Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan, a coastal province in south-central Vietnam, is a port city with a bustling harbor. Colorful boats gently sway in the water, waiting to take local fishermen out to sea. In the early morning, the day’s catch is carefully gathered from wide nets and brought to the market where animated women juggle a variety of squirming seafood amidst the bustling crowds and gossip.
While Phan Thiet is famous for its seafood and fish sauce, those in search of the funky liquid gold should head to Phu Quoc. Many travelers merely pass through Phan Thiet as it serves as a gateway to the popular beach destination of Mui Ne. However, make sure to stop for at least a day to savor the fresh, local delicacies offered in town. Not far from Tran Hung Dao bridge, a strip of seafood restaurants tantalize visitors with an array of seafood prepared in every way imaginable. Select your dinner from a fish tank and pay by weight before choosing your preferred cooking style. Sample the various options – stewed with ginger and lemongrass, pan-fried with tamarind, or grilled with garlic – before settling on your favorite.
Although every dish in Binh Thuan is delightful, here is a guide to some of the region’s unmissable cuisine. Don’t pass through without trying these specialties:
Banh Re Phan Thiet / Phan Thiet Re Cake
Source: Internet
Banh Re, or “Re cake,” is a sweet and crispy delicacy made from sweet potato or cassava mixed with granulated sugar. While Banh Re actually originated in Ninh Thuan, it is widely recognized that no one makes it quite like Binh Thuan. People from all over the country travel to Binh Thuan to buy these cakes and bring them back as gifts. Despite its simplicity in terms of ingredients, producing excellent Banh Re requires skill and experience. The tubers used must be carefully selected for their freshness, sweetness, and age. After they are chosen, they are processed, grated, mixed with sugar, and fried until they become perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy on the inside. Enjoy Banh Re as a simple snack, and be sure to bring some home as a souvenir. Pairing it with a glass of hot tea on a cool day truly brings out the flavor and texture.
Cha Ca Phan Thiet / Phan Thiet Fish Cake
Source: Internet
Cha Ca, or fish cakes, are a well-known Vietnamese delicacy, but they are particularly divine in Binh Thuan. These fish cakes are made from various types of fish fillets marinated in spices and then fried, steamed, or boiled. They have a distinct fishy and fatty taste, but the fragrance and flavors are surprisingly delicate. Typically, Cha Ca is enjoyed with soup and noodle dishes. Banh canh cha ca, or fish cake soup, is the most irresistible option in Phan Thiet. The broth, made from pork bones, fish, and mushrooms, is served with rice noodles and additions like quail eggs alongside the fish cakes. Different vendors offer a variety of sides and fish cake options. Add fresh chilis to taste – most people in Binh Thuan like their banh canh cha ca quite spicy. For an authentic Binh Thuan lunch, dip a piece of crispy bread into the thick broth.
Banh Can / Rice Pancake
Source: Internet
Banh Can is a southern Vietnamese specialty, often referred to as “rice pancakes.” The distinction between banh can and other similar dishes like banh xeo or banh beo beautifully illustrates the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. Despite using the same ingredients and similar cooking styles, different regions produce completely different dishes. Banh Can are tiny, crispy rice flour pancakes. The rice flour batter is poured into a clay mold resembling a flat cupcake tray. As they bake, each cake is topped with meat, shrimp, or squid, as well as fried green onions, which form a crispy layer on top. Different restaurants serve banh can with various dipping sauces and sides, from minced star fruit and mango to braised fish and meatballs.
Grape Wine at RD Winery
Source: Internet
While grape wine is typically associated with Dalat, Phan Thiet has positioned itself as a true wine city. The wine experience in Binh Thuan revolves around RD Winery, a wine castle inspired by California’s Napa Valley, sprawling over 12,000 hectares. The castle, built with ancient European architecture, features a grand central courtyard, a dome, and a tower offering panoramic views of the grounds. Spread across three floors, the rooftop houses a museum, shopping area, orchid garden, and a scenic bar and cafe. On the ground floor, you can indulge in wine tastings and explore a wine market. The basement serves as an exhibition space, showcasing around 20,000 preserved bottles of wine.
The raw ingredients for the wine at RD Winery are imported from Napa Valley Vineyards and then processed on-site in Phan Thiet. Visitors can witness the wine production process and taste the results. Although the winemaking grapes are imported, more than 13 different grape varieties are grown here, including those used for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Syrah. During the harvest season, guests have the opportunity to work with the gardeners, learning about pest control, fertilization, and the conditions that transform good grapes into excellent wines. Regardless of the season, strolling through the gardens of “wine country” in Vietnam is a delightful experience.
So, if you find yourself in Binh Thuan, don’t miss the chance to indulge in these amazing local delicacies. Each dish offers a unique taste of the region’s culinary treasures. Remember to bring your appetite and a sense of culinary adventure!
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