Discover Mè Láo sesame pies in Soc Trang with our guide! Explore their history, how they’re made, costs, and sustainable food tours. Book with Legend Travel Group for a delicious Mekong Delta adventure!
Capture the crispy allure of Mè Láo sesame pies’ 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 renowned for its rich Khmer and Chinese influences, located 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Among its culinary treasures, Mè Láo sesame pies stand out as a beloved treat, drawing food enthusiasts to local markets and festivals. These crispy, sesame-coated delicacies, with their airy taro filling, offer a unique taste of Soc Trang’s multicultural heritage. Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism through the “Mekong Green” initiative ensures an eco-friendly experience. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, offers immersive foodie tours to savor Mè Láo and explore Soc Trang’s culinary scene. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your gastronomic 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 Vinh Chau, 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 attractions are easily accessible, perfect for culinary exploration.
Photograph the cultural essence of Mè Láo sesame pies’ heritage (Source: Internet)Mè Láo, meaning “sesame lie” in Vietnamese, is a traditional Soc Trang delicacy introduced by Chinese immigrants centuries ago. Named for its deceptive appearance—round and plump yet airy inside—these pies are a playful culinary trick, as they appear filling but are light and crispy. Made from taro, glutinous rice flour, maltose, and sesame seeds, Mè Láo offers a contrast of textures: a crunchy, sweet sesame crust and a soft, airy taro core. Popular at Khmer festivals, Tet celebrations, and local markets, this treat symbolizes Soc Trang’s Chinese-Khmer fusion, costing $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) per pack. Its long shelf life makes it a perfect souvenir, widely enjoyed across the Mekong Delta and Vietnam.
Mè Láo’s origins trace back to Chinese settlers in Soc Trang during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), who brought their confectionery techniques to the Mekong Delta. The name “Mè Láo” emerged from local Khmer and Vietnamese communities, humorously noting the pie’s deceptive size—looking substantial but light due to its airy taro filling. Traditionally handcrafted by Chinese families, the recipe was adapted using local ingredients like taro and sesame, abundant in Soc Trang’s fertile lands. Over time, Mè Láo became a staple at cultural events, symbolizing hospitality and festivity. Today, it’s a cherished part of Soc Trang’s culinary identity, with artisans preserving traditional methods while meeting modern food safety standards.
Experience Soc Trang Tours with sustainable culinary adventures (Source: Internet)Crafting Mè Láo is a meticulous process, blending traditional techniques with local ingredients:
Taro Preparation: Fresh taro is peeled, sliced, and sun-dried for 2–3 days to reduce moisture, then ground into a fine powder resembling rice flour.
Dough Formation: The taro powder is kneaded into a dough, shaped into small balls (about the size of a longan, 2–3 cm).
Coating: Each ball is wrapped in a thin layer of glutinous rice flour dough for crispiness.
Frying: The balls are deep-fried in oil until golden and crispy, ensuring a light texture.
Sweet Glaze: Fried balls are quickly dipped in warm maltose syrup, creating a glossy, sweet coating.
Sesame Finish: The pies are rolled in toasted sesame seeds, adding crunch and nutty flavor.
The result is a golden, sesame-encrusted pie with a crunchy shell and airy taro filling. Cooking classes in Soc Trang teach this art, costing $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
A bustling hub where vendors sell fresh Mè Láo alongside other specialties like Bánh Pía.
Cost: $0.50–$2/pack (12,500–50,000 VND, 200–500g).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Bargain gently for bulk buys. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
This lively morning market, 30 km from Soc Trang’s center, offers Mè Láo from boats, adding a unique riverine experience.
Cost: $0.60–$1.80/pack (15,000–45,000 VND, 200–500g); 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 fresh batches. Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80).
An evening market offering Mè Láo as a popular snack, often paired with lotus tea.
Cost: $0.50–$1.50/pack (12,500–37,500 VND, 200–500g).
Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.
Tip: Try with green tea ($0.50 or 12,500 VND). Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
Shops like Tân Huê Viên in Soc Trang Central Ward sell packaged Mè Láo, certified for quality and ideal as souvenirs.
Cost: $1–$3/pack (25,000–75,000 VND, 300–600g).
Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.
Tip: Check for vacuum-sealed packs for travel.
Start your Soc Trang Travel with a sweet bite (Source: Internet)Taste with Tea: Savor Mè Láo’s crispy, sweet flavor with green or lotus tea ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) at markets or local eateries, a traditional Soc Trang pastime.
Festival Sampling: Enjoy Mè Láo at Khmer festivals like Ooc Om Bok (October–November) or Tet (January–February, lunar calendar), where it’s a festive treat.
Cooking Classes: Learn to make Mè Láo in hands-on workshops with local artisans, mastering taro dough and sesame coating ($25–$45 or 625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Souvenir Shopping: Buy packaged Mè Láo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) as gifts, ensuring storage in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.
Cultural Immersion: Pair Mè Láo with Soc Trang’s Bún Nước Lèo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) at markets for a savory-sweet culinary contrast.
Tip: Enjoy Mè Láo slowly to appreciate its contrasting textures, and sip tea to balance the sweetness.
The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for market visits and outdoor dining, with February–April offering mild weather. The Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November) and Tet (January–February)are peak times to sample Mè Láo at cultural events, though prices may rise 10–20%. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) provides fewer crowds and 15–25% discounts, perfect for indoor cooking classes, but August–October may bring flooding. Visit markets early mornings (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) for the freshest pies. Check AccuWeather for forecasts.
Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks in advance for festival seasons to secure better rates. Combine Mè Láo tastings with festival visits for a cultural feast.
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, $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 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.
Mè Láo Costs:
Markets: $0.50–$2/pack (12,500–50,000 VND, 200–500g).
Specialty Shops: $1–$3/pack (25,000–75,000 VND, 300–600g).
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Transport:
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
Taxi/Grab (within Soc Trang): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Eco-Van (VCA to Soc Trang): $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Dining:
Street Food (e.g., Bún Nước Lèo, Bánh Cóng): $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:
Budget: $15–$40 (Mè Láo, street food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided tours, dining).
Luxury: $70–$110 (private tours, upscale dining).
Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for market purchases. Bargain gently for bulk Mè Láo deals.
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 festivals.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Markets are bike- and boat-friendly.
Sustainability: Use bicycles; buy Mè Láo from local vendors; carry reusable bags to align with Mekong Green initiatives.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors/guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); respect market etiquette by not handling goods excessively.
Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for markets; stay hydrated; check Mè Láo packaging for quality seals.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets; avoid flooded routes in August–October.
Savor Mè Láo and Soc Trang’s culinary heritage with our sustainable tours:
Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Soc Trang Central Market, Mè Láo tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Hau River cruise, Mè Láo vendors. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.
Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Mè Láo markets, Kh’leang Pagoda, Khmer Museum. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Mè Láo tastings, Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races. Includes eco-transfers and dining.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Mè Láo experiences, 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!
Mè Láo sesame pies, a delectable symbol of Soc Trang’s Chinese-Khmer culinary fusion, offer a crispy, sweet experience that captivates visitors in the Mekong Delta. From bustling markets to vibrant festivals, these pies tell a story of cultural heritage and local ingenuity. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours guide you to savor Mè Láo sesame pies sustainably, ensuring a Soc Trang Travel experience that supports local artisans and preserves traditions. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Mè Láo sesame pies adventure today to immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta’s flavorful heart!
Ready to taste Mè Láo sesame pies in Soc Trang? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a culinary journey!
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.
Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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