mr hotsia eats Silkworm at Vietnamese food court cafeteria Coop Mart.

mr.hotsia tries “silkworm” at the food court of Coop Mart in Vietnam

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to travel to Vietnam again. This time was special because I intended to try unusual local dishes that few dare to try. One of them is “silkworm,” which Vietnamese people simply call silk insects. They are well-seasoned and stir-fried at the food court of Coop Mart in Dong Xoai city, Binh Phuoc province. The atmosphere here is different from food courts back home because besides authentic Vietnamese food with many choices, there are also rare delicacies sold casually for tasting.

Coop Mart in Dong Xoai is one of the places I often visit when coming to this area because it is conveniently located in the city center and offers a variety of food at reasonable prices. Although it is street food in a food court zone, the taste and freshness are very good, especially the silkworm dish stir-fried with fragrant spices, salty and rich, eaten with hot steamed rice. I must say the flavor is uniquely delicious.

Experience eating silkworm at Coop Mart Dong Xoai food court

I walked into the food court on the second floor of the mall and saw the vendor stir-frying silkworms in a large pan. The aroma of spices immediately hit my nose. The silkworms used had their silk threads removed, leaving only the soft body that looked more appetizing than I expected. Some might be afraid or unfamiliar with eating insects, but for me, it was a great opportunity to experience authentic local flavors.

The silkworm stir-fry here is mixed with Vietnamese spices such as lemongrass, chili, and garlic, creating a balanced flavor with a slight saltiness and the richness of silkworm fat that offers a novel and delicious sensation. I ate it with hot steamed rice scooped from the curry rice section in the food court, enjoying a simple homemade taste without needing extra seasoning.

Coop Mart food court and local lifestyle

Besides silkworms, the Coop Mart food court reflects the lifestyle of people in Dong Xoai city very well. Locals often come here for lunch or dinner because it is convenient and cheaper than regular sit-down restaurants. The food court atmosphere is lively and friendly, filled with local conversations. I also chatted with vendors and customers, making me feel like visiting a friend's home.

Here you can also find popular Vietnamese dishes like chicken biryani, Vietnamese chicken rice, and grilled button squid, which I have tried on other trips in citiesNha Trangor other provinces I have written about on the website.mr.hotsiaIt is a fun culinary journey and a true cultural learning experience through food.

Connection with travel in northern Vietnam

Although this time I did not go in-depth into Lang Son province as I wrote before (Lang Son province, Vietnam), trying unusual food at Coop Mart food court in Dong Xoai is another perspective of northern Vietnam that many may not be familiar with. Most people here still enjoy eating insects and seasonal delicacies like silkworms. There are also many interesting natural and cultural attractions such as Ma San mountain or the Ky Cung river flowing through Lang Son city.

Why do I like eating local street food at Coop Mart?

Many may wonder why mr.hotsia chooses to eat this kind of food in a local department store instead of street stalls. I say Coop Mart food court offers more convenience and safety because most food is freshly prepared with a certain level of cleanliness. Also, prices are cheaper than sit-down restaurants, and importantly, there is a wide variety of food to choose from in one place. So I can eat silkworms, curry, chicken biryani, or fried dishes all in one meal.

Recommendation for travelers who want to try unusual foods

If you have a chance to visit northern Vietnam, especially around Dong Xoai city or Binh Phuoc province, I recommend stopping by Coop Mart and trying the stir-fried silkworm once. Don’t be afraid to try new things because this is the charm of travel that I, mr.hotsia, want to share so everyone can experience authentic local food.

If you enjoy reading about my travel and unusual food experiences in Vietnam, you can revisit articles about provinces such asLang Son provinceorBuddhist temples in Da Lat citythat I have written about.

This trip ends here. See you again with more unusual travel and food stories that mr.hotsia will take you on.