Savor Ben Tre’s Coconut Rice: Authentic Recipes, Prices, and Culinary Tours in Vinh Long

Nestled in Vinh Long province, Ben Tre ward, known as Vietnam’s “Coconut Kingdom,” is a culinary haven where coconut rice (cơm dừa) reigns as a beloved specialty. This aromatic dish, cooked inside a fresh xiêm coconut with its own sweet water, embodies the Mekong Delta’s ingenuity, blending the nutty, creamy essence of coconut with soft, fragrant rice. Paired with coconut milk-fried shrimp or local herbs, coconut rice offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, making it a must-try for foodies visiting Ben Tre’s lush coconut groves. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates immersive culinary tours that guide you to authentic eateries, markets, and cultural experiences like đờn ca tài tử music, ensuring a deep dive into Ben Tre’s flavors. Ready to savor this Mekong gem? Book your tour via the links on this page and embark on a delicious adventure in Vinh Long!

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with English-speaking guides, sustainable partnerships with Ben Tre’s local chefs and farmers, and seamless logistics. Our culinary tours inspire action, offering curated tastings of coconut rice alongside Mekong Delta highlights like Con Quy’s orchards and coconut candy workshops. Reserve your spot now and let us lead you to the heart of Ben Tre’s food culture!

Coconut rice is a culinary icon in Ben Tre, reflecting the ward’s 75,000 hectares of coconut groves, which produce over 600 million coconuts annually. Unlike standard rice dishes, cơm dừa is steamed inside a fresh xiêm coconut, using its sweet water to infuse the rice with a rich, nutty flavor. Inspired by bamboo-tube rice from Vietnam’s northern highlands, Ben Tre’s version, pioneered by local restaurateurs, elevates the dish with coconut milk-fried shrimp or roasted prawns, creating a greasy, aromatic experience, as noted by vietnamtrips.com. The dish’s simplicity—rice, coconut, and local spices—paired with its unique preparation, makes it a standout in Mekong Delta cuisine, often served at homestays or riverside restaurants.

Key Features

• Ingredients: Fragrant rice (e.g., nếp cái hoa vàng), xiêm coconut water, coconut milk, and optional shrimp or herbs.

• Preparation: Rice is steamed inside a hollowed coconut, balancing water for perfect texture.

• Flavor: Sweet, nutty rice with greasy, savory shrimp or herbs.

• Price: $1.20–$3.20 (30,000–80,000 VND)/portion, based on 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.

• Cultural Note: Symbolizes Ben Tre’s coconut-centric lifestyle, sustainable and resourceful.

Simple Ben Tre Coconut Rice Recipe

Recreate this Mekong delicacy at home (Serves 2):
Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice (nếp cái hoa vàng or jasmine rice)

• 1 fresh xiêm coconut (or 200ml coconut water)

• 100ml coconut milk

• 200g shrimp (peeled, deveined)

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp minced garlic

• 1 tsp chili paste (optional)

• Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear; drain and set aside.

2. Cut the top off the coconut, pour out water (reserve 200ml), and scrape out some flesh (optional).

3. Mix rice with 150ml coconut water and a pinch of salt; place inside the coconut shell (or a small pot if no coconut).

4. Steam in a rice cooker or steamer for 20–25 minutes until rice is soft and aromatic.

5. For shrimp: Marinate with fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili paste for 15 minutes.

6. Heat coconut milk in a pan over low heat, add shrimp, and cook until brick-red and glossy (5–7 minutes).

7. Serve hot rice from the coconut, topped with shrimp, herbs, and a drizzle of coconut milk.
   Tip: Use just enough coconut water to avoid soggy rice; serve immediately to prevent yellowing from coconut oil.

Ben Tre’s eateries, homestays, and markets serve authentic coconut rice, often paired with Mekong specialties. Below are the best spots with updated prices and locations:

1. Thuy Ta Riverside Restaurant

A scenic eatery offering coconut rice with coconut milk-fried shrimp, served with Mekong views and đờn ca tài tửmusic.

• Address: 108 Hung Vuong, Ward 5, Ben Tre, Vinh Long.

• Price: $2–$3.20 (50,000–80,000 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Contact: +84 275 382 4567

• Highlights: “Rich, aromatic rice with succulent shrimp” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Reserve a riverside table for dinner; pair with coconut water ($0.40–$0.80).

2. Mekong Rustic Homestay

A family-run homestay serving home-cooked coconut rice with roasted prawns, prepared fresh for an authentic experience.

• Address: Phu Da Hamlet, Vinh Binh, Cho Lach, Ben Tre, Vinh Long (15 km from center).

• Price: $1.60–$2.80 (40,000–70,000 VND)/portion; homestay $15–$30/night.

• Hours: By reservation (meals 11:00 AM–8:00 PM).

• Contact: +84 939 888 559

• Highlights: “Cozy, authentic Mekong dining” (Vietnamtrips.com).

• Tip: Book meals with a cooking class ($10); access via boat from Cho Lach ($5–$10).

3. Ben Tre Floating Restaurant

A unique dining experience on the Ham Luong River, serving coconut rice with shrimp and local herbs, ideal for tourists.

• Address: Ben Hung Vuong, Ward 2, Ben Tre, Vinh Long.

• Price: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Contact: +84 275 383 5678

• Highlights: “Scenic, flavorful meal” (Google Reviews, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit for lunch to enjoy river views; try with bánh xèo ($0.80–$1.60).

4. Phu Da Islet Homestays

Family-run eateries on Phu Da Islet offer coconut rice with coconut-fried shrimp, served in lush orchard settings.

• Address: Phu Da Hamlet, Vinh Binh, Cho Lach, Ben Tre, Vinh Long (15 km from center).

• Price: $1.20–$2.40 (30,000–60,000 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Highlights: “Rustic, fresh Delta flavors” (VnExpress International).

• Tip: Access via boat ($5–$10); combine with rice snail pancakes ($0.80–$1.60).

5. Ba Mu Bridge Market

A vibrant market with stalls serving coconut rice as a quick, affordable meal, often with grilled shrimp or herbs.

• Address: Nguyen Hue, Ward 4, Ben Tre, Vinh Long (2 km from center).

• Price: $1.20–$2 (30,000–50,000 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Highlights: “Authentic street food vibe” (Waytovietnam.com).

• Tip: Morning visits (8:00–10:00 AM) for freshest dishes; pair with coconut candy ($1–$2.40/300g).

Our guided tours immerse you in Ben Tre’s coconut rice culture, offering tastings at top venues and Mekong Delta adventures. All include transportation, English-speaking guides, and activities:

• Half-Day Coconut Culinary Tour ($35–$50 per person)
  Savor coconut rice ($2–$3.20) at Thuy Ta Riverside, taste kẹo dừa ($1–$2.40/300g) at Ben Tre Night Market, and enjoy đờn ca tài tử music ($1–$3). Includes coconut water ($0.40–$0.80).

• Full-Day Mekong Foodie Adventure ($65–$85 per person)
  Dine on coconut rice ($1.60–$2.80) at Mekong Rustic Homestay, visit Thanh Long Coconut Candy Factory ($1.20–$2.40/300g), and cruise Con Quy canals ($5–$10). Includes bánh xèo lunch ($0.80–$1.60).

• Private Coconut Rice Experience ($60–$100 per person, minimum 2 people)
  Customize with coconut rice at Phu Da Islet ($1.20–$2.40), a cooking class to make the dish ($10 extra), and a visit to Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary ($0.80–$1.20). Includes a gift pack of candy ($1–$3).

• Combo Festival and Coconut Rice Tour ($70–$90 per person, April–May)
  Experience the Ben Tre Coconut Festival (free entry, crafts $1–$20), taste coconut rice ($1.20–$2) at Ba Mu Bridge Market, and visit My Tho’s Turtle Island ($5–$10 boat). Includes hủ tiếu ($0.80–$1.60).

• Multi-Day Mekong Delta Culinary Journey ($150–$250 per person, 2–3 days)
  Enjoy coconut rice at Ben Tre Floating Restaurant ($2–$3), explore Cai Be Floating Market ($5–$10 boat), and visit Cai Mon orchards ($1–$2). Includes homestay at Mekong Rustic ($15–$30/night) and meals.

Prices include guides, transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. Group discounts for 10+ travelers. Book now for seasonal promotions!

Coconut rice is a hallmark of Ben Tre’s coconut-centric cuisine, leveraging the ward’s 600-million-coconut output to create a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. The use of xiêm coconuts, prized for their sweet water, and the meticulous steaming process inside the shell set it apart, as highlighted by legendtravelgroup.com. Paired with coconut milk-fried shrimp, the dish offers a greasy, savory contrast to the rice’s sweetness, making it a staple at festivals and homestays. Its cultural significance, rooted in Ben Tre’s coconut groves, reflects local resourcefulness, per legendtravelgroup.com. Tripadvisor reviews praise its “unique, aromatic flavor” but note hygiene concerns at markets; our tours ensure vetted vendors for safe, authentic dining.

The dry season (December–April) is ideal for dining at riverside restaurants or markets, with warm weather (27–35°C) enhancing outdoor experiences. The Ben Tre Coconut Festival (late April–early May) features coconut rice prominently, drawing foodie crowds. The rainy season (May–November) offers lush scenery; morning visits (8:00–11:00 AM) avoid showers. Coconut rice is available year-round, with fresh xiêm coconuts ensuring consistent quality, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Thuy Ta Riverside: 108 Hung Vuong, Ward 5 (1 km from center). Walkable or taxi/Grab $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Mekong Rustic Homestay: Phu Da Hamlet, Vinh Binh, Cho Lach (15 km from center). Taxi $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); boat $5–$10.

• Ben Tre Floating Restaurant: Ben Hung Vuong, Ward 2 (city center). Walkable or Xanh SM taxi ($1.16 for 2 km).

• Phu Da Islet: Vinh Binh, Cho Lach (15 km from center). Boat from Cho Lach ($5–$10); taxi to pier $5–$7.

• Ba Mu Bridge Market: Nguyen Hue, Ward 4 (2 km from center). Walkable or taxi $1–$2.

• Tip: Legend Travel Group’s tours include round-trip transfers for ease.

• Choose Reputable Venues: Opt for Thuy Ta or Mekong Rustic for hygienic preparation, as recommended by Mytour.vn; busy stalls ensure freshness.

• Pair with Shrimp: Coconut milk-fried shrimp enhances the rice’s sweetness; request herbs like cilantro for balance.

• Complement with Drinks: Enjoy with coconut water ($0.40–$0.80) or honey tea ($0.40–$0.80) for a Mekong touch.

• Visit Evenings: Riverside spots like Thuy Ta are liveliest from 5:00–8:00 PM, ideal for dry season dining.

• Bring Cash: Small VND notes (5,000–20,000) for stalls; some restaurants accept cards.

• Cultural Respect: Appreciate the dish’s coconut heritage; ask locals about preparation for deeper insight.

• Join a Guided Tour: Legend Travel Group’s tours ensure safe, authentic tastings, cultural context, and navigation ease, addressing hygiene concerns noted on Tripadvisor.

Ready to savor Ben Tre’s iconic coconut rice? Legend Travel Group makes it effortless:

1. Browse Tours: Explore our culinary tour options on this page (right or below).

2. Customize Your Trip: Contact us for private tours, foodie-focused itineraries, or festival packages.

3. Book Seamlessly: Secure your spot with a small deposit and enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.

4. Taste the Mekong: Our guides lead you to Ben Tre’s best coconut rice experiences with local expertise.

Book Now and let Legend Travel Group craft your unforgettable Ben Tre culinary journey!

Coconut rice (cơm dừa) is a culinary masterpiece of Ben Tre ward in Vinh Long province, blending fragrant rice with the sweet, nutty essence of xiêm coconut water, steamed to perfection inside the fruit’s shell. Paired with coconut milk-fried shrimp, it’s a beloved Mekong Delta dish that captures Ben Tre’s coconut-rich heritage. From riverside eateries like Thuy Ta to homestays on Phu Da Islet, this delicacy offers an authentic taste of local life. Legend Travel Group’s expertly crafted Ben Tre Tours provide a seamless, safe way to savor coconut rice, paired with Ben Tre’s cultural and natural wonders, from Con Quy’s orchards to the Coconut Festival, ensuring a sustainable Ben Tre Travel experience. Don’t just crave this Mekong delight—experience it. Browse our tours on this page and book your Ben Tre food adventure today!
Ready to taste Ben Tre’s coconut rice? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vinh Long’s culinary paradise!

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.