Discover Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province’s iconic stir-fried noodles, grilled sausage, and other specialties. Book eco-friendly foodie tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta culinary adventure.
Capture the flavorful essence of Ca Mau’s culinary gemBac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a culinary treasure in the Mekong Delta, renowned for its bold, rustic flavors and fresh ingredients. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually to its vibrant food scene, featuring dishes like Bun Xao Nem Nuong (stir-fried noodles with grilled sausage) and Lau Mam (fermented fish hotpot). 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). Bac Lieu’s cuisine reflects its diverse Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa heritage, offering a taste of the Mekong Delta’s soul.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours to Bac Lieu, pairing culinary experiences with sustainable practices like local sourcing and low-impact transport. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta culinary adventure.
Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Bac Lieu’s bustling markets and homestays, within 1–15 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 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.
Photograph the vibrant allure of Ca Mau’s food scene (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu’s cuisine is a vibrant mix of rustic street foods and sophisticated dishes, showcasing local ingredients like freshwater crabs, rice noodles, and tropical herbs. Below are the top specialties, updated with current dining options, replacing outdated references like Bang Tam restaurant (relocated or closed) with fresh recommendations.
Description: A beloved Bac Lieu specialty, Bun Xao Nem Nuong features thick, soft rice noodles stir-fried with savory grilled pork sausage (nem nuong), served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a tangy fish sauce dip. The dish balances smoky, salty, and fresh flavors, perfect for a quick meal.
Details:
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per bowl.
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1, open 5:00–9:00 PM); Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND for dining with cooking class).
Access: Walk to Bac Lieu Night Market or book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for guided dining.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local ingredients; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Tip: Try with extra chili for a spicy kick; visit evenings for the liveliest market atmosphere.
Description: A Mekong Delta classic, Lau Mam is a fragrant hotpot with a fermented fish broth, featuring snakehead fish, catfish, or shrimp, paired with lotus stems, eggplants, and water spinach. Served with rice vermicelli, it’s a communal dish bursting with umami.
Details:
Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for 2–4 people.
Where to Find: Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1); Riverside Eco Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, includes dining with stay, $15–$40/night or 375,000–1,000,000 VND).
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for a hotpot experience with market visits.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose homestays using locally sourced fish; avoid plastic packaging.
Tip: Pair with a side of Banh Xeo ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND) for a full meal.
Description: A rich dish of thick rice noodles coated in creamy coconut milk, topped with minced pork, shrimp, and herbs, served with a side of fish sauce and chili. Its creamy texture and savory toppings make it a Bac Lieu favorite.
Details:
Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per bowl.
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1); Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2).
Access: Walk or cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND) to vendors; book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using biodegradable serving materials; use reusable bags for takeout.
Tip: Add cucumber slices for crunch; visit Quan An Ngon for a sit-down experience.
Description: A local delicacy, Ba Khia is a brackish-water crab prepared as a salad, stir-fry, or tamarind-sauced dish. Its sweet, tender meat pairs with herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, reflecting Bac Lieu’s coastal bounty.
Details:
Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) per dish.
Where to Find: Coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward (near Bac Lieu Wind Farm); Mekong Breeze Homestay.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130) for coastal dining.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose sustainably sourced crabs; support local fishers.
Tip: Try tamarind-sauced Ba Khia at coastal stalls; visit during lunch hours (11:00 AM–2:00 PM).
Description: Crispy, deep-fried fritters made with mung bean batter, shrimp, and green onions, served with fish sauce and herbs. A popular street food, Banh Cong is a must-try for its crunchy texture and savory flavor.
Details:
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per portion.
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1); street stalls near Quan Cong Pagoda (Tac Say Ward).
Access: Walk or book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for a guided street food crawl.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local shrimp; bring reusable containers for takeout.
Tip: Pair with a cold coconut ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a refreshing combo.
Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): A bustling hub open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Bun Xao Nem Nuong, Banh Cong, and more. Free entry; food costs $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND).
Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): Offers cooking classes ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) and dining with Lau Mam or Banh Tam Bi. Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): A cozy eatery for Banh Tam Bi and Bun Xao Nem Nuong, open 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam, ideal for group dining.
Coastal Stalls (Vinh Trach Dong Ward, 20 km): Fresh Ba Khia and seafood near Bac Lieu Wind Farm; accessible via Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose eateries with local, sustainable ingredients; use reusable cutlery to reduce waste.
Start your Ca Mau Travel with lively vibes (Source: Internet)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.
Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for lush scenery and fresh ingredients. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.
Budget: Meals $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND); daily costs $18–$35 (budget), $40–$70 (mid-range), $90–$130 (luxury).
Sustainability: Support vendors using local, organic produce; carry reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Safety: Check for fresh ingredients; avoid street food during heavy rain. Carry hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Navigation: Most 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 good service.
Learn Ca Mau’s food heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Discover Bac Lieu’s flavors with our sustainable tour packages:
Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Bac Lieu Night Market, taste Bun Xao Nem Nuong, and cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Explore coastal stalls for Ba Khia, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and enjoy homestay dining. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Savor 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.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Ca Mau Travel (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, is a culinary haven in the Mekong Delta, where dishes like Bun Xao Nem Nuong, Lau Mam, and Ba Khia showcase its rich flavors and cultural heritage. From bustling night markets to cozy homestays, Bac Lieu offers a taste of authentic Mekong Delta cuisine. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours let you savor these delights while supporting sustainable practices and local communities, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary tour today!
Ready to taste Bac Lieu’s culinary treasures? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a delicious 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.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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