Discover Bánh Cóng, Soc Trang’s iconic Khmer fried cake! Explore its recipe, costs, top vendors, and sustainable food tours. Book with Legend Travel Group for a flavorful Mekong Delta adventure!
Capture the golden crunch of Soc Trang’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Soc Trang, a vibrant cultural hub in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, is a culinary paradise 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its rich Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese heritage, Soc Trang attracts over 3 million visitors annually with its diverse food scene. Bánh Cóng, a crispy Khmer fried cake, is a beloved street food, celebrated for its golden crust, savory filling, and fresh shrimp topping. Named after the metal “cóng” mold used to fry it, this dish embodies Soc Trang’s Khmer culinary traditions. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, ensures an eco-friendly dining experience. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, offers immersive food tours to savor Bánh Cóng and explore Soc Trang’s gastronomic treasures. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your flavorful adventure!
Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Our Soc Trang tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-vans—guided by local experts who share the region’s culinary and cultural stories. Supporting communities in Soc Trang’s central ward and Nga Nam, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and taste Soc Trang responsibly!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, making Can Tho City Vietnam’s largest by landmass. Enhanced by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Soc Trang’s markets and street food stalls are easily accessible, offering a vibrant culinary landscape for exploration.
Photograph the savory allure of Soc Trang’s food scene (Source: Internet)Bánh Cóng, meaning “cóng cake,” is a traditional Khmer street food from Soc Trang, named after the cylindrical metal mold (cóng) used to fry it. This golden, crispy cake, about 6 cm tall and resembling a small muffin, is made from rice flour, soybean flour, and eggs, with a filling of mung beans, minced pork, and jicama, topped with a whole shrimp. Served with fresh herbs like lettuce, basil, fish mint, and cabbage, and dipped in sweet-sour fish sauce with chili and pickled vegetables, it offers a delightful mix of textures—crisp exterior, soft interior, and crunchy toppings. Priced at $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND) per cake, Bánh Cóng is a festival staple and daily snack, reflecting Soc Trang’s Khmer culinary heritage.
Bánh Cóng originated with Soc Trang’s Khmer community, particularly in Đại Tâm Commune, Mỹ Xuyên Ward, as a rustic dish using local ingredients like rice, mung beans, and shrimp. Its name derives from the “cóng,” a metal mold traditionally used for frying, a technique passed down through generations. Dating back to at least the 19th century, the cake was a communal food served at Khmer festivals like Ooc Om Bok and ancestral worship ceremonies. Over time, Vietnamese and Chinese influences added ingredients like pork and soybean flour, enhancing its flavor. Today, Bánh Cóng is a culinary icon, sold by street vendors and celebrated at markets like Nga Nam Floating Market, embodying Soc Trang’s ethnic harmony and agricultural abundance.
Experience Soc Trang Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Crafting Bánh Cóng requires skill to achieve its signature crispy texture and savory filling. Here’s a traditional recipe for a small batch (8–10 cakes):
Prepare the Batter:
Soak 300 g high-quality rice (lúa mùa) for 6 hours, then grind with 100 g soaked soybeans and 200 mL water into a smooth batter. Alternatively, mix 300 g rice flour, 50 g soybean flour, and 250 mL water.
Add 1 egg, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tbsp turmeric powder for color. Rest batter for 1–2 hours.
Make the Filling:
Soak 100 g whole mung beans for 6 hours, steam until tender (15–20 minutes), and set aside.
Sauté 200 g minced pork with 2 tbsp chopped purple shallots (hành tím, a Vĩnh Châu specialty) until fragrant. Add ½ tsp pepper and 1 tsp fish sauce.
Julienne 50 g jicama (củ sắn) for crunch, mix with mung beans and pork.
Fry the Cakes:
Heat a deep pan with 500 mL vegetable oil to 180°C. Dip stainless steel cóng molds (5–6 cm tall, 4 cm diameter) in hot oil to prevent sticking.
Pour batter to ⅓ of each mold, add 1 tbsp filling, cover with more batter, and top with 1 peeled shrimp (tép đất). Fry for 3–5 minutes until golden, gently remove from mold, and fry an additional 1–2 minutes for even crispiness. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare Dipping Sauce:
Mix 3 tbsp fish sauce (preferably Phú Quốc), 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp minced chili, and 50 mL water. Add pickled carrots and radish (10 g each) for tanginess.
Cooking Classes: Learn Bánh Cóng techniques in Soc Trang workshops, costing $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND), often including market visits for ingredients like Vĩnh Châu shallots.
Tip: Use fresh, seasonal shrimp for sweetness and soak rice overnight for a fragrant batter. Fry at consistent heat to ensure crispiness without greasiness.
The birthplace of Bánh Cóng, this roadside market offers the most authentic cakes, rated 4.6/5 for flavor. Vendors use Vĩnh Châu shallots and local shrimp.
Cost: $0.50–$1/cake (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Visit morning or late afternoon for hot, fresh cakes. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
A bustling hub where vendors serve Bánh Cóng with fresh herbs, ideal for breakfast or snacks.
Cost: $0.50–$1.20/cake (12,500–30,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Pair with lotus tea ($0.50 or 12,500 VND). Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Morning boat vendors sell Bánh Cóng, 30 km from downtown, offering a unique riverine dining experience.
Cost: $0.60–$1.50/cake (15,000–37,500 VND); boat rental $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: 4:00 AM–8:00 AM daily.
Tip: Arrive at 5:00 AM for peak vibrancy. Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80).
Quán Bánh Cóng Cô Lý (25 Lê Lợi, Ward 2): Iconic for crispy cakes, rated 4.6/5. Open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; $0.50–$1/cake. Contact: +84 299 382 2822.
Quán Phượng Vĩ (278 Phú Lợi, Ward 2): Known for fragrant shallots, rated 4.4/5. Open 2:00 PM–9:00 PM; $0.50–$1.20/cake.Tip: Eat hot for maximum crispiness; request extra herbs for freshness.
Savor Bánh Cóng at Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November, lunar calendar) or Tet (January–February, lunar calendar), where stalls near Kh’leang Pagoda offer festive portions.
Cost: $0.80–$1.50/cake (20,000–37,500 VND).
Tip: Enjoy during festival events for cultural immersion. Included in our Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Start your Soc Trang Travel with flavorful vibes (Source: Internet)Street Food Adventure: Grab hot Bánh Cóng from Đại Tâm Market vendors, wrapping it in lettuce, basil, and fish mint, then dipping in sweet-sour fish sauce for a flavorful bite.
Festival Feasting: Taste Bánh Cóng at Ooc Om Bok Festival near Kh’leang Pagoda, where it’s shared communally, enhancing Khmer cultural immersion.
Cooking Classes: Learn to make Bánh Cóng in workshops, mastering batter ratios and frying techniques ($25–$45 or 625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Market Pairing: Pair Bánh Cóng at Soc Trang Central Market with Bún Nước Lèo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a savory Khmer meal, reflecting Soc Trang’s culinary diversity.
Sustainable Dining: Buy from vendors using local, seasonal ingredients like Đại Tâm’s shrimp and shallots, supporting eco-friendly practices.
Tip: Wrap Bánh Cóng in multiple herb layers for a balanced, fresh taste. Eat immediately after frying to savor its crispiness.
The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for market visits and street food exploration, with February–April offering pleasant weather. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) provides fewer crowds and 15–25% discounts, though August–October flooding may affect rural access like Đại Tâm. The Ooc Om Bok Festival (14th–15th of the 10th lunar month, typically October–November) is the peak time for Bánh Cóng, served at communal events, with prices rising 10–20%. Tet (January–February, lunar calendar) also features Bánh Cóng at celebrations. Visit markets early mornings (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) for fresh cakes or afternoons (3:00 PM–6:00 PM) for vibrant stalls. Check AccuWeather for updates.
Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks in advance for Ooc Om Bok to secure spots. Visit Đại Tâm Market in the morning for the freshest Bánh Cóng.
By Air: Fly to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 60 km away, from Ho Chi Minh City ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND) or Hanoi ($100–$180 or 2,500,000–4,500,000 VND). Eco-van transfers to Soc Trang cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $6–$15 or 150,000–375,000 VND) or Can Tho (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).
By Private Transfer: Eco-vans from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City cost $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) for 2–4 passengers.
Tip: Book eco-van transfers via Legend Travel Group for sustainable travel. Download MyCanTho app for bus schedules.
Bánh Cóng Costs:
Markets/Vendors: $0.50–$1.20/cake (12,500–30,000 VND).
Festivals: $0.80–$1.50/cake (20,000–37,500 VND).
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Transport in Soc Trang:
Taxi/Grab (1–5 km): $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND).
River Boat: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND, shared).
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Dining (Other Dishes):
Street Food (e.g., Bún Nước Lèo, Bánh Pía): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).
Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Accommodation (Soc Trang Central Ward):
Hostels/Guesthouses: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$100/night (750,000–2,500,000 VND).
Resorts: $120–$300/night (3,000,000–7,500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Excluding Tours):
Budget: $15–$40 (Bánh Cóng, street food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (restaurants, taxi, hotel).
Luxury: $70–$110 (upscale dining, resort, private boat).
Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for street vendors. Bargain gently for bulk Bánh Cóng purchases.
Book Early: Reserve flights, hotels, and tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook for peak seasons or Ooc Om Bok.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Central wards are walkable; use motorbikes for Đại Tâm (20 km).
Sustainability: Choose bicycles or electric boats; buy Bánh Cóng from vendors using local shrimp and shallots; carry reusable utensils to align with Mekong Green initiatives.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors or guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); respect market etiquette by not handling goods excessively.
Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for morning market visits; stay hydrated; ensure Bánh Cóng is freshly fried to avoid oiliness.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets or festivals; avoid flooded rural routes in August–October.
Savor Bánh Cóng and Soc Trang’s culinary heritage with our sustainable tours:
Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Đại Tâm Market, Soc Trang Central Market, Bánh Cóng tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Hau River cruise, Bánh Cóng vendors. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.
Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Bánh Cóng stalls, Kh’leang Pagoda, Khmer Museum. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Bánh Cóng, Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races. Includes eco-transfers and dining.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Bánh Cóng, Bún Nước Lèo, pagodas, markets, and eco-tours across Soc Trang. Includes all activities, meals, and eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!
Bánh Cóng, Soc Trang’s crispy culinary star, a Khmer fried cake that blends golden crunch with savory fillings and fresh herbs, capturing the Mekong Delta’s vibrant heritage. From Đại Tâm Market’s authentic stalls to Ooc Om Bok Festival feasts, this dish offers a taste of Khmer tradition and community. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours guide you to Bánh Cóng’s flavorful heart, ensuring a sustainable Soc Trang Travel experience that supports local artisans and preserves Soc Trang’s legacy. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Bánh Cóng adventure today and immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta’s gastronomic heart!
Ready to taste Soc Trang’s iconic Bánh Cóng? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful journey!
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.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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