Food is a reason in itself to come to the Mekong Delta, and Can Tho is the best place to taste it all in one evening. The delta’s cooking leans on river fish, fresh herbs, coconut, palm sugar and tropical fruit, and it is generally a little sweeter than northern Vietnamese food. This tour, titled as a food tour voted by locals with a vegan option, takes you through the city’s street stalls and small restaurants with a guide who knows what to order and how to eat it. Typical stops on a Can Tho food tour include a stall serving rice vermicelli with fish broth, grilled pork or seafood skewers, savoury pancakes, rice paper rolls, a bowl of sweet soup with beans and coconut cream, and fresh sugarcane juice. Eating this way is sociable and relaxed, and you often sit on low plastic stools beside local diners, which is exactly the point. For many visitors it is the highlight of their time in the city, because the flavours are so different from tourist menus. A good guide also helps with etiquette, hygiene and the order in which to eat things.
How it works
The tour is guided and runs in the evening or afternoon, with transport between stops by foot, car or scooter, depending on the operator. The title says a vegan option is available, so tell the operator when you book if you eat no meat or fish, and also mention allergies. Group sizes are normally small. The price is moderate, and food and drinks at the stalls are normally included, but confirm before you go.
What to expect
Can Tho’s food scene is built around the river and the surrounding farmland. Expect dishes with noodles and broth, dishes with herbs picked that morning, and desserts based on mung beans, coconut and jelly. Portions are sampling sizes, so you can eat at many stops without being stuffed.
The guide orders, explains the ingredients and teaches you to season by taste with chilli, lime and fish sauce. Stalls can be noisy and hot, and the surfaces are not polished, but they are generally busy, which is a good sign of freshness. Bring a relaxed attitude to hygiene and sit where the guide recommends.
Making the most of it
Arrive hungry but not starving, wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, and carry small notes for extras such as coffee or a drink to take back to your hotel. If you have a delicate stomach, drink bottled water and ask the guide about spice levels.
The tour is a great way to start a stay in the city, since the guide can also recommend breakfast places, markets and restaurants for later in the week. Families can join if children enjoy new foods, though the evening can be late for little ones.
Combine this tour with a river sunset first and you have a complete evening, but allow time for a gentle walk afterwards to settle your stomach. Many visitors find that the best part is learning how to order for themselves afterwards, so ask your guide to write down the names of three dishes you liked in Vietnamese, and show the note at the next stall. It turns a single evening into a set of tools for the rest of your stay, and it gives you the confidence to try the places you passed on the walk back.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening food tour with tastings at street stalls and small restaurants in Can Tho.
Best time
Evening, when stalls are busiest and the air is cooler.
How long
Around three hours.
Tips
Arrive hungry, wear comfortable shoes and tell the operator about dietary needs when booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to taste the delta’s street food with a guide.
- Families
- Good for adventurous children, though it can run late.
- Couples
- Social, flavourful and relaxed.
- Pair with
- The Hau River sunset cruise before dinner.
- Time needed
- Three hours.
Good questions
Is there a vegan option?+
The tour title says a vegan option is available. Tell the operator when you book.
Is food included in the price?+
Tastings are normally included. Confirm what is covered, especially drinks.
What foods will I try?+
Expect noodle soups, grilled snacks, savoury pancakes, rice paper rolls and sweet desserts, depending on the route.
Is street food in Can Tho safe?+
Busy stalls with high turnover are a good sign. Your guide will steer you to reliable places.
How long is the food tour?+
Plan on around three hours, with stops and short transfers.
