Original Nem Nuong at Can Tho (Can Tho)

Original Nem Nuong at Can Tho (Can Tho) Vietnam

When mentioning nem nuong, many who have tried it in our country might recall familiar flavors. But for me, mr.hotsia, who traveled deep into southern Vietnam, especially Can Tho province, known locally as Can Tho, I found the authentic original nem nuong that is completely different from what I've tasted before.

Previously, I tried nem nuong in Nong Khai and even Luang Prabang in Laos. But standing here in Can Tho, I exclaimed to myself, “This is the real Vietnamese nem nuong.” Because here, they prepare it unlike anywhere in northern Vietnam or Thailand. I assume that the nem nuong we see in Thailand likely originates from southern Vietnam, which is the Mekong Delta region.

The nem nuong here has a distinct specialty: they do not dip thin rice paper sheets in water like we do at home. Instead, they cut vegetables into long strips about 2 inches and roll them with rice paper to eat. The vegetables used are not as varied as in Thailand; here, raw banana is the star of the vegetable platter. The nem nuong pork is shaped and grilled on individual skewers, emitting a fragrant aroma. I tried it and was impressed by the grilled pork here—much tastier and more aromatic than what I've had before.

Besides nem nuong, Can Tho also offers many local dishes I recommend trying. For example, “Grilled Pork Wrapped in Betel Leaves” is very popular in this city. I walked through the night market in the city center and found many stalls selling grilled betel leaf pork—almost ten stalls on some streets. The pork has a slightly sweet taste with the aroma of betel leaves, grilled fresh on the street, making it hard to stop eating.

Another dish mr.hotsia hasn't had the chance to try but has heard rave reviews about is “Sticky Rice with Fried Chicken Topping,” which is very popular at the Can Tho night market. Hot sticky rice served with crispy fried chicken in boxes is loved by both locals and tourists. The generous portion and satisfying taste made me postpone trying it, but for those who love full-flavored delicious food, this dish is a must-try.

Local Lifestyle and Atmosphere in Can Tho

Can Tho is a major city and the center of the Mekong Delta, which flows beautifully through this province. Locals mainly use boats for transportation and livelihood. Floating markets such asCai Rang Floating Marketand Phoung Dien Floating Market are lively and bustling places, especially in the morning when boats selling goods fill the river. I once took a boat tour of Cai Rang market myself and saw the organized yet busy atmosphere typical of southern Vietnam. This experience helped me understand why dishes like nem nuong taste different from northern Vietnam.

In downtown Can Tho, I recommend visiting the fresh marketCentral Marketlocated by the river. It is a bustling market with a wide selection of fresh produce, fruits, and seafood caught from the Mekong River. Also, if you enjoy relaxing, I often find time to sit and drink freshly blended fruit juices by the Mekong River in the evening, ordering durian or jackfruit smoothies without sugar. The sweet, mellow taste is so refreshing it makes you lose track of time. (Read more atDrinking Smoothies by the Mekong River)

Night Market and Street Food You Must Not Miss

In the evening after sunset, the Can Tho night market becomes lively with many street food stalls that I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying. Whether it’s grilled pork wrapped in betel leaves, sticky rice with fried chicken topping, or other local dishes with unique flavors for those who have never been to Can Tho before. (See details of the city and night market atCan Tho Night Market)

Strolling the night market while tasting delicious local food, then taking a dinner cruise on the Can Tho River is a classic program I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend for travelers wanting to experience the authentic lifestyle and flavors of southern Vietnam. (Read more atCan Tho River Dinner Cruise)

Advice from mr.hotsia for Travelers

If you visit Can Tho, don’t forget to try the original nem nuong here. Although it looks simple, the unique taste and way of eating will leave a lasting impression. Grilled pork on skewers, fresh vegetables with only raw banana and a few others, yet surprisingly harmonious.

Also, if you have time, be sure to visit Cai Rang and Phoung Dien floating markets to see local life and buy fresh produce. Or enjoy a smoothie by the Mekong River in a relaxed evening atmosphere. Importantly, Can Tho is easy to travel to, with several main bus stations supporting intercity and provincial travel. (Read details atCan Tho Provincial Bus Stations)

Visiting Can Tho is not just sightseeing a big city but experiencing the real life of southern Vietnamese people who still preserve traditional food and culture remarkably. For me, mr.hotsia, this is a destination to recommend for food lovers and those wanting to truly experience life along the Mekong River.