Explore Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province’s iconic dishes like Banh Xeo and Lau Mam with our culinary guide. Book eco-friendly foodie tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta experience.
Capture the crispy flavors of Ca Mau’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)
What to eat in Bac Lieu? (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a culinary gem in the Mekong Delta, celebrated 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. Its cuisine, influenced by Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa traditions, features dishes like Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes), Lau Mam (fish sauce hotpot), and Duong Cha La (date palm worms), showcasing the region’s coastal and agricultural bounty. 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 food scene is a vibrant reflection 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 delights with local experiences like market visits and cooking classes, using sustainable practices to support the community. 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, homestays, and eateries, within 1–20 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.
Bac Lieu Stir Fried Noodles and Grilled Sausage - "Bún xào Nem nướng" (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu’s cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of coastal and cultural flavors, updated to replace outdated venues like Bang Tam and Hong Gam restaurants (closed or relocated) with current recommendations. Below are the must-try dishes, all sourced sustainably to support local communities.
Description: Bac Lieu’s Banh Xeo is a golden, crispy rice pancake made with turmeric and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Served with lettuce, mint, and nuoc cham (fish sauce dip), it’s a seafood lover’s delight with a crunchy texture.
Details:
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1, 5:00–9:00 PM); Quan Banh Xeo Hai Nam (89 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Ward 2).
Access: Walk or book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors using local seafood; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Description: A communal hotpot with a fragrant broth made from fermented snakeskin gourami fish paste (mam ca sac), featuring shrimp, squid, fish, pork, and vegetables like lotus stems and water spinach. Served with rice vermicelli and chili-lime dip.
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); Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward).
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support eateries using local seafood; use biodegradable bowls.
Description: Chewy rice noodles tossed in a gelatinous sauce made from pork bones and shrimp, topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, and herbs. Served with nuoc cham for a savory, umami-rich experience.
Details:
Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Where to Find: Quan Hu Tieu Kim Anh (56 Hoang Van Thu St., Ward 3); Bac Lieu Night Market.
Access: Walk or book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with local ingredients; bring reusable containers.
Description: A spicy noodle soup with rice vermicelli, tender braised beef shanks, and a fiery broth of lemongrass, chili, and star anise, garnished with herbs and pork sausage.
Details:
Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Where to Find: Quan Bun Bo Cay Anh Nguyet (67 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 5); Bac Lieu Night Market.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable farms; use reusable cutlery.
Description: A small brackish-water crab with three distinctive stripes, prepared as tamarind stir-fries, salads, or fermented dips (mam ba khia). Its sweet, briny flavor pairs with rice or rice paper wraps.
Details:
Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Where to Find: Coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward; Mekong Breeze Homestay.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose sustainably sourced crabs; use reusable containers.
Description: An adventurous delicacy, these creamy red palm weevil larvae are grilled, stir-fried with tamarind, or fried in butter, offering a meaty, nutty taste.
Details:
Cost: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND).
Where to Find: Mekong Breeze Homestay; coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward.
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable harvesting; bring reusable cutlery.
Description: Tangy cattail stems from Bac Lieu’s wetlands, used in pickled salads or stir-fries with beef or shrimp, offering a crisp, sour flavor.
Details:
Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Where to Find: Bac Lieu Night Market; Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2).
Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable wetland harvests; use reusable containers.
Bac Lieu Dry Noodles - "Hủ tiếu mì khô Bạc Liêu" (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu Night Market (Ward 1): Open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Banh Xeo, Hu Tieu Mi Kho, and Bon Bon. Free entry; food costs $1.50–$6 (37,500–150,000 VND).
Mekong Breeze Homestay (Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km): Offers Lau Mam, Ba Khia, and Duong Cha La with cooking classes ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND). Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).
Quan An Ngon (45 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 2): Serves Bon Bon and Banh Xeo, open 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1): Specializes in Lau Mam, ideal for groups.
Quan Hu Tieu Kim Anh (56 Hoang Van Thu St., Ward 3): Offers Hu Tieu Mi Kho, open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Quan Bun Bo Cay Anh Nguyet (67 Cao Van Lau St., Ward 5): Known for Bun Bo Cay, open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Coastal Stalls (Vinh Trach Dong Ward, 20 km): Serve Ba Khia and Duong Cha La; 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 ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Braised Beef Noodles - "Hủ tiếu Bò kho" (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.
Fish Sauce Hotpot - "Lẩu mắm" (Source: Internet)Bicycles: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1 eateries.
Xanh SM Electric Taxis: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), great for coastal stalls.
Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km; use Grab or Xanh SM apps.
Walking: Free, suitable for Bac Lieu Night Market.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Bac Lieu Market.
Xeo Cake - "Bánh xèo" (Source: Internet)Dishes (Banh Xeo, Hu Tieu Mi Kho, Bun Bo Cay): $1.50–$5 (37,500–125,000 VND).
Lau Mam (Hotpot): $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) for 2–4 people.
Ba Khia, Duong Cha La: $3–$10 (75,000–250,000 VND).
Bon Bon: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Cooking Classes: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Beverages (Coconut, Coffee): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).
Motorbike Taxi: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km.
Budget: $18–$35 (self-guided market dining, cycling).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (guided food tours, homestay dining).
Luxury: $90–$130 (premium tours, upscale dining).
Three-striped Crab - "Ba khía" (Source: Internet)Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for fresh seafood but expect rain. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.
Sustainability: Support vendors using local, sustainable ingredients; 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: 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 excellent service.
Cha La Worms - "Đuông Chà Là" (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 for Banh Xeo and Hu Tieu Mi Kho, cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, and taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.
Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Savor Ba Khia and Duong Cha La at homestays, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and explore coastal stalls. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Explore 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.
Cattails - Bồn bồn (Source: Internet)Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, is a culinary paradise in the Mekong Delta, offering iconic dishes like Banh Xeo, Lau Mam, Hu Tieu Mi Kho, and adventurous Duong Cha La. From bustling night markets to sustainable homestays, Bac Lieu’s food scene captivates with its vibrant flavors and cultural heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours guide you through these specialties, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience while exploring attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary and supporting local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary tour today!
Ready to savor Bac Lieu’s culinary treasures? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful 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.
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