Best Restaurants in Can Tho 2026: Bun Ca, Hu Tieu and River Seafood

Can Tho’s food is southern Vietnamese with Mekong Delta specialties. Fresh river fish, tropical fruits, and the southern Vietnamese noodle and rice culture are all present.

Bun Ca (fish noodle soup)

A southern Vietnamese noodle soup specific to the delta region. Thin rice vermicelli in a clear fish-based broth, topped with fresh fish slices, tomato, and fresh herbs. Lighter and less spiced than the central Vietnamese bun bo Hue.

Available at street stalls throughout the city. ₫30,000–50,000 ($1.20–2) per bowl.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh noodle soup)

The Mekong Delta version of the Chinese-Cambodian noodle soup. A clear pork bone broth with flat rice noodles, pork slices, shrimp, quail eggs, and liver. The Cambodian influence reflects the historical border trade in the delta region.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang restaurants near the Cho Can Tho market: Active from early morning. ₫35,000–60,000 ($1.40–2.40).

Lau Mam (fermented fish hotpot)

A Mekong Delta specialty that is challenging for newcomers — a hotpot based on mam (fermented fish paste) broth with fresh river fish, prawns, pork, water spinach, and lotus stems. The fermented fish base has a very strong smell that moderates when cooked. An acquired taste but genuinely characteristic of the delta.

Available at riverside restaurants in Can Tho: ₫150,000–350,000 ($6–14) per person.

Fresh river fish

The delta’s freshwater fish — catfish (ca ba sa, ca tra), snakehead fish (ca loc), and various smaller species — are available fresh at the Can Tho market and at riverside restaurants. Whole grilled catfish with garlic and butter (ca nuong mo hanh), steamed fish with ginger, and fish hotpot are the main preparations. ₫100,000–250,000 ($4–10) per dish.

Banh Mi Tay

A large format banh mi specific to southern Vietnam — longer, thicker, and more generously filled than the standard. Available from bakeries near the market. ₫25,000–45,000 ($1–1.80).

Ninh Kieu riverside restaurants

The waterfront restaurants serve Vietnamese and seafood menus at mid-range prices. The view of the river and the evening atmosphere compensate for prices slightly above the street food equivalents. ₫100,000–250,000 ($4–10) per person.

The Can Tho night market (Cho Dem)

An evening market near the city centre with fresh fruit, grilled meats, and dessert stalls. A good evening walk-through with the local population. ₫15,000–50,000 ($0.60–2) per item.