Savoring Rat Meat in Can Tho: A Unique Mekong Delta Culinary Adventure

Can Tho City, the bustling heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a culinary paradise renowned for its vibrant street food scene, and rat meat stands out as one of its most adventurous dishes. Following the merger of Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho has become Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, attracting millions to its iconic floating markets, lush orchards, and unique gastronomic offerings. Known as a traditional delicacy in the Delta, rat meat—sourced from clean, field-dwelling rodents—offers a surprisingly delicious taste, prepared in diverse styles like grilled, fried, or curried. Aligned with Can Tho’s “Green Delta” sustainability initiatives, exploring this dish through eco-friendly food tours provides an authentic cultural experience. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable culinary tours let you savor this bold delicacy while discovering Can Tho’s heritage—book your tour via the links throughout this guide

Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia adventures. Our Can Tho food tours use low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the Delta’s culinary and cultural traditions. Supporting vendors in Ninh Kieu and Cai Rang Wards, we align with Can Tho’s eco-vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and taste Can Tho responsibly!

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Ninh Kieu as the central hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to culinary hotspots like Tran Phu Night Market and Cai Rang Floating Market. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers seamless exploration of its food scene.

Rat meat, locally known as “thịt chuột đồng,” is a traditional delicacy in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta, distinct from urban rodents. These field rats, primarily rice-field rats (Rattus argentiventer), feed on rice grains and vegetation, making them a clean, safe protein source. A staple for Delta farmers historically, rat meat is now a culinary curiosity, celebrated for its tender, slightly gamey flavor, often compared to lean chicken or rabbit. Prepared in diverse styles—grilled, stir-fried, curried, or in sour soup—it reflects Can Tho’s resourceful food culture. The dish is seasonal, peaking during the rice harvest (September–November), and is served at local eateries and markets, embodying the Delta’s agricultural heritage.

Key Characteristics:

• Source: Clean field rats from rice paddies, not urban areas.

• Flavor: Tender, gamey, similar to lean poultry.

• Preparation: Grilled, fried, curried, or in soups with local herbs.

• Cultural Significance: A traditional farmer’s dish, now a culinary adventure for tourists.

Why It’s Unique: Its clean sourcing, diverse preparations, and cultural roots make it a bold yet authentic taste of the Mekong Delta.

Tip: Pair with a cold local beer ($1 or 25,000 VND) for the full experience, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

Rat meat is a culinary adventure that sets Can Tho apart as a foodie destination in the Mekong Delta. Historically consumed by farmers during rice harvests to manage field pests, it has evolved into a delicacy celebrated for its unique flavor and cultural significance. Unlike urban rats, these field rats are raised in clean, rice-paddy environments, ensuring safety and quality. The dish’s versatility—grilled with lemongrass, stir-fried with garlic, or simmered in tangy soup—appeals to adventurous eaters. Trying rat meat offers a rare opportunity to engage with Can Tho’s agrarian traditions and bold culinary creativity, making it a must for food enthusiasts visiting the Delta.

Why It Stands Out:

• Clean, field-sourced rats ensure safety and quality.

• Diverse preparations showcase Can Tho’s culinary ingenuity.

• Connects visitors to the Delta’s agricultural heritage.

Tip: Start with grilled rat for a beginner-friendly taste, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).

Preparing rat meat requires careful sourcing and traditional techniques. Here’s a simplified recipe for grilled rat, a popular Can Tho style:

1. Source Field Rats: Purchase fresh, cleaned field rats from trusted vendors at markets like Tran Phu Night Market ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND per kg). Ensure they’re from rice paddies for safety.

2. Clean and Prep: Rinse thoroughly, remove entrails, and marinate with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, chili, and sugar ($0.50 or 12,500 VND for spices) for 30 minutes.

3. Grill: Skewer or place on a charcoal grill over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, turning frequently until golden and crispy.

4. Serve: Garnish with rau răm (Vietnamese coriander) or laksa leaves ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) and serve with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, lime, chili, and garlic ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

Tip: Join a cooking class to learn authentic preparation, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

Total Cost for Homemade (4–6 servings): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for ingredients.

Can Tho’s vibrant food scene offers numerous spots to savor rat meat, from bustling markets to local eateries. Here are the top places:

1. Tran Phu Night Market

This seafood-heavy market features stalls serving grilled or stir-fried rat meat, perfect for an evening culinary adventure.

• Location: Tran Phu Street, Cai Khe Ward, 1 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.

• Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per serving (200–300g).

• Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Try grilled rat with rau răm, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

2. Cai Rang Floating Market

Some floating vendors offer rat meat dishes, prepared fresh on boats, adding a unique water-based dining experience.

• Location: Cai Rang Ward, 6 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.

• Cost: $2.50–$5 (62,500–125,000 VND) per serving; boat tour $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Hours: 5:00 AM–10:00 AM, peak 5:30–7:30 AM.

• Tip: Sample during a sunrise tour, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

3. Hẻm Vịt Nấu Cháo (Hot Pot Alley)

Known for duck hot pot, this alley also features eateries serving rat meat in curries or stir-fries, offering a cozy dining vibe.

• Location: Lê Lợi Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, 1 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.

• Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Order curry rat for a flavorful dish, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).

4. Đề Thám Street (Gastronomy Street)

Eateries like Quán Lẩu Đồng Quê specialize in Delta delicacies, including rat meat prepared in sour soup or grilled styles.

• Location: Đề Thám Street, Cai Rang Ward.

• Cost: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Reserve a table for dinner, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

5. Phong Dien Eco-Tourism Areas

Eco-gardens like Lê Lộc Ecotourism Area serve rat meat as part of farm-to-table meals, offering a sustainable dining experience in lush settings.

• Location: Phong Dien Ward, 15 km from Ninh Kieu Wharf.

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

• Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Tip: Combine with a garden tour, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

Tip: Choose vendors with high turnover for freshness and safety, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); carry small notes (50,000–500,000 VND) for street vendors.

• Dining Costs: Rat meat $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per serving; other street food $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Tipping: Optional; $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for guides or exceptional service.

• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls for fresh food; drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) and carry hand sanitizer.

• Language: Say “ngon” (delicious) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) to connect with vendors.

Getting Around Can Tho for Rat Meat

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND) for market visits.

• Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND) for rural eateries.

• Taxi/Grab: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) within 1–15 km.

• Electric Boat: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND) for Cai Rang dining.

• Tip: Use eco-friendly bikes or boats via Xanh SM app, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

The dry season (January–May) offers pleasant weather (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F), ideal for market visits and outdoor dining. The rainy season (June–December) brings cooler temperatures (22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F) and peak rat season (September–November), when field rats are most abundant during rice harvests, ensuring the freshest dishes. Rat meat is typically served in the afternoon and evening (4:00 PM–10:00 PM), perfect for market strolls or dinner stops. The Cai Rang Floating Market Festival (April) adds vibrant culinary events.

• Peak Season (January–May): Book tours early for festivals.

• Shoulder Season (March–April, November): Mild weather, fewer crowds, best rat availability.

• Tip: Visit in September–November for the freshest rat meat; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

• Book Tours Early: Reserve eco-tours via Legend Travel Group (sales@legendtravelgroup.com, WhatsApp +84825862222) 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for January–May.

• Health Precautions: Ensure rats are field-sourced and freshly cooked; inform vendors of dietary needs.

• Sustainability: Choose eateries supporting local farmers to align with Can Tho’s green goals; avoid plastic waste.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for markets and eateries.

• Safety: Secure valuables at markets; choose reputable vendors for hygiene.

• Cultural Respect: Embrace the dish as a cultural experience; say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors.

• Photography: Capture dishes respectfully, avoiding vendors’ workspaces without permission.

Our sustainable tours let you savor rat meat and Can Tho’s culinary treasures:

• Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Tran Phu Night Market, Cai Rang Floating Market, rat meat tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.

• Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang Floating Market breakfast with rat meat options, canal cruise. Includes electric boat and guide.

• Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Hẻm Vịt Nấu Cháo, Đề Thám Street, local stalls with rat meat. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

• Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, Phong Dien eco-gardens with Delta dishes. Includes boat rides and eco-transfers.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Floating markets, homestays ($10–$25/night), food tours with rat meat. Includes transfers, meals, and activities.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and entrance fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!

Rat meat is a bold and authentic culinary experience in Can Tho City, showcasing the Mekong Delta’s resourceful food culture and agrarian traditions. From grilled skewers at Tran Phu Night Market to floating feasts at Cai Rang, this unique delicacy offers adventurous eaters a taste of the Delta’s heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours pair rat meat with Can Tho’s floating markets, orchards, and cultural sites, ensuring a sustainable Can Tho Travel experience filled with immersive exploration. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Can Tho culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Can Tho’s daring delicacy? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful Mekong Delta journey!

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