Mắm Tôm Chà: A Bold Tien Giang Delicacy in My Tho and Go Cong

In the coastal and riverine heart of Tien Giang, mắm tôm chà (fermented shrimp paste) is a bold culinary icon, especially in Go Cong and My Tho. This pungent, savory dish, crafted from fresh shrimp and paired with rice noodles, pork, and herbs, embodies the Mekong Delta’s rich food heritage. Known for its intense aroma and umami flavor, it’s a must-try for adventurous foodies visiting Tien Giang’s vibrant markets and eateries. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers curated foodie tours to experience this delicacy while exploring My Tho and Go Cong’s eco-attractions. Start your culinary adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as its bustling hub, now includes the former Dong Thap Province, enhancing its culinary and cultural appeal. Upgraded eco-friendly infrastructure, such as electric boats and coastal cycling paths, supports sustainable exploration of Go Cong and My Tho’s food scenes, aligning with the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tour operator, dedicated to showcasing Vietnam’s culinary and cultural treasures. Our Tien Giang tours blend eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—with authentic tastings of mắm tôm chà, guided by local experts. Supporting coastal and riverine communities, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for a bold, eco-conscious culinary journey!

Mắm tôm chà, a fermented shrimp paste specialty, thrives in Go Cong’s coastal villages and My Tho’s vibrant markets, where the Tien River’s bounty provides fresh shrimp. This dish, with its robust flavor, is typically served as a dipping sauce or mixed with rice noodles, pork, and herbs, balancing its intensity with fresh ingredients. Tien Giang’s tropical climate—dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F)—ensures year-round fresh produce, enhancing the dish’s vibrant accompaniments. Enjoy it in Go Cong’s seafood markets or My Tho’s eateries, paired with eco-tours for a complete Mekong experience.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• Fresh shrimp (500g, small, wild-caught, preferably with roe)

• Sea salt (100g)

• Sticky rice (50g, cooked and fermented for 2–3 days)

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

• Chili (1–2, minced, optional)

• Sugar (1 tsp, optional)

• Accompaniments:

  • Thinly sliced pork belly (200g, boiled)

  • Rice noodles (bún, 400g)

  • Fresh herbs: mint, Vietnamese coriander, perilla, lettuce

  • Cucumber (1, sliced)

  • Pickled carrots (1/2 cup)

  • Roasted peanuts (2 tbsp, crushed)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare Shrimp: Rinse fresh shrimp thoroughly to remove impurities. Drain and pat dry.

2. Ferment Shrimp: Mix shrimp with sea salt in a clean, dry ceramic jar. Add fermented sticky rice as a starter. Seal tightly and ferment at room temperature for 7–10 days, stirring daily until the mixture becomes a smooth, pungent paste.

3. Season Paste: Blend fermented paste with minced garlic, chili, and sugar (if using) for balance. Transfer to a clean jar for storage.

4. Serve Dish: Boil rice noodles and pork belly. Arrange noodles, pork, herbs, cucumber, and pickled carrots in bowls. Add a small spoonful of mắm tôm chà as a dipping sauce or mix into noodles for flavor. Sprinkle with peanuts.

5. Enjoy Mekong Style: Wrap noodles, pork, and herbs in lettuce, dip in mắm tôm chà, and savor the bold, savory taste.

Tips: Dilute mắm tôm chà with a splash of lime juice or boiled water to reduce intensity. Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Store paste in a cool, dry place for up to a month.

1. Go Cong Seafood Market

A coastal hub in Go Cong, offering mắm tôm chà dishes and fresh paste from local producers.

• Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving; paste $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) per jar.

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Freshly made paste, authentic seafood dishes, vibrant market vibe.

• Tips: Buy paste as a souvenir; included in our Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90).

2. My Tho Night Market

A bustling food court on 30/4 Street, serving mắm tôm chà with noodles at affordable stalls.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Lively atmosphere, diverse Mekong dishes, budget-friendly.

• Tips: Arrive by 7:00 PM for freshest options; included in our My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

3. Mekong Taste Restaurant (My Tho)

A riverside eatery in My Tho, offering refined mắm tôm chà dishes with premium ingredients.

• Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Elegant presentation, riverfront seating, balanced flavors.

• Tips: Reserve for sunset dining; included in our Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. Tan Thanh Beach Eateries

Coastal shacks near Go Cong’s Tan Thanh Beach, serving mắm tôm chà with seafood and ocean views.

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

• Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Fresh shrimp paste, beachfront ambiance, relaxed dining.

• Tips: Pair with a coastal bike ride; included in our Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90).

• Taste at Markets: Sample mắm tôm chà at Go Cong’s seafood market or My Tho’s night market for an authentic experience.

• Join Cooking Workshops: Learn to make shrimp paste in Go Cong or My Tho, guided by local artisans ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Pair with Eco-Tours: Combine tastings with coastal bike rides, canal cruises, or visits to Tan Thanh Beach for a full Tien Giang adventure.

• Dine at Homestays: Enjoy homemade mắm tôm chà at Thoi Son Island homestays, paired with cultural exchanges.

• Explore Local Cuisine: Complement with Tien Giang specialties like bún gỏi già or grilled horseshoe crabs.

• Tips:

  • Dilute paste slightly for milder flavor; pair with extra herbs to balance pungency.

  • Book guided foodie tours for curated tastings; included in our eco-tours.

  • Visit in summer for vibrant markets and fresh shrimp harvests.

My Tho, Tien Giang’s hub, is the gateway to Go Cong (50 km away):

• By Bus:

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours, 70 km).

  • My Tho to Go Cong: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND, 1 hour).

  • Providers: Futa Bus (Tel: +84 1900 6067), Thanh Buoi.

• By Car/Taxi:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1.5 hours).

  • My Tho to Go Cong: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND, 1 hour).

  • Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84 2773 686 868), Grab app.

• By Motorbike:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours).

  • My Tho to Go Cong: 1 hour.

  • Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84 938 456 789).

• Tips:

  • Book buses via VeXeRe or Baolau for convenience.

  • Use offline maps (Maps.me); save Go Cong Seafood Market as a landmark.

  • Included in our Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90) for seamless transfers.

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for market visits and coastal dining; Tet (January–February) features festive food stalls.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery and fresh shrimp harvests; enjoy 10–20% tour discounts. August–October is perfect for vibrant markets.

• Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance for peak seasons; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack for a sustainable foodie trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; raincoat ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

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

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for markets; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

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

• Tech Gear: Smartphone for photos; portable charger; camera for food shots.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys, bamboo straw for sustainability.

Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.

• Mắm Tôm Chà Dishes: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per serving; paste $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) per jar.

• Activities:

  • Cooking workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

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

  • Bicycle rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Dining (Other Dishes): Grilled horseshoe crabs, bún gỏi già at eateries: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation (My Tho or Go Cong):

  • Homestays: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Hotels (e.g., Minh Kieu Hotel, My Tho): $20–$50/night (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Resorts: $80–$150/night (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

• Transport:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Taxi from My Tho to Go Cong: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $15–$35 (bus, market meals, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$70 (guided tours, restaurant dining, hotel).

• Luxury: $100–$180 (resorts, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Use ATMs in My Tho for cash; carry small VND notes for markets.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for Tet or summer.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Pack sunscreen; ideal for market and coastal visits.

  • Rainy Season: Bring waterproof gear; enjoy lush scenery.

• Sustainability: Support local shrimp farmers; use eco-transport like bicycles or electric boats.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Go Cong Seafood Market as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables at markets; handle paste jars carefully to avoid spills.

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

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

Our eco-friendly tours highlight Tien Giang’s culinary and coastal gems:

• Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90/person): Savor mắm tôm chà at Go Cong’s market, cycle coastal paths, and visit Tan Thanh Beach. Includes transfers, meals, guide.

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Taste mắm tôm chà, My Tho noodle soup, and join coconut candy workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Enjoy mắm tôm chà at My Tho’s night market, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, and experience “Don Ca Tai Tu” music. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Explore Go Cong, My Tho’s markets, and homestays ($10–$25/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!

Mắm Tôm Chà, a bold, savory taste of Tien Giang Region, Dong Thap Province’s Mekong Delta heritage, blends pungent shrimp paste with fresh noodles, herbs, and lime for a flavorful experience, priced at $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per serving. From Go Cong’s bustling seafood markets to My Tho’s vibrant eateries, this dish, often served with pork, peanuts, and chili, invites adventurous foodies to savor local traditions in Tien Giang, located 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Legend Travel Group’s Tien Giang Tours guide you to enjoy this delicacy, ensuring a sustainable Tien Giang Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and support for community vendors, paired with visits to Cai Be Floating Market and Vinh Trang Pagoda. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Tien Giang’s boldest dish with Mắm Tôm Chà? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s flavorful heart!

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:

• Mắm Tôm Chà Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, tnktravel.com, vinpearl.com