Top 10 Must-Try Special Foods in My Tho, Tien Giang

My Tho, the vibrant heart of Tien Giang, is a culinary haven in the Mekong Delta, offering a rich tapestry of dishes that blend fresh riverine ingredients, tropical fruits, and traditional recipes. From the iconic Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho noodle soup to the crispy Bánh Vả, My Tho’s food scene reflects the region’s cultural heritage and agricultural bounty. Whether dining at bustling markets or serene homestays, these specialties captivate foodies with their bold flavors and local charm. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly foodie tours to savor these dishes while exploring My Tho’s orchards and waterways. Start your culinary adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as its bustling hub, now includes the former Dong Thap Province, enhancing its appeal as a premier culinary and eco-tourism destination. Upgraded infrastructure, including cycling paths and electric boat networks, supports sustainable visits to My Tho’s markets and attractions, aligning with the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tour operator, dedicated to showcasing Vietnam’s culinary and cultural treasures. Our Tien Giang tours combine eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—with curated tastings of My Tho’s iconic dishes, guided by local experts. Supporting local vendors and farmers, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious culinary journey!

My Tho’s cuisine is a celebration of the Mekong Delta’s fertile lands and rivers, featuring dishes made with fresh seafood, pork, and tropical herbs. From street food stalls to riverside restaurants, the city offers a range of flavors, from tangy bún gỏi già to smoky chả nướng Chợ Gạo. The region’s tropical climate—dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F)—ensures year-round fresh ingredients. Pair dining with eco-tours to orchards, markets, or cultural sites like Vinh Trang Pagoda for a complete My Tho experience. Below are the top 10 must-try foods in My Tho, Tien Giang.

1. Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho (My Tho Rice Noodle Soup)

A Mekong Delta icon, this noodle soup features chewy Cố Cát rice noodles, a sweet broth of pork bones and dried seafood, and toppings like shrimp, pork, and herbs.

• Cost: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per bowl.

• Where to Try: Hủ Tiếu Sâu Sen (148 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 2, My Tho); My Tho Night Market (30/4 Street).

• Tasting Tips: Add lime and chili for a zesty kick; try the dry style (khô).

• Tour Option: Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

2. Ốc Gạo Tân Phong (Tan Phong Rice Snails)

Plump, turquoise-shelled snails from Tan Phong Island, boiled or stir-fried with ginger, served with a tangy fish sauce dip.

• Cost: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per serving.

• Where to Try: Tan Phong Island homestays; My Tho Night Market (30/4 Street).

• Tasting Tips: Pair with rice wine; try snail porridge for a hearty option.

• Tour Option: Tan Phong Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

3. Sam Gò Công (Go Cong Horseshoe Crabs)

Grilled female horseshoe crabs with egg-filled abdomens, served with herbs, pickled carrots, and fish sauce dip.

• Cost: $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND) per crab.

• Where to Try: Go Cong Seafood Market; Mekong Taste Restaurant (30/4 Street, My Tho).

• Tasting Tips: Enjoy with sour pomelo; best during egg season (October–February, lunar calendar).

• Tour Option: Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90).

4. Chuối Quết Dừa (Banana Mixed with Sliced Coconut Meat)

A rustic dessert of boiled bananas ground with coconut meat, served with a savory-sour fish sauce dip.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per serving.

• Where to Try: Thoi Son Island homestays; Chợ Hàng Bông Market (23 Le Thi Phi, My Tho).

• Tasting Tips: Add chili for a spicy twist; enjoy as a snack or dessert.

• Tour Option: Thoi Son Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

5. Cá Lóc Nướng Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish)

Fresh snakehead fish grilled over straw, served with rice vermicelli, herbs, and a salt-chili or fish sauce dip.

• Cost: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) per serving.

• Where to Try: Nhà Hàng Nổi TTC Bến Tre (Tien River, My Tho); Cai Be Fruit Market eateries.

• Tasting Tips: Wrap in rice paper with herbs for authentic flavor.

• Tour Option: Cai Be Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

6. Bánh Bèo Chợ Hàng Bông (Bloating Fern-Shaped Cake)

Steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp, mung bean paste, pork skin, and a fish sauce dip, served at My Tho’s iconic market.

• Cost: $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND) per serving (4–6 cakes).

• Where to Try: Chợ Hàng Bông Market (23 Le Thi Phi, My Tho); Dì Năm Restaurant (981 Tran Hung Dao, My Tho).

• Tasting Tips: Drizzle with sauce for balanced flavor; eat hot for best texture.

• Tour Option: My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

7. Chả Nướng Chợ Gạo (Chợ Gạo Grilled Pork Cake)

Smoky pork cake grilled in banana leaves with duck eggs, served with rice paper, herbs, and a sweet-sour dip.

• Cost: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per serving.

• Where to Try: Chợ Gạo Food Market; Mekong Taste Restaurant (30/4 Street, My Tho).

• Tasting Tips: Wrap in rice paper with extra herbs; best during Tet.

• Tour Option: Chợ Gạo Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

8. Mắm Tôm Chà (Cha Fermented Shrimp Paste)

Pungent shrimp paste from Go Cong, served as a dip with pork, rice noodles, and herbs.

• Cost: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per serving; $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) per jar.

• Where to Try: Go Cong Seafood Market; My Tho Night Market (30/4 Street).

• Tasting Tips: Dilute with lime juice for milder flavor; pair with boiled pork.

• Tour Option: Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90).

9. Bún Gỏi Già (Tamarind Broth with Rice Noodle)

A tangy noodle soup with tamarind broth, shrimp, pork, and herbs, balancing sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

• Cost: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per bowl.

• Where to Try: Phúc Anh Asian & European Buffet (7N/14 Doc Binh Kieu, My Tho); Thoi Son Island homestays.

• Tasting Tips: Add chili for a spicy kick; best with fresh herbs.

• Tour Option: Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

10. Bánh Vả (Va Cake or Giá Cake)

Crispy rice cakes filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, served with rice noodles and fish sauce dip.

• Cost: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per serving.

• Where to Try: Go Cong Tay food stalls; Mekong Taste Restaurant (30/4 Street, My Tho).

• Tasting Tips: Wrap in rice paper for a textural delight; add extra tapioca for chewiness.

• Tour Option: Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

• Dine at Markets: Visit My Tho Night Market (30/4 Street) or Chợ Hàng Bông for affordable street food ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Join Cooking Workshops: Learn to cook dishes like Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho or bánh bèo at homestays or restaurants ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Pair with Eco-Tours: Combine dining with cycling through orchards, electric boat cruises, or visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda for a full Mekong adventure.

• Explore Homestays: Savor home-cooked meals at Thoi Son or Tan Phong homestays, featuring dishes like chuối quết dừa.

• Cultural Immersion: Pair meals with “Don Ca Tai Tu” music performances for a cultural feast.

• Tips:

  • Request extra herbs or chili for authentic flavors.

  • Book guided foodie tours for curated dining; included in our eco-tours.

  • Visit in summer for vibrant markets or Tet for festive menus.

My Tho, Tien Giang’s culinary hub, is easily accessible:

• By Bus:

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours, 70 km).

  • Providers: Futa Bus (Tel: +84 1900 6067), Thanh Buoi.

• By Car/Taxi:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1.5 hours).

  • Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84 2773 686 868), Grab app.

• By Motorbike:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours).

  • Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84 938 456 789).

• Tips:

  • Book buses via VeXeRe or Baolau for convenience.

  • Use offline maps (Maps.me); save My Tho Night Market as a landmark.

  • Included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450) for seamless transfers.

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for market dining and outdoor exploration; Tet (January–February, lunar calendar) features festive menus.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery and fresh ingredients; enjoy 10–20% tour discounts.

• Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance for peak seasons; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack for a sustainable foodie trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; raincoat ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for markets; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone for photos; portable charger; camera for food shots.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys, bamboo straw for sustainability.

Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.

• Dining: $1–$12 (25,000–300,000 VND) per dish, depending on venue; drinks $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Activities:

  • Cooking workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Boat tours to Thoi Son/Tan Phong: $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND).

  • Bicycle rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Accommodation (My Tho):

  • Homestays (e.g., Happy Farm Tien Giang Homestay): $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Hotels (e.g., Central Plaza Hotel My Tho): $20–$50/night (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Resorts: $80–$150/night (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

• Transport:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Taxi within My Tho: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $15–$35 (bus, market meals, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$70 (guided tours, restaurant dining, hotel).

• Luxury: $100–$180 (resorts, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Use ATMs in My Tho for cash; carry small VND notes for markets.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for Tet or summer.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Pack sunscreen; ideal for market dining and outdoor seating.

  • Rainy Season: Bring waterproof gear; enjoy lush river views.

• Sustainability: Support local vendors; use eco-transport like bicycles or electric boats.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Hủ Tiếu Sâu Sen as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables at markets; respect vendor stalls.

• Cultural Respect: Greet staff with “xin chào” (hello); tip servers $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent at riverside venues.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Tien Giang’s culinary and cultural gems:

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho, bánh bèo, and join coconut candy workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Taste dishes at My Tho Night Market, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, and enjoy “Don Ca Tai Tu” music. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Thoi Son Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Enjoy chuối quết dừa at homestays, canal cruises, and orchard visits. Includes boat transfers, snacks, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Explore My Tho’s markets, Cai Be Floating Market, and homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.

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

My Tho, Tien Giang, is a culinary paradise, offering a vibrant array of dishes from Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho to sam Gò Công. These top 10 must-try foods capture the essence of the Mekong Delta’s flavors and traditions. With Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours, you’ll savor these specialties while exploring My Tho’s markets, orchards, and cultural sites. Plan your culinary adventure with our guide and book your eco-tour today!

Ready to taste My Tho’s culinary treasures? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Tien Giang’s flavorful heart!