Can Tho Restaurants and Dining

(Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam)



For the most part, Can Tho is non-touristy on the dining scene and you have more chance of authentic Vietnamese eating here than Ho Chi Minh City. Eating out in Can Tho is also cheaper than the big city, and especially so in the nearby (relatively) city of My Tho - Tien Giang's capital.

Most restaurants and similar dining venues are located in the city centre, along the left bank of the Can Tho River, going up beyond Ninh Kieu Park and the wharf. While prices in this area are naturally more than the markets and standard eateries, the quality and availability of dishes is good.


What to Eat, and Where

Popular places to eat out at in Can Tho include in the Central Market at the riverside, and further downstream at Ninh Kieu Park, where there are several excellent seafood eateries offering dining with river views. It is also in this area where the Du Thuyen boat restaurant moors up. This cool boat does nightly dinner river trips.

Another popular eating area in Can Tho is around the centrally located D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia. This area has many local restaurants and is a lot less touristy (and cheaper) than the popular riverfront area, where most tourists head.

A particularly notable local eatery is Song Hau, on Duong street near Can Tho University. Alo, on CMT8, is also popular and has a good choice and great prices. This lively dining establishment is on Duong Cach Mang Thang near the ferry pier. For snacks, try the Co-op Mart on the Hoa Binh Boulevard, which is conveniently close to the Can Tho Museum.

Can Tho is especially known for its exotic fruit and vegetables, and is the top place in the country for trying them out. Popular fruits include mango, orange, grapefruit, pomelo (a giant citrus fruit), jackfruit and the pungent durian. You can pick these up in markets whole, or check out any number of cafés and restaurants that do shakes and fruit salads. Other local Vietnamese dining specialities include turtle, frog and various exotic fish dishes.