Discover Bánh Cống, Can Tho’s iconic savory cake, a Mekong Delta culinary gem. Learn how it’s made, where to savor it, and book eco-friendly food tours with Legend Travel Group for a delicious adventure!
Capture the savory essence of Can Tho’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Can Tho City, the culinary capital of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a paradise for food lovers, and Bánh Cống, a savory fried cake, is a must-try dish that captures the region’s vibrant flavors. Following the merger of Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho has become Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, drawing millions to its bustling floating markets, lush orchards, and rich food culture. This traditional Khmer-influenced snack, named after the “cống” mold used to fry it, is a crispy, golden treat filled with mung beans, pork, and shrimp, beloved for its buttery, aromatic taste. Aligned with Can Tho’s “Green Delta” sustainability initiatives, tasting Bánh Cống pairs perfectly with eco-friendly food tours. Legend Travel Group’s immersive culinary experiences let you savor this Delta delight—book your tour via the links throughout this guide!
Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia adventures. Our Can Tho food tours use low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the Delta’s culinary heritage. Supporting vendors in Ninh Kieu and Cai Rang Wards, we align with Can Tho’s eco-vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and taste Can Tho with purpose!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Ninh Kieu as the central hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to culinary hotspots like Cai Rang Floating Market and night markets. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers seamless exploration of its food scene.
Photograph the authentic allure of Can Tho’s food scene (Source: Internet)Bánh Cống, a traditional Vietnamese savory cake with Khmer origins, is a crispy, golden fritter named after the “cống,” a small, cylindrical mold used to deep-fry it. Popular in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta, it resembles a muffin in shape but delights with its tender, buttery texture and rich flavors. Made from a batter of rice and wheat flour, it’s filled with mung beans and pork, topped with shrimp, and served with sweet-sour fish sauce and fresh vegetables like lettuce and Thai basil. This affordable snack, often enjoyed in the afternoon or evening, reflects the Delta’s agricultural abundance and cultural fusion, making it a beloved street food.
Key Ingredients:
Batter: Rice flour, wheat flour, eggs, salt, and scallions.
Filling: Boiled mung beans and minced pork.
Topping: Whole shrimp for flavor and presentation.
Accompaniments: Sweet-sour fish sauce with chili, garlic, and fresh vegetables.
Cultural Significance: A Khmer-Viet fusion dish, symbolizing the Delta’s diverse heritage.
Why It’s Special: The crispy exterior, tender filling, and tangy dipping sauce create a harmonious bite, showcasing Can Tho’s culinary artistry.
Tip: Dip generously in fish sauce for maximum flavor, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Experience Can Tho Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Bánh Cống stands out in Can Tho’s vibrant food scene for its unique preparation and deep cultural roots. Originating from the Khmer community, it has become a Delta staple, particularly in Can Tho, where fresh, local ingredients enhance its flavor. The dish’s crispy texture, achieved through precise frying in the “cống” mold, and its affordable price make it a popular snack at markets and street stalls. Its communal appeal—often shared among friends with fresh herbs and dipping sauce—reflects Can Tho’s warm hospitality. As a street food icon, Bánh Cống draws foodies seeking authentic Mekong Delta flavors, complementing the city’s culinary landscape.
Why It Stands Out:
Reflects Khmer-Viet cultural fusion with local ingredients.
Offers a crispy, savory experience unique to the Delta.
Affordable and widely available, embodying Can Tho’s street food culture.
Tip: Pair with a cold coconut water ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) for a refreshing contrast, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).
Start your Can Tho Travel with a flavorful bite (Source: Internet)Crafting an authentic Bánh Cống requires fresh ingredients and careful technique. Here’s a simplified recipe:
Prepare the Batter: Mix 2 cups rice flour, 1 cup wheat flour, 2 eggs, 1 tsp salt, chopped scallions, and 1.5 cups water ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND total) to form a smooth, thick batter. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: Soak 1 cup mung beans ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) for 4 hours, then boil until soft. Sauté 200g minced pork ($1 or 25,000 VND) with garlic and shallots ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Assemble: Heat oil in a “cống” mold (or deep fryer). Pour a layer of batter, add a spoonful of mung beans and pork, top with a whole shrimp ($1 for 100g), and cover with more batter.
Fry: Deep-fry at medium heat for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil.
Serve: Pair with sweet-sour fish sauce (fish sauce, lime, sugar, chili, garlic; $0.50 or 12,500 VND) and fresh vegetables like lettuce and Thai basil ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tip: Join a cooking class to master the technique, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Total Cost for Homemade (4–6 servings): $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) for ingredients.
Can Tho’s vibrant street food scene offers numerous spots to enjoy authentic Bánh Cống, particularly at markets and local eateries. Here are the top places:
Taste Bánh Cống hot from floating vendors, fried fresh on sampans amidst the market’s lively trade. The water-based setting adds a unique charm.
Location: Cai Rang Ward, 6 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per piece.
Hours: 5:00 AM–10:00 AM, peak 5:30–7:30 AM.
Tip: Arrive early for the freshest cakes, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).
This riverside market features stalls serving crispy Bánh Cống with vibrant herbs and dipping sauce, perfect for an evening snack under twinkling lights.
Location: Ninh Kieu Wharf, Ninh Kieu Ward.
Cost: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) per piece.
Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.
Tip: Pair with sugarcane juice ($0.50–$1), included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
A bustling market where vendors fry Bánh Cống fresh, offering a lively atmosphere near the Hau River.
Location: Tran Phu Street, Cai Khe Ward, 1 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.
Cost: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) per piece.
Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.
Tip: Enjoy with a local beer ($1 or 25,000 VND), included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).
Known as Can Tho’s foodie haven, this street in Cai Rang Ward features stalls like Quán Bánh Cống Cô Tư, renowned for authentic Khmer-style Bánh Cống.
Location: Đề Thám Street, Cai Rang Ward.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per piece.
Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.
Tip: Try with extra herbs, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).
Eco-friendly gardens like Lê Lộc Ecotourism Area serve Bánh Cống alongside Delta dishes, offering a sustainable dining experience in lush surroundings.
Location: Phong Dien Ward, 15 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per piece; entry $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Tip: Combine with a garden tour, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).
Tip: Choose vendors using fresh, local ingredients to support sustainable practices, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); carry small notes (50,000–500,000 VND) for street vendors.
Dining Costs: Bánh Cống $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); other street food $1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND).
Tipping: Optional; $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for guides or exceptional service.
Hygiene: Choose busy stalls for fresh food; drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) and carry hand sanitizer.
Language: Say “ngon” (delicious) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) to connect with vendors.
Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND) for market visits.
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND) for rural eateries.
Taxi/Grab: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) within 1–15 km.
Electric Boat: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND) for Cai Rang dining.
Tip: Use eco-friendly bikes or boats via Xanh SM app, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
The dry season (January–May) offers pleasant weather (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F), ideal for market visits and outdoor dining. The rainy season (June–December) brings cooler temperatures (22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F) and abundant produce, enhancing the dish’s freshness. Bánh Cống is typically served in the afternoon and evening (4:00 PM–10:00 PM), making it a perfect snack during market strolls. The Cai Rang Floating Market Festival (April) adds vibrant culinary events.
Peak Season (January–May): Book tours early for festivals.
Shoulder Season (March–April, November): Mild weather, fewer crowds.
Tip: Visit markets in the evening for fresh Bánh Cống; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.
Book Tours Early: Reserve eco-tours via Legend Travel Group (sales@legendtravelgroup.com, WhatsApp +84825862222) 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for January–May.
Allergies: Inform vendors of dietary needs; shrimp, pork, and mung beans are common.
Sustainability: Support stalls using local, eco-friendly ingredients to align with Can Tho’s green goals.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for markets and eateries.
Safety: Secure valuables at markets; choose busy vendors for hygiene.
Cultural Respect: Share Bánh Cống communally; say “cảm ơn” (thank you).
Health: Carry mosquito repellent for evening markets; stay hydrated with bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Begin your Can Tho Tours with a savory adventure (Source: Internet)Our sustainable tours let you savor Bánh Cống and Can Tho’s culinary treasures:
Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Cai Rang Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Night Market, Bánh Cống tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.
Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang Floating Market breakfast with Bánh Cống, canal cruise. Includes electric boat and guide.
Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Tay Do Night Market, Đề Thám Street, local stalls with Bánh Cống. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, Phong Dien eco-gardens with Bánh Cống. Includes boat rides and eco-transfers.
Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Floating markets, homestays ($10–$25/night), food tours with Bánh Cống. Includes transfers, meals, and activities.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and entrance fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!
Bánh Cống, a savory delight that embodies Can Tho City’s rich culinary heritage, offers a crispy, flavorful taste of the Mekong Delta’s Khmer-Viet fusion. From Cai Rang Floating Market to vibrant Tay Do Night Market, this traditional cake is a must-try for food lovers. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours pair Bánh Cống with Can Tho’s markets, orchards, and cultural sites, ensuring a sustainable Can Tho Travel experience filled with unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Can Tho culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Bánh Cống in Can Tho? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and indulge in this iconic Mekong Delta delight!
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.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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