a vibrant atmosphere.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Authentic street food, variety of Mekong snacks, local vibe.

• Tips: Arrive by 7:00 PM for freshest options; included in our My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

2. Thoi Son Island Homestays

Savor homemade chuối quết dừa at rustic homestays, prepared with island-grown bananas and coconuts.

• Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Fresh ingredients, cultural hospitality, canal views.

• Tips: Pair with a boat tour; included in our Thoi Son Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

3. Mekong Taste Restaurant

A riverside My Tho eatery serving refined chuối quết dừa with premium ingredients and scenic ambiance.

• Cost: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Elegant presentation, diverse dessert menu, riverfront seating.

• Tips: Reserve a table for sunset views; included in our Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. Bo De Quan

A cozy vegetarian-friendly spot in My Tho, offering a plant-based twist on chuối quết dừa with vegan fish sauce.

• Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Healthy options, tranquil setting, local charm.

• Tips: Try with lotus tea; included in our My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

• Taste at Markets: Sample chuối quết dừa at My Tho’s night market for an affordable, authentic experience.

• Join Cooking Workshops: Learn to make this dessert on Thoi Son Island, guided by local hosts ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Pair with Eco-Tours: Combine tastings with canal cruises or orchard visits for a full Mekong adventure.

• Dine at Homestays: Enjoy homemade versions at Thoi Son homestays, paired with cultural exchanges.

• Explore Local Flavors: Complement with other Tien Giang specialties like My Tho noodle soup or grilled snakehead fish.

• Tips:

  • Request extra peanuts for crunch; they elevate the dish.

  • Book guided foodie tours for curated tastings; included in our eco-tours.

  • Visit in summer for the sweetest bananas and lively markets.

My Tho, Tien Giang’s culinary hub, is easily accessible:

• By Bus:

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours, 70 km).

  • Providers: Futa Bus (Tel: +84 1900 6067), Thanh Buoi.

• By Car/Taxi:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1.5 hours).

  • Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84 2773 686 868), Grab app.

• By Motorbike:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours).

  • Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84 938 456 789).

• Tips:

  • Book buses via VeXeRe or Baolau for convenience.

  • Use offline maps (Maps.me); save My Tho Night Market as a landmark.

  • Included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450) for seamless transfers.

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for market visits and outdoor dining; Tet (January–February) brings festive dessert stalls.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush orchards and fresh bananas; enjoy 10–20% tour discounts. August–October is perfect for night market vibes.

• Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance for peak seasons; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack for a sustainable foodie trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; raincoat ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for markets; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone for photos; portable charger; camera for dessert shots.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys, bamboo straw for sustainability.

Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.

• Banana Mixed with Coconut: $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND) per serving, depending on venue.

• Activities:

  • Cooking workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Boat tours to Thoi Son: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Bicycle rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Dining (Other Dishes): My Tho noodle soup, bánh xèo at eateries: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation (My Tho):

  • Homestays: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Hotels (e.g., Song Tien Hotel): $20–$50/night (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Resorts: $80–$150/night (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

• Transport to My Tho:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Taxi from Ho Chi Minh City: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $15–$35 (bus, market snacks, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$70 (guided tours, restaurant dining, hotel).

• Luxury: $100–$180 (resorts, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Use ATMs in My Tho for cash; carry small VND notes for markets.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for Tet or summer.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Pack sunscreen; perfect for market strolls.

  • Rainy Season: Bring waterproof gear; enjoy lush orchard backdrops.

• Sustainability: Support local vendors; use eco-transport like bicycles or electric boats.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Mekong Taste Restaurant as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables at markets; respect vendor stalls.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); tip servers $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent at riverside spots.

Our eco-friendly tours highlight Tien Giang’s culinary gems:

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Taste chuối quết dừa, grilled snakehead fish, and join coconut candy workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• Thoi Son Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Enjoy chuối quết dừa at homestays, canal cruises, and orchard visits. Includes boat transfers, snacks, guide.

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Sample chuối quết dừa at the night market, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, and enjoy “Don Ca Tai Tu” music. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Explore My Tho’s markets, Cai Be, and homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links around this page!

Chuối Quết Dừa, a savory-sweet specialty of Tien Giang Region, Dong Thap Province, 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, blends creamy mashed bananas with coconut, peanuts, and a surprising fish sauce dip, priced at $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), offering a unique taste of Mekong Delta traditions. Savor this dish at My Tho Night Market stalls or tranquil Thoi Son Islet homestays, drawing food lovers yearly. Legend Travel Group’s Tien Giang Tours ensure a sustainable Tien Giang Travel experience, blending eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients with visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda, Thoi Son’s canals, and culinary delights like hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho ($1–$2, 25,000–50,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to indulge in Tien Giang’s Chuối Quết Dừa? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and taste the Mekong Delta’s unique flavors!

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:

• Chuối Quết Dừa Information: vietnamnews.vn, deluxegrouptours.vn, vietfuntravel.com.vn, vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, scootersaigontour.com