Taste Ben Tre’s Coconut Rat Meat: Unique Dishes, Prices, and Culinary Tours in Vinh Long

Nestled in Vinh Long province, Ben Tre ward, Vietnam’s “Coconut Kingdom,” is renowned for its lush coconut groves and vibrant Mekong Delta cuisine, where coconut rat meat stands out as a daring local delicacy. These field rats, which feed on coconut palms, are transformed into flavorful dishes like grilled, steamed, or curried rat, offering a greasy, aromatic taste unique to Ben Tre’s culinary heritage. Unlike urban rodents, these rats are clean, feeding on natural coconut, making them a prized ingredient in rustic Mekong kitchens. For adventurous foodies, tasting coconut rat meat is a cultural immersion into Ben Tre’s resourcefulness and bold flavors. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates immersive culinary tours that guide you to authentic eateries and markets, pairing rat dishes with iconic kẹo dừa(coconut candy). Ready to embrace this Mekong specialty? Book your tour via the links on this page and dive into Ben Tre’s daring cuisine!

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with English-speaking guides, sustainable partnerships with Ben Tre’s local chefs, and seamless logistics. Our culinary tours are designed to inspire action, offering safe, curated tastings of coconut rat meat alongside Mekong Delta adventures like sampan cruises and orchard visits. Reserve your spot now and let us lead you to the heart of Ben Tre’s food culture!

Coconut rat meat comes from field rats (Rattus argentiventer) that inhabit Ben Tre’s coconut plantations, feeding on coconut flesh and palm shoots. Unlike urban rats, these rodents are considered clean and safe for consumption, with a diet that imparts a sweet, nutty flavor to their meat. Locals, viewing the rats as pests that damage coconut trees, have turned them into a culinary asset, preparing them in various dishes that highlight their tender, greasy texture. Popular preparations include grilling with lemongrass, steaming in rice cookers, or currying with coconut milk, as noted by scootersaigontour.com. The dishes are often served with fresh herbs, rice, or bánh xèo, reflecting Mekong Delta ingenuity.

Key Features

• Source: Field rats from coconut groves, clean and coconut-fed.

• Preparation: Grilled, steamed, curried, or roasted with spices like lemongrass and chili.

• Flavor: Greasy, tender, with a nutty, coconut-infused taste.

• Price: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND)/portion, based on 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.

• Cultural Note: A sustainable practice turning pests into protein, rooted in rural resourcefulness.

Simple Coconut Rat Meat Recipe (Grilled)

Try this authentic Ben Tre-style grilled coconut rat meat at home (Serves 2):
Ingredients:

• 2 field rats (cleaned, gutted, fur removed; substitute with chicken if unavailable)

• 2 tbsp lemongrass, finely minced

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp monosodium glutamate (optional)

• 1 tsp chili paste

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint) and rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Clean rats thoroughly, removing fur and innards; rinse and pat dry.

2. Mix lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, MSG (if using), chili paste, and oil to make a marinade.

3. Rub marinade over rats, ensuring even coating; marinate for 30 minutes.

4. Grill over medium charcoal or gas for 10–15 minutes, turning until golden and cooked through.

5. Serve hot with fresh herbs, rice, and a side of fish sauce dip (fish sauce, lime, chili).
   Note: Source clean, farm-raised rats or use chicken for safety; ensure thorough cooking.

Ben Tre’s local eateries, markets, and homestays serve coconut rat meat, often prepared fresh for adventurous diners. Below are the best spots with updated prices and locations:

1. Ben Tre Night Market

A bustling hub offering coconut rat dishes at street food stalls, grilled or curried, alongside bánh xèo ($0.80–$1.60).

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

• Price: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Highlights: “Lively, affordable street food” (Tripadvisor, 4/5 stars).

• Tip: Look for stalls with fresh ingredients; try grilled rat with chili sauce.

2. Thuy Ta Restaurant

A riverside eatery serving coconut rat dishes like steamed or curry, paired with Mekong specialties like coconut-fried shrimp ($2–$4).

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

• Price: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Contact: +84 275 382 4567

• Highlights: “Rustic, flavorful Mekong cuisine” (Google Reviews, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Reserve a table for dinner; try steamed rat with rice for a milder flavor.

3. Mekong Rustic Homestay

A homestay offering authentic coconut rat meals prepared by local families, often grilled or curried, with a cultural dining experience.

• Address: Phu Da Hamlet, Vinh Binh, Cho Lach, Ben Tre, Vinh Long.

• Price: $2.50–$4.50 (62,500–112,500 VND)/portion; homestay $15–$30/night.

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

• Contact: +84 939 888 559

• Highlights: “Home-cooked, immersive experience” (Vietnamtrips.com).

• Tip: Book meals in advance; combine with a cooking class ($10).

4. Phu Da Islet Local Eateries

Small family-run stalls on Phu Da Islet serve coconut rat alongside rice snail pancakes ($0.80–$1.60), offering a rustic dining setting.

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

• Price: $2–$3.50 (50,000–87,500 VND)/portion.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM.

• Highlights: “Authentic Delta flavors” (VnExpress International).

• Tip: Access via boat from Cho Lach ($5–$10/group); try curry rat with herbs.

5. Ba Mu Bridge Market

A local market with food stalls offering grilled coconut rat, a favorite among Ben Tre residents, served with rice and herbs.

• Address: Nguyen Hue, Ward 4, Ben Tre, Vinh Long.

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

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Highlights: “Vibrant, local dining” (Waytovietnam.com).

• Tip: Morning visits (8:00–10:00 AM) for freshest dishes; pair with coconut water ($0.40–$0.80).

Our guided tours immerse you in Ben Tre’s daring culinary scene, offering safe, curated tastings of coconut rat meat alongside Mekong Delta adventures. All include transportation, English-speaking guides, and activities:

• Half-Day Street Food Adventure ($35–$50 per person)
  Taste coconut rat meat ($2–$4) at Ben Tre Night Market, paired with bánh xèo ($0.80–$1.60) and coconut candy ($1–$2.40/300g). Includes a visit to Thuy Ta for honey tea ($0.40–$0.80).

• Full-Day Mekong Culinary Journey ($65–$85 per person)
  Dine on coconut rat curry ($3–$5) at Mekong Rustic Homestay, visit Thanh Long Coconut Candy Factory ($1.20–$2.40/300g), and cruise Con Quy canals ($5–$10). Includes đờn ca tài tử music ($1–$3).

• Private Foodie Quest ($60–$100 per person, minimum 2 people)
  Customize with coconut rat at Phu Da Islet ($2–$3.50), a cooking class to prepare 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 Rat Meat Tour ($70–$90 per person, April–May)
  Experience the Ben Tre Coconut Festival (free entry, crafts $1–$20), taste grilled rat ($2–$3) at Ba Mu Bridge Market, and visit My Tho’s Turtle Island ($5–$10 boat). Includes banh mi xiu mai ($0.60–$1.20).

• Multi-Day Mekong Delta Foodie Adventure ($150–$250 per person, 2–3 days)
  Savor coconut rat at Thuy Ta ($3–$5), 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 rat meat reflects Ben Tre’s sustainable culinary ethos, transforming a coconut-damaging pest into a delicacy, as noted by legendtravelgroup.com. Unlike urban rats, these field rats feed on clean coconut, yielding tender, flavorful meat that locals grill, steam, or curry with coconut milk, per vnexpress.net. The dish’s greasy, nutty taste, enhanced by lemongrass or chili, makes it a bold highlight of Mekong Delta cuisine, often paired with rice or herbs. Its rarity—available mainly at local markets or homestays—adds exclusivity, though some tourists find it daunting, per Tripadvisor. Our tours ensure hygienic preparation by vetted vendors, addressing hygiene concerns and offering a safe tasting experience. Ben Tre’s coconut-rich environment, producing 600 million coconuts annually, shapes this unique dish, making it a must-try for adventurous palates.

The dry season (December–April) is ideal for street food exploration, with warm weather (27–35°C) perfect for market visits and outdoor dining. The Ben Tre Coconut Festival (late April–early May) showcases coconut rat dishes alongside kẹo dừa, drawing foodie crowds. The rainy season (May–November) offers lush scenery but requires morning visits (8:00–11:00 AM) to avoid showers. Rat meat is available year-round, as field rats are abundant in coconut groves, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Ben Tre Night Market: Hung Vuong, Ward 2 (city center). Walkable; taxi/Grab $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Thuy Ta Restaurant: 108 Hung Vuong, Ward 5 (1 km from center). Walkable or taxi $1–$2.

• 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.

• 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 convenience.

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

• Start Mild: Try steamed or grilled rat for a less intense flavor; curry is bolder with coconut milk.

• Pair with Sides: Enjoy with rice, herbs, or bánh xèo ($0.80–$1.60) to balance the greasy taste; coconut water ($0.40–$0.80) complements.

• Visit Evenings: Markets like Ben Tre Night Market are liveliest from 5:00–8:00 PM, ideal for dry season dining.

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

• Cultural Respect: Embrace the local practice; politely decline if unsure, as it’s a specialty, not a staple.

• 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 taste Ben Tre’s daring delicacy? 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. Savor the Bold: Our guides lead you to Ben Tre’s best coconut rat meat experiences with local expertise.

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

Coconut rat meat, a daring delicacy in Ben Tre Region, Vinh Long Province, the Mekong Delta’s "Coconut Kingdom" 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City, transforms a coconut pest into a greasy, flavorful dish, priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving, drawing adventurous food lovers yearly. Savor grilled coconut rat at Ben Tre Night Market or curried versions at Mekong Rustic Homestay, reflecting local resourcefulness and the region’s coconut-rich heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Ben Tre Tours provide a safe, sustainable Ben Tre Travel experience, blending eco-friendly practices like responsibly sourced ingredients with culinary tastings, visits to Cai Mon Orchard, Con Phung Island, and Kẹo Dừa (coconut candy, $0.50–$1, 12,500–25,000 VND) workshops. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to try Ben Tre’s coconut rat meat? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s culinary daring!

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:

• Coconut Rat Meat Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vemekong.com, lilystravelagency.com, vietnamnet.vn, scootersaigontour.com, mekong-delta-tours.com