Bon Bon: Bac Lieu’s Unique Cattail Delicacy in the Mekong Delta

A Distinctive Culinary Gem in the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a culinary hotspot in the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its unique and sustainable flavors. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Bon Bon (cattails), a wild aquatic plant with a soft, tangy stem, is a signature ingredient in Bac Lieu’s cuisine, featured in dishes like pickled cattail salad and stir-fries with beef or shrimp. Dining costs range from $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Rooted in the region’s Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa culinary traditions, Bon Bon offers a fresh, vibrant taste of the Mekong Delta’s heritage.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours to Bac Lieu, pairing Bon Bon with local experiences like market visits and cooking classes, using sustainable practices to support the community. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta culinary adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Bac Lieu’s bustling markets, homestays, and eateries, within 1–20 km of the center, make it an ideal destination for food lovers exploring the Mekong Delta’s authentic flavors.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local farmers and vendors to preserve Mekong Delta culinary traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible culinary journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

What is Bon Bon?

Bon Bon (Typha orientalis), known as cattails, is a wild aquatic plant harvested from Bac Lieu’s canals and wetlands, prized for its soft, tangy stems with a mild, sour flavor reminiscent of lemongrass. A staple in Mekong Delta cuisine, Bon Bon is versatile, appearing in pickled salads, stir-fries with beef or shrimp, or soups, offering a crisp texture and refreshing taste. Its sustainable harvest from local waterways makes it a hallmark of Bac Lieu’s eco-conscious food culture, blending natural abundance with culinary creativity.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per dish.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Seek vendors using sustainably harvested Bon Bon from local wetlands to support eco-friendly farming practices.

How is Bon Bon Prepared?

The preparation of Bon Bon highlights Bac Lieu’s sustainable culinary traditions:

1. Harvesting: Fresh Bon Bon stems are hand-picked from canals, cleaned, and peeled to reveal tender, edible cores.

2. Pickled Salad: Stems are thinly sliced, pickled with vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili, and mixed with herbs or shrimp for a tangy, refreshing salad.

3. Stir-Fry: Bon Bon is stir-fried with beef, shrimp, or pork, seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, and chili, creating a savory, crisp dish.

4. Soup: Added to fish or shrimp broths, Bon Bon imparts a subtle sourness, often paired with tomatoes and tamarind.

5. Serving Tip: Enjoy the pickled salad wrapped in rice paper with mint and cilantro, dipped in nuoc cham (fish sauce with chili and lime). Pair with a cold coconut ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for balance.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support eateries using biodegradable plates; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reduce waste.

Bac Lieu’s vibrant food scene offers select spots to savor Bon Bon, updated with current recommendations to ensure authenticity and sustainability. Below are the top locations, all accessible and committed to local sourcing:

1. Bac Lieu Night Market

• Description: A bustling hub in Ward 1, open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Bon Bon pickled salad and stir-fries alongside street foods like Banh Xeo ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND). Vendors highlight Bac Lieu’s fresh, local ingredients.

• Details:

  • Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per dish.

  • Location: Ward 1, Bac Lieu center, near Tran Phu St.

  • Access: Walk or cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND); book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for a guided street food crawl.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local Bon Bon; bring reusable containers for takeout.

• Tip: Visit evenings for vibrant vibes; try stalls near the market’s central area for the freshest dishes.

2. Mekong Breeze Homestay

• Description: A sustainable homestay in Hiep Thanh Ward offering Bon Bon dishes like pickled salad or shrimp stir-fry, often paired with cooking classes to learn preparation techniques. The rustic setting enhances the Mekong Delta’s charm.

• Details:

  • Cost: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) for dining; $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) with cooking class.

  • Location: Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km from Bac Lieu center.

  • Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) or Eco Adventure ($160–$220).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses solar power and locally harvested Bon Bon; supports family-run businesses.

• Tip: Book cooking classes in advance; combine with a Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary visit (12 km).

3. Quan An Ngon

• Description: A cozy eatery in Ward 2, renowned for its Bon Bon salad and stir-fries, showcasing Bac Lieu’s tangy flavors in a welcoming setting. Perfect for a sit-down meal with local flair.

• Details:

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

  • Location: 45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2, 2 km from Bac Lieu center.

  • Access: Walk, cycle, or take a Xanh SM electric taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses locally sourced ingredients; minimizes plastic packaging.

• Tip: Visit for lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) or dinner (5:00–8:00 PM); pair with a Vietnamese iced coffee ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

Enhance your Bon Bon experience with these complementary dishes:

• Lau Mam: Fish sauce hotpot ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) at Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1).

• Banh Xeo: Crispy pancakes with shrimp and pork ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) at Quan Banh Xeo Hai Nam (89 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Ward 2).

• Ba Khia: Three-striped crab in tamarind sauce ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) at coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with sustainable sourcing; bring reusable containers for leftovers.

• From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours): Bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND); private car ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); flight to Ho Chi Minh City ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) + bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).

• From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Bicycles: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1 eateries.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxis: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), great for coastal stalls.

• Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km; use Grab or Xanh SM apps.

• Walking: Free, suitable for Bac Lieu Night Market.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Bac Lieu Market.

Dining Costs

• Bon Bon Dishes: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Other Specialties (Lau Mam, Banh Xeo): $1.50–$7 (37,500–175,000 VND).

• Cooking Classes: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Beverages (Coconut, Coffee): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Motorbike Taxi: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided market dining, cycling).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided food tours, homestay dining).

• Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale dining).

• Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for fresh Bon Bon harvests but expect rain. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Sustainability: Support vendors using sustainably harvested Bon Bon; carry reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Safety: Ensure Bon Bon is freshly prepared; avoid street food during heavy rain. Carry hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Navigation: Eateries are within 1–20 km of Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip 10% at sit-down restaurants for excellent service.

Discover Bon Bon and more with our sustainable tour packages:

• Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Bac Lieu Night Market for Bon Bon salad, cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, and taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Savor Bon Bon at homestays, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and explore coastal stalls for Ba Khia. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Explore Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with foodie and eco-tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Bon Bon, Bac Lieu’s tangy cattail delicacy, offers a fresh and vibrant taste of the Mekong Delta, from zesty pickled salads to savory stir-fries. Whether at bustling night markets or sustainable homestays, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, delivers a unique culinary experience rooted in its coastal heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you to savor Bon Bon while exploring attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary tour today!
Ready to savor Bon Bon in Bac Lieu? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful Mekong Delta adventure!

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.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group