Bánh Tằm Bì: Can Tho’s Iconic Noodle Dish with Coconut Cream

Can Tho City, the vibrant culinary capital of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a haven for food lovers, and Bánh Tằm Bì is a must-try dish that captures the region’s soul. 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 iconic dish, featuring silky rice noodles, shredded pork skin, and creamy coconut milk, embodies the Delta’s fresh ingredients and cultural fusion of Viet, Khmer, and Hoa influences. Paired with Can Tho’s “Green Delta” sustainability initiatives, tasting Bánh Tằm Bì is a perfect complement to eco-friendly food tours. Legend Travel Group offers immersive culinary experiences to savor Can Tho’s flavors—book your tour via the links throughout this guide!

Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, crafts sustainable Southeast Asia adventures. Our Can Tho food tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the Delta’s culinary traditions. 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 experience. 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 Ninh Kieu Night Market and Cai Rang Floating Market. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers seamless exploration of its food scene.

Bánh Tằm Bì, a beloved Mekong Delta delicacy, is a vibrant dish of thick, silky rice noodles (bánh tằm) topped with shredded pork skin (bì), fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy coconut milk. Served with a side of tangy fish sauce spiked with chili and garlic, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors—chewy, crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet. Originating in southern Vietnam, this dish reflects Can Tho’s agricultural abundance, using fresh, local ingredients like bean sprouts, cucumber, and aromatic herbs such as Thai basil and mint. Its affordability and bold taste make it a street food favorite, enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.

Key Ingredients:

• Bánh Tằm: Soft, thick rice noodles, freshly made daily.

• Bì: Shredded pork skin mixed with ground rice powder and spices.

• Coconut Milk: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness.

• Accompaniments: Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, pickled carrots, and fish sauce dip.

Why It’s Special: The dish’s balance of fresh, creamy, and savory elements showcases the Delta’s culinary artistry, with Viet and Khmer influences adding depth.

Tip: Try it with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

Can Tho’s vibrant food scene offers countless spots to enjoy authentic Bánh Tằm Bì, from bustling markets to cozy street stalls. Here are the top places to savor this dish:

1. Ninh Kieu Night Market

A lively riverside market where vendors serve steaming bowls of Bánh Tằm Bì under twinkling lights. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of stalls make it a foodie hotspot.

• Location: Ninh Kieu Wharf, Ninh Kieu Ward.

• Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per bowl.

• Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Pair with a fresh sugarcane juice ($0.50–$1), included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).

2. Cai Rang Floating Market

Experience Bánh Tằm Bì on the water, served from floating vendors at Can Tho’s iconic market. The noodles are often paired with a side of coffee or coconut water.

• Location: Cai Rang Ward, 7 km from Ninh Kieu.

• Cost: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) per bowl; boat tour $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Hours: 5:00 AM–12:00 PM, peak at 6:00–8:00 AM.

• Tip: Arrive early for the freshest servings, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

3. Local Street Stalls in Ninh Kieu

Family-run stalls along Tran Van Kheo or De Tham Street offer authentic Bánh Tằm Bì with homemade noodles and bì, often served with a smile.

• Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per bowl.

• Hours: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Tip: Look for busy stalls for the freshest food, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. Eco-Tourism Areas

Sites like Xẻo Nhum Ecological Garden or My Khanh Tourist Village serve Bánh Tằm Bì alongside other Delta dishes in lush, rural settings, often with cooking demos.

• Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND); entry $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Tip: Combine with a garden tour, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

5. Local Restaurants

Eateries like Quán Bánh Tằm Bì Cô Ba (30/4 Street, Ninh Kieu) specialize in this dish, offering generous portions with extra herbs and coconut milk.

• Cost: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) per bowl.

• Hours: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Tip: Try their signature version with grilled pork, included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).

Tip: For the ultimate experience, join a cooking class to learn how to make Bánh Tằm Bì, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

While Can Tho is a prime destination for Bánh Tằm Bì, the dish is also popular in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and other southern provinces like Ben Tre and Tra Vinh. In Saigon, you’ll find it at markets like Ben Thanh or restaurants in District 5’s Hoa community, often with slight variations, such as added roasted pork or a spicier fish sauce. However, Can Tho’s version stands out for its fresh, local ingredients and authentic Delta flair, making it a must-try on any culinary journey.

• Cost in Saigon: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per bowl.

• Tip: Can Tho’s floating markets offer a unique dining experience unmatched in urban settings, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); carry small notes (50,000–500,000 VND) for street vendors.

• Dining Costs: Bánh Tằm Bì $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); other street food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Tipping: Optional; $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for guides or exceptional service.

• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls and drink bottled water; carry hand sanitizer.

• Language: Say “ngon” (delicious) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) to connect with vendors.

Getting Around Can Tho for Bánh Tằm Bì

• 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–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within 1–5 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 sunny 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, perfect for fresh noodle dishes.

• Peak Season (January–May): Book tours early for festivals like Cai Rang Floating Market Festival (April).

• Shoulder Season (March–April, November): Mild weather, fewer crowds.

• Tip: Morning is best for fresh Bánh Tằm Bì; 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; fish sauce and pork are common.

• Sustainability: Support local vendors and use reusable utensils to align with Can Tho’s green goals.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for markets and eateries.

• Safety: Avoid raw foods unless from trusted sources; secure valuables at markets.

• Cultural Respect: Smile and engage with vendors; say “cảm ơn” (thank you).

• Health: Carry mosquito repellent for outdoor dining; stay hydrated.

Our sustainable tours let you savor Bánh Tằm Bì and Can Tho’s culinary gems:

• Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Ninh Kieu Night Market, Cai Rang Floating Market, Bánh Tằm Bì tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.

• Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang Floating Market breakfast with Bánh Tằm Bì, canal cruise. Includes electric boat and guide.

• Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70/person): Binh Thuy Ancient House, local eateries with Bánh Tằm Bì, orchards. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

• Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, eco-garden dining with Delta dishes. 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 Tằm Bì. 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 Tằm Bì, a culinary treasure of Cai Rang Floating Market and Ninh Kieu Wharf, blends silky noodles, savory pork skin, and creamy coconut milk into a Mekong Delta masterpiece. From vibrant floating markets to bustling night stalls, Can Tho offers endless ways to savor this iconic dish. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours guide you to the heart of Bánh Tằm Bì, ensuring a sustainable Can Tho Travel experience paired with Delta flavors, markets, and cultural sites. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Can Tho culinary adventure today!
Ready to indulge in Bánh Tằm Bì at Cai Rang Floating Market? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a delicious Mekong Delta journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, 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