Bánh Bèo Chợ Hàng Bông: A Savory Delight in My Tho, Tien Giang

In the vibrant heart of My Tho, Tien Giang, bánh bèo Chợ Hàng Bông is a culinary gem of the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its delicate rice cakes topped with savory ingredients and a tangy dipping sauce. Served at the bustling Chợ Hàng Bông market, this dish combines creamy textures with crunchy toppings, offering a taste of Tien Giang’s rich food culture. A favorite among locals and travelers, it’s a must-try for foodies seeking authentic Mekong flavors. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates foodie tours to enjoy this delicacy while exploring My Tho’s eco-attractions. Start your culinary 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 hub, now includes the former Dong Thap Province, enhancing its appeal as a culinary and cultural destination. Upgraded eco-friendly infrastructure, including electric boats and cycling paths, supports sustainable exploration of My Tho’s markets and attractions, aligning with the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tour operator, dedicated to showcasing Vietnam’s culinary and cultural heritage. Our Tien Giang tours blend eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—with authentic tastings of bánh bèo, guided by local experts. Supporting My Tho’s vendors and artisans, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for a delicious, eco-conscious journey!

Bánh bèo, a steamed rice cake dish, is a beloved specialty at My Tho’s Chợ Hàng Bông market, where vendors craft it with rice flour, savory toppings, and a zesty fish sauce dip. Its delicate, chewy texture, topped with dried shrimp, mung bean paste, and crispy pork skin, makes it a standout in Tien Giang’s culinary scene. 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 fresh herbs and ingredients year-round. Enjoy bánh bèo at markets or homestays, paired with eco-tours for a true Mekong experience.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• Rice flour (200g)

• Tapioca starch (50g)

• Water (500ml)

• Coconut cream (2 tbsp)

• Pandan juice or turmeric (1 tsp, for color, optional)

• Toppings:

  • Dried shrimp (50g, soaked and minced)

  • Mung bean paste (100g, steamed and mashed)

  • Pork skin (50g, thinly sliced)

  • Fried shallots (2 tbsp)

  • Roasted peanuts (2 tbsp, crushed)

• Dipping sauce:

  • Fish sauce (3 tbsp)

  • Water (3 tbsp)

  • Lime juice (1 tbsp)

  • Sugar (2 tsp)

  • Minced garlic (1 tsp)

  • Minced chili (1 tsp, optional)

  • Pickled carrots (1/4 cup, optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare Batter: Mix rice flour, tapioca starch, water, and coconut cream in a bowl. Add pandan juice or turmeric for a subtle hue. Let rest for 30 minutes.

2. Steam Cakes: Pour a thin layer of batter into small bowls or molds in a steamer. Steam for 5–7 minutes until set and slightly chewy. Remove and cool slightly.

3. Prepare Toppings: Soak dried shrimp, then sauté until fragrant. Steam and mash mung beans into a paste. Slice pork skin thinly and fry shallots until crispy.

4. Assemble Dish: Top each bánh bèo with mung bean paste, dried shrimp, pork skin, fried shallots, and peanuts.

5. Make Dipping Sauce: Combine fish sauce, water, lime juice, sugar, garlic, chili, and pickled carrots. Stir until sugar dissolves.

6. Serve: Serve bánh bèo hot or at room temperature with dipping sauce on the side or drizzled over the cakes.

Tips: Use fresh rice flour for a soft texture; adjust chili in the sauce to taste. Add scallion oil for extra aroma.

1. Chợ Hàng Bông Market

The iconic market in My Tho, renowned for authentic bánh bèo served fresh by local vendors.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per serving (4–6 cakes).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Vibrant market atmosphere, fresh ingredients, budget-friendly.

• Tips: Visit in the morning for the freshest cakes; included in our My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

2. Mekong Taste Restaurant

A riverside My Tho eatery offering refined bánh bèo with premium toppings and scenic views.

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

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

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

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

3. Thoi Son Island Homestays

Enjoy homemade bánh bèo at Thoi Son Island, crafted with local ingredients and served with hospitality.

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

• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Rustic setting, fresh herbs, cultural ambiance.

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

4. Hủ Tiếu Bà Sẩm

A popular My Tho spot on Le Loi Street, serving bánh bèo alongside noodle dishes in a cozy setting.

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

• Hours: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Traditional recipe, local favorite, welcoming vibe.

• Tips: Try with extra mung bean paste; included in our Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

• Taste at Markets: Sample bánh bèo at Chợ Hàng Bông for an authentic, budget-friendly experience.

• Join Cooking Workshops: Learn to make bánh bèo on Thoi Son Island or in My Tho, guided by local chefs ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

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

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

• Explore Local Flavors: Complement with Tien Giang specialties like bún gỏi già or grilled snakehead fish.

• Tips:

  • Add a drizzle of dipping sauce to each cake for balanced flavor.

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

  • Visit in the morning for the freshest market experience.

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 Chợ Hàng Bông 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) features festive food stalls.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery and fresh herbs; enjoy 10–20% tour discounts. August–October is perfect for vibrant markets.

• 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 food 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.

• Bánh Bèo Chợ Hàng Bông: $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND) per serving (4–6 cakes), 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): Bún gỏi già, grilled snakehead fish 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 meals, 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; ideal for market strolls.

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

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

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Chợ Hàng Bông 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 market spots.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Tien Giang’s culinary and cultural highlights:

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor bánh bèo Chợ Hàng Bông, My Tho noodle soup, and join coconut candy workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

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

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Taste bánh bèo at Chợ Hàng Bông, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, and experience “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 Floating Market, 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!

Bánh Bèo, a savory, textural delight of Tien Giang Region, Dong Thap Province’s Mekong Delta heritage, blends delicate steamed rice cakes with rich toppings like ground shrimp, mung beans, and zesty fish sauce, priced at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per serving. Found at My Tho Market’s vibrant stalls or tranquil homestays in Thoi Son Islet, this dish invites foodies to savor local traditions in My Tho, located 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Tien Giang Tours guide you to enjoy this iconic rice cake, ensuring a sustainable Tien Giang Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and support for community vendors, paired with visits to Cai Be Floating Market and Vinh Trang Pagoda. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Tien Giang’s iconic bánh bèo in My Tho? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s flavorful heart!

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:

• Bánh Bèo Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, tnktravel.com, vinpearl.com