Ca Mau Cape is a haven for a wide array of creatures, ranging from seafood, river fish, and sky birds to frogs and mice. It is also renowned for its unique selection of insects, worms, pupae, and crickets, alongside hundreds of edible plants, fruits, and vegetables.
With such diverse culinary offerings, it’s no wonder you’re curious about what to eat in Ca Mau. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the cuisine of this southernmost point of Vietnam, and delve into the realm of Ca Mau local food and its rich gastronomic heritage.
Ca Mau Crab – A globally famous Ca Mau local food
When it comes to Ca Mau local food, one cannot overlook the famous Ca Mau crab. Known not only within the country but also exported to neighboring nations, Ca Mau crab is absolutely a culinary gem. Missing out on savoring this delectable delicacy during your visit to Dat Mui would be a big mistake.
There are two prominent types of crabs here. One is the firm, sweet, and fragrant crab, while the other is the red, greasy, and delicious brick crab. Just a glance at them is enough to make your mouth water. You can enjoy the delightful flavors of crab through various cooking methods, such as steamed, fried with tamarind, or in a flavorful crab hotpot.
Fortunately, Ca Mau crab is readily available at many local restaurants in the area. Here are a few recommended addresses in the city:
- Hanh Phuc Eatery: 174 Ngo Quyen, Ca Mau City
- Quat Mo Eatery: 14-16 Bui Thi Truong, Ward 5, Ca Mau City
- Pho Xua Restaurant: 239 Pham Ngoc Hien, Ward 9, Ca Mau City
Reference prices:
- Crab: 300,000 VND/kg
- Small brick crab: 450,000 VND/kg
- Big brick crab: 490,000 VND/kg
- Crab meat: 370,000 VND/kg
Grilled giant mudskipper – A nutritious Ca Mau local food
Another unique specialty of Ca Mau cuisine is the grilled giant mudskipper. Despite its unattractive appearance, this small fish is a true marvel as it can swim, run on water, walk on land, and even climb trees. Most importantly, giant mudskippers are highly nutritious, bone-free, and not fishy.
This rustic dish has become a favorite among many tourists, with various preparation methods available. You can enjoy grilled mudskipper, indulge in a flavorful hotpot, or try it in a savory pepper broth. Additionally, dried giant mudskippers can be purchased as delightful gifts for your friends and relatives after your trip.
Suggested addresses
- A Voi Eatery: 52 Ly Thuong Kiet, Ward 7, Ca Mau.
- Bon Phuong Tavern: 102 Highway 1A, Tac Van, Ca Mau.
- Reference price: 130,000 – 150,000 VND/kg.
U Minh fermented fish sauce hotpot (LαΊ©u mαΊ―m U Minh)
When exploring the Western region, one Ca Mau local food that you should not overlook is the lau mam U Minh. This hot pot is prepared with the distinct flavor of fermented Sac fish sauce, complemented by a touch of minced lemongrass to enhance the tantalizing aroma.
Lau mam U Minh includes an array of toppings such as fish, shrimp, squid, and fresh green vegetables found in the U Minh forest, including bitter vegetables, pepper elder, water lily, and more.
- Suggested address: Dong Que Fermented Fish Sauce Hot Pot: 91A Ton Duc Thang, Ward 5, Ca Mau.
- Reference price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/serving
Pupa bee salad – A unique Ca Mau local food
Deep within the U Minh Ha forest, there is a renowned profession of beekeeping that yields sweet and fragrant honey. In addition to the honey, the bee pupa is also used as a raw ingredient for processing, giving rise to the specialty dish of Ca Mau – puba bee salad.
This delightful dish is a must-try. The young bee pupa is mixed with herbs, cinnamon, coriander, and a sweet and sour fish sauce. This unique salad captures the essence of the U Minh Ha forest, offering a bold and flavorful experience.
Suggested addresses:
- Tan Tan Restaurant: 153A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ca Mau City.
- Hoang Ho Cuisine 2: 255A Tran Hung Dao, Ward 5, Ca Mau City.
- Reference price: 100,000 – 120,000 VND/serving
Rach Goc fermented sesarmid crab sauce (MαΊ―m ba khΓa RαΊ‘ch Gα»c)
Sesarmid crabs are members of the crab family and are commonly found in mangrove areas, where they feed on fallen black mangrove. As a result, their meat is firm and has a delicate flavor.
Sesarmid crabs are prepared in various ways, such as steaming, roasting, and baking. However, the most popular and renowned method is fermented sesarmid crab sauce. Despite being made into fermented sauce, sesarmid crab retains its unique flavor. When enjoyed with hot rice, this simple yet distinctive specialty captivates many visitors.
Recommended addresses:
- Hanh Phuc Restaurant – 174 Ngo Quyen, Ca Mau City
- Ca Mau Sea Restaurant – 218 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 5, Ca Mau City
- Reference price: 140,000 VND/kg.
Ri snake
Ri snake is a benign species of snake found in the freshwater area of U Minh Ha. This snake serves as a delicious Ca Mau local food rich in nutrients, making it beneficial for your health. Ca Mau’s snake dishes are prepared in various ways, including lemongrass stew with coconut water, stir-frying, and porridge.
Don’t be afraid to try this dish, as exploring the unique specialties of the western region allows you to better grasp the distinct culinary identity of the area.
Suggested addresses:
- Tam Do Snake Hotpot Restaurant – 84 Ba Thang Hai, Ward 5, Ca Mau City.
- Tan Tan Eatery – 153A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ca Mau City.
- Reference price: 600,000 – 700,000 VND/kg.
Spicy chicken with silkworm cake
When it comes to the specialties of Ca Mau, one dish that stands out is the silkworm cake. This delightful treat adds richness to your morning menu when exploring the southernmost tip of Vietnam. The combination of soft silkworm cakes, tender chicken pieces, and a flavorful curry broth will keep you indulging without even realizing it.
The unique flavor of the silkworm cake, paired with fresh green vegetables, makes every bite a spicy and aromatic delight for your taste buds. The price of Ca Mau silkworm cake is quite affordable, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND.
Suggested addresses:
- Dao Silkworm Cake: Ly Bon Street, Ward 4
- Eatery 206 on Tran Hung Dao, Ward 5
- Ms. Lan’s Silkworm Cake Eatery: Bui Thi Xuan, Ward 4
Ca Mau Shrimp Paste
Ca Mau shrimp paste is a traditional and comforting dish that is widely enjoyed by the locals. This rustic delicacy combines the crunchy texture of shrimp, the spiciness of chili and ginger, and the crispiness of papaya. The addition of shrimp paste adds a slightly sour and savory note, creating an incredibly appetizing dish.
You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to savor this treat; you can easily find it at local markets like agricultural product market. The price typically ranges from around 250,000 VND per kilogram for regular shrimp paste to about 170,000 VND for shrimp paste mixed with papaya.
Date worm – An adventurous Ca Mau local food
In the U Minh area, there’s a unique dish that some people might hesitate to try, which is date worm.
Date is typically found in mangrove areas, and it is inhabited by small, round white worms. The preparation is quite simple, as the date worms are soaked in delicious fish sauce and eaten directly. Although it may seem a bit “scary” at first, be brave and give it a try. You might be surprised to find that it becomes one of your favorite dishes!
Suggested addresses
- Hoang Ho Restaurant: 255 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 05, Ca Mau City
- Reference price: 30,000 to 40,000 VND per worm.
U Minh Forest Honey
U Minh forest honey is a true gem of the mangroves. It carries the distinct aroma of Melaleuca flowers and offers a special sweetness that is not only delightful but also beneficial for your health.
This honey is a signature specialty of Ca Mau and makes a perfect gift for your loved ones. However, be cautious, as there are counterfeit versions of this honey on the market. For your peace of mind, I recommend the following addresses where you can find genuine U Minh forest honey:
- U Minh Forest Honey: 64, 30/4 Street, Ward 5
- Farmers Market: Phan Boi Chau, Ward 7, Ca Mau City
With the 10 Ca Mau foods we have mentioned above, your upcoming trip is going to be an incredible and fulfilling experience. These dishes truly represent the essence of the heavenly and earthly treasures that Ca Mau cuisine possesses.
Not only will you get to savor mouthwatering dishes, but you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a lot of experiences while exploring the last frontier of our country. Read more of our Ca Mau travel guide to learn about the poetic natural landscapes and cultural wonders that await you in this remarkable land
- Best Ca Mau Travel Guide: A Must-Read Handbook for First-Time Explorers
- 10 Canβt Miss Ca Mau Restaurants for An Amazing Culinary Expedition
- 15 Ca Mau Tourist Attractions That Will Leave You In Awe
