Mekong Delta cuisine draws tourists

Regional cuisine has long played a vital role in promoting, introducing, and retaining tourists. Each region of Vietnam boasts its own culinary specialties, and the Mekong Delta, with its agricultural heritage and river culture, has given rise to distinctive dishes that leave a lasting impression on visitors.

One standout dish is "bun nuoc leo”, a famous noodle soup in the southwestern region. Originating from the Khmer dish "num chooc," it was later adapted by the Kinh community into the renowned version enjoyed nationwide.

Provinces like Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, and Bac Lieu are celebrated for their authentic flavors, with Bac Lieu also offering other iconic dishes like spicy beef noodles, grilled spring roll noodles, and spicy steamed rice cakes.

The Mekong Delta is also synonymous with its seafood heritage. Products like dried fish and fermented fish have become quintessential gifts for visitors, symbolising the region’s centuries-old aquaculture traditions.

During the annual flooding season, the production of fermented fish reaches its peak, attracting tourists eager to witness and experience the craft firsthand.

The region is also famed for its folk cakes, made from simple yet versatile ingredients like rice, sticky rice, beans, coconut, and shrimp. These ingredients are transformed into a plethora of sweet and savory delights, from layered pigskin cakes to crispy pancakes and shrimp cakes.

Festivals dedicated to southern folk cakes provide tourists with a chance to savor these treats while exploring the region's traditional culture.

With hundreds of unique dishes, the Mekong Delta's cuisine acts as a special ambassador, drawing tourists to its festivals and events and serving as a key driver in promoting the region’s tourism./.