Hotpot with Paddy Crab Paste: A Savory Delight in Dong Thap’s Mekong Delta

Nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, now part of Tien Giang Province, Dong Thap Ward is renowned for its Hotpot with Paddy Crab Paste (Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng), a rustic dish that captivates food enthusiasts with its rich, tangy broth and vibrant flavors, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Made from fresh field crabs pounded into a savory paste, this communal hotpot reflects the region’s agricultural heritage and sustainable practices. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, enhances your culinary journey with eco-friendly food tours, connecting you to Dong Thap’s vibrant food scene and local communities. Book your adventure via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Dong Thap Province has merged into Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as the administrative center. Dong Thap is now a ward, but its culinary fame, particularly for Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng, remains vibrant, supported by upgraded infrastructure like cycling paths, electric boat networks, and a VND600 billion flood control project, ensuring easy access to dining and eco-tourism sites.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tourism operator, dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s culinary and cultural heritage. Our Dong Thap food tours pair Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng tastings with eco-friendly activities like cycling and electric boat rides, guided by local experts who share the region’s traditions and sustainable practices. Supporting communities in Dong Thap, My Tho, and Sa Dec, we align with Tien Giang’s “Green Delta” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious culinary experience!

Located in Sa Dec City, 150 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap Ward is celebrated for Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng, a hotpot featuring a rich broth made from pounded field crabs, tomatoes, and tamarind, served with fresh greens and rice noodles. The region’s tropical monsoon climate features a dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and a rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F, with peak rainfall of 100–400 mm in August–October). This dish, rooted in the flood season’s abundance, offers a harmonious blend of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a must-try for visitors to the Mekong Delta.

Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng stands out for its unique qualities:

• Rich Broth: Fresh field crabs are pounded into a paste, creating a golden, calcium-rich broth with a distinctive crab roe foam, enhanced by tomatoes and tamarind for a tangy kick.

• Sustainable Ingredients: Crabs from rice paddies are a natural, eco-friendly protein source, paired with locally grown greens like water spinach and banana blossoms.

• Cultural Heritage: A rustic dish of the Dong Thap Muoi region, it reflects the resourcefulness of Mekong Delta farmers, often enjoyed during communal gatherings and festivals.

• Versatile Toppings: Includes pork ribs, tofu, shrimp, and a vibrant vegetable platter, customizable with chili, lime, or fish sauce for a personalized taste.

• Communal Dining: Served simmering at the table, it fosters a shared dining experience, perfect for families and groups.

1. Savor Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng at Local Eateries

Enjoy this flavorful hotpot at renowned spots like Nha Hang Sen Viet or Sa Dec Night Market, served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and tangy dipping sauces.

• Cost: $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND) per hotpot (serves 2–4); drinks $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Hours: Typically 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily (night markets 4:00 PM–10:00 PM).

• Highlights: Golden crab roe broth, water spinach, pork ribs.

• Tips: Add chili for extra spice; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

2. Join a Hotpot Cooking Class

Learn to prepare Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng in workshops, mastering the art of pounding crab paste and balancing broth flavors with local ingredients.

• Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Hands-on crab paste preparation, cooking with fresh greens.

• Tips: Book through Sa Dec cooperatives; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

3. Visit Sa Dec Night Market

Sample Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng at vibrant food stalls alongside other specialties like bánh xèo and Nem Lai Vung.

• Cost: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) per hotpot; snacks $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Bustling atmosphere, fresh crab broth, local desserts.

• Tips: Arrive by 6:00 PM for the best selection; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. Explore Nearby Lotus Fields

Visit lotus fields in My Hoa or Tan Quy Dong to see where hotpot greens are sourced, often combined with eco-friendly boat tours.

• Cost: Tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); entry free.

• Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Vibrant lotus blooms, farmer interactions.

• Tips: Visit in August–October for peak blooms; included in our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

5. Combine with Eco-Tourism Attractions

Pair your culinary experience with visits to Tram Chim National Park (40 km), Sa Dec Flower Village (4 km), or Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House (1 km).

• Cost: Boat tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); bike rentals $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Highlights: Sarus Cranes, floral markets, historical relics.

• Tips: Book through Sa Dec River Tours (+84) 930 234 789; included in our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

• By Bus:

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to Sa Dec: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND, 3–4 hours).

  • My Tho to Sa Dec: $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours). Providers: Phuong Trang (+84) 1900 6067.

• By Car/Taxi:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, 3–4 hours). Route: Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway–National Highway 1A–National Route 80.

  • My Tho to Sa Dec: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND, 1 hour). Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84) 2773 686 868, Grab app.

• By Motorbike:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec: $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND, 3–4 hours). Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals (+84) 938 456 789.

• Tips:

  • Book buses online via VeXeRe or Baolau; use offline maps (Maps.me) with Sa Dec Night Market as a landmark.

  • Transfers included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450).

• Rainy Season (May–November): Ideal for field crab abundance, especially August–October during the flood season; 15–25% tour discounts.

• Dry Season (December–April): Perfect for dining and Tet festivals (January–February); book 3–4 weeks in advance.

• Tips: Visit in October for the freshest crabs; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

• Nha Hang Sen Viet (Sa Dec): Rich crab broth with pork ribs and greens. $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND). Address: 85 Nguyen Hue, Sa Dec. Open: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM. Tel: (+84) 927 345 678.

• Sa Dec Night Market (Sa Dec): Affordable crab hotpot at vibrant stalls. $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND). Address: Tran Hung Dao Street. Open: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Sen Le Bo Ecotourism Area (My Hoa, 30 km from Sa Dec): Rustic hotpot with lotus field views. $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND). Address: My Hoa Commune, Thap Muoi. Open: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM. Tel: (+84) 918 107 132.

• Hotels and Homestays:

  • Lotus Haven Homestay: Tan Quy Dong, Sa Dec (4 km). $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 939 123 456.

  • Mekong Charm Hotel: 120 Tran Hung Dao, Sa Dec (1 km). $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 927 345 678.

  • Sen Vang Resort: Cao Lanh (35 km). $90–$180/night (2,250,000–4,500,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 913 789 123.

• Restaurants:

  • Pho Sa Dec (Sa Dec, 1 km): Rice noodle soup, crab hotpot sides. $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND). Open: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.

  • Tam Nong Local Eatery (Tam Nong, 40 km): Rustic crab hotpot. $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND). Open: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Cafes:

  • Sa Dec River Cafe (Sa Dec, 500 m): Riverside views, coffee $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Open: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.

  • Lotus Bloom Cafe (Tan Quy Dong, 4 km): Lotus tea, coffee $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Open: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.

Tip: Support local eateries using fresh, local crabs; carry VND for small vendors.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable culinary visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season. Modest clothing for cultural respect.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone for photos; portable charger for market visits.

• Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag for souvenirs, straw to support sustainability.

Tip: Use a small backpack for convenience; carry VND for market vendors.

• Dining:

  • Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND) per hotpot (serves 2–4).

  • Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Activities:

  • Cooking classes: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

  • Market visits: Free entry; snacks $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

  • Boat tours to nearby attractions: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Accommodation:

  • Homestays: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).

  • Hotels: $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Transport to Sa Dec:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND).

  • Taxi from My Tho: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $20–$50 (homestay, market dining, local transport).

• Mid-range: $50–$100 (hotel, cooking classes, dining).

• Luxury: $100–$200 (hotel, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs are available in Sa Dec and My Tho.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for flood season (August–October) or Tet (January–February).

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Rainy Season: Peak crab availability; bring waterproof gear.

  • Dry Season: Ideal for dining and markets; pack sunscreen.

• Sustainability: Support restaurants using locally sourced crabs and greens; avoid single-use plastics.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Nha Hang Sen Viet as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables at busy markets; confirm prices before ordering.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); tip chefs or guides $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent near waterways.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng and beyond:

• Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Taste Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng at Nha Hang Sen Viet, visit Sa Dec Night Market, join a hotpot cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90/person): Enjoy crab hotpot, cycle through Sa Dec Flower Village, take an electric boat tour in Tram Chim National Park. Includes transfers, snacks, guide.

• Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Pair hotpot dining with visits to Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, Thap Muoi Lotus Festival. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Savor crab hotpot, explore Xeo Quyt, stay at homestays ($15–$30/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!

Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng, a savory, communal hotpot with paddy crab paste, embodies the rustic culinary heritage of Dong Thap Province, a Mekong Delta gem located 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Priced at $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per pot, this tangy dish, featuring crab paste, tamarind, and fresh herbs, is savored at vibrant markets like Cao Lanh Market or eco-tourism sites such as Tram Chim National Park. Legend Travel Group’s Dong Thap Tours guide you to enjoy this iconic hotpot, ensuring a sustainable Dong Thap Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and community support, paired with visits to Gao Giong Lotus Pond and Sa Dec Flower Village. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-conscious culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste the tangy Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng in Dong Thap Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in the Mekong Delta’s culinary charm!

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:

• Lẩu Riêu Cua Đồng Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, vnexpress.net, tnktravel.com