Can Tho’s culinary landscape stands as a vibrant bridge between the rustic river-market traditions and the refined flavors of the modern “Western Capital.”. This comprehensive Can Tho Restaurant guide explores the unique fusion of heritage villas, legendary street food institutions, and organic riverside dining, providing an essential overview of signature dishes and the immersive culinary journeys offered by Mekong Smile for travelers seeking a perfect balance between authentic heritage and modern comfort.
At Mekong Smile, we believe that food is the soul of the land. Spanning from the historic docks of Ninh Kieu to the bustling alleys of Cai Rang, our curated selection of Can Tho restaurants is a premier destination for travelers seeking a “transformative journey” that honors the environment while celebrating local craftsmanship.
Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide
Overview of Can Tho Restaurants
A Glance at Can Tho Restaurants
In Can Tho, don’t look for flashy menus. To eat like a local, you just need to be in the right place at the right time. Here is how our day unfolds:
- Early Morning: Start with a bowl of Hu Tieu or Bun Rieu at the Cai Rang floating market while the mist still hangs over the Hau River. That hot broth and crispy garlic aroma, mixed with the rhythm of boat engines, is the soul of this land. It’s rustic, hot, and incredibly refreshing.
- Mid-afternoon: Around 3 PM, as the sun softens, it’s time for “snacking.” You’ll find locals gathered around woks of crispy Banh Cong or Banh Xeo with a mountain of garden herbs.
- Evening: When the air cools, the rhythm shifts to “Nhậu”—not just drinking, but sharing. We gather by the river or in breezy gardens to share large platters—slow eating and real stories.
- The Vibe: Forget white tablecloths. In Can Tho, the best food is found on sidewalks or under simple thatched roofs. It’s about the generous, unpretentious spirit where a vendor’s smile is as genuine as the flavors they serve.
Step into our Can Tho Food Tour to have a wonderful night enjoiyng top-tier street food with local experts
Understanding Can Tho Restaurants
Stay here long enough and you’ll notice a few “hidden rules” that define our food:
- Seasonality: The menu changes when the “Flooding Season” arrives, bringing with it specific fish and flowers.
- Freshness: “Farm-to-table” isn’t a trend here; it’s a centuries-old necessity. Most vegetables were likely picked that morning.
- Dipping Culture: Every restaurant has a signature “Nước chấm.” The sauce is not a side; it is the soul of the dish that defines the establishment’s identity.
Video: The Spirit of Can Tho Restaurant & Food
Nam Bo Restaurant (L’Authentique)
For those seeking the most soulful gateway to Old Can Tho, this flawlessly restored colonial villa is an essential stop. Beyond the culinary offerings, the charm lies in the historical details—from the creaking wooden stairs to the spectacular view of the Hau River at sunset from the balcony. It stands as a testament to the city’s elegant past.
- Location: 01 Ngo Quyen St, Ninh Kieu Dist. (Official Nam Bo Restaurant on map)
- Price Range: $10 – $25 USD | Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot (Cá Kho Tộ) and Nam Bo Spring Rolls.
Sao Hom Restaurant
Dining at Sao Hom Restaurant is often described as eating within the lungs of the city. Its location inside the historic Can Tho Old Market provides a unique atmosphere surrounded by century-old architecture. Here, the river breeze is entirely natural, and the ambiance at dusk—as traditional boats illuminate the water—is unmatched for a romantic heritage dinner.
- Location: Can Tho Old Market, Hai Ba Trung St. (Official Sao Hom Restaurant on map)
- Price Range: $12 – $30 USD. | Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Deep-fried Giant Gourami and Grilled River Prawns with Salt & Chili.
Spices Restaurant (Victoria Can Tho Resort)
While street food defines much of the region, Spices Restaurant is highly regarded for the respect it shows to local ingredients. The restaurant treats Mekong flavors with a level of sophistication rarely found elsewhere. It embodies Indochine luxury, featuring white linen, slow-moving ceiling fans, and a tranquil garden that offers a peaceful escape from urban life.
- Location: Victoria Can Tho Resort, Cai Khe Ward. (Official Spices Restaurant on map)
- Price Range: $20 – $45 USD. | Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Pomelo Salad with Seafood and Mekong Delta Beef Carpaccio.
Cafe 1985 Can Tho
Stepping into Cafe 1985 Can Tho feels like traveling back to the “Subsidized Era” (Thời Bao Cấp). The space is meticulously decorated with authentic antiques, from old radios and vintage cameras to rustic wooden tables and classic patterned tiles. Beyond the vintage ambiance, it is a local favorite for its daily “family-style” rice trays, offering a nostalgic taste of home-cooked meals in an environment that reflects the quiet life of a Can Tho intellectual from decades ago.
- Location: 138 Huynh Cuong, An Cu Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Vietnam. (Official Cafe 1985 Can Tho on map)
- Price Range: $3 – $12 USD. | Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Daily Family-Style Rice Tray (Cơm phần 1985) and Egg Coffee (Cà phê trứng).
Vit Nau Chao Thanh Giao
Though many versions of this dish exist across the city, Thanh Giao remains the gold standard. Tucked away in a small alley, the focus here is entirely on flavor rather than fancy decor. The walls, covered with photos of visiting celebrities, testify to the legendary status of its creamy, savory fermented bean curd broth.
- Location: 1/8 Ly Tu Trong St, Ninh Kieu Dist. (Official Vit Nau Chao Thanh Giao on map)
- Price Range: $5 – $12 USD. | Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Duck with Fermented Bean Curd Hotpot (Vịt Nấu Chao).
Lau Mam Da Ly
In the Mekong Delta, “Lẩu Mắm” is considered soul food, and Da Ly is its most dedicated guardian. The establishment is prized for its transparency and freshness, serving a hotpot that doubles as a botany lesson with over 20 types of wild river vegetables. It is a true explosion of authentic Delta flavors.
- Location: 89 3/2 Street, Ninh Kieu Dist. (Official Lau Mam Da Ly on map)
- Price Range: $10 – $20 USD. | Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Mekong Fermented Fish Hotpot (Lẩu Mắm).
Banh Xeo 7 Toi
This is where the authentic flavors of the Mekong take center stage. The kitchen operates with traditional wood-fired stoves, creating a lively sensory experience for diners. The use of “củ hủ dừa” (coconut heart) instead of standard vegetables provides a distinct sweetness that has come to define Can Tho’s culinary identity.
- Location: 45 Hoang Quoc Viet, An Binh. (Official Banh Xeo 7 Toi on map)
- Price Range: $3 – $7 USD. | Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Banh Xeo with Coconut Heart.
Nem Nuong Thanh Van
A long-standing institution in Can Tho, Thanh Van is a busy, no-frills destination that has served generations. The experience is highly interactive, allowing guests to roll their own rice paper wraps with perfectly charred pork, fresh herbs, starfruit, and pineapple—the ultimate “community” meal.
- Location: 17 Hoa Binh Boulevard, Ninh Kieu Dist. (Official Nem Nuong Thanh Van on map)
- Price Range: $3 – $6 USD. | Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Nướng).
Banh Cong Co Ut
This spot serves the quintessential Can Tho afternoon snack using a recipe that hasn’t changed in years. The pastry is crispy on the outside and soft with mung beans and shrimp on the inside. To eat like a local, it should be wrapped tightly in mustard leaves and fresh herbs to balance its rich flavors.
- Location: 86 Ly Tu Trong St, Ninh Kieu Dist. (Official Banh Cong Co Ut on map)
- Price Range: $2 – $5 USD. | Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Banh Cong with fresh local greens.
Banh Hoi Mat Vong Ut Dzach
More than just a restaurant, this is a living museum of a traditional craft. The “Mat Vong” (hammock-weave) noodle technique is a guarded family secret. Witnessing the elders weave these rice threads by hand is a rare privilege, offering the most authentic garden-to-table experience in Phong Dien.
- Location: 506 Provincial Road 926, Nhon Binh Hamlet, Nhon Ai Ward, Phong Dien District, Can Tho. (Official Banh Hoi Mat Vong Ut Dzach on map)
- Price Range: $5 – $10 USD | Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Fine Rice Vermicelli (Bánh Hỏi) with Roasted Pork.
Hu Tieu Sau Hoai (Rice Noodle Factory)
A visit to Sau Hoai connects the food on the plate directly to the hands that produced it. Guests dine in the middle of a working noodle factory. Their famous “Noodle Pizza” is a brilliant local invention, utilizing the crispy bits of fried noodles in a fun, modern way.
- Location: 476, 14 Lu Lo, Vong Cung St, An Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho. (Official Hu Tieu Sau Hoai on map)
- Price Range: $2 – $5 USD. | Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Noodle Pizza (Hủ Tiếu Chiên Giòn).
Find more authentic experiences at Sau Hoai Rice Noodle Factory
Hoa Su Restaurant
For a classic social drinking and eating experience by the river, Hoa Su is a premier choice. The pavilions are built directly over the water to catch the river breeze. It offers the kind of rustic, lively atmosphere and traditional food that has been enjoyed by Delta residents for generations.
- Location: Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho (Official Hoa Su Restaurant on map).
- Price Range: $10 – $25 USD. | Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Grilled Snakehead Fish and Field Crab Hotpot.
Quan Chay Cuong
In the Mekong Delta, vegetarian food is viewed as an art form. This humble spot is a prime choice for light yet flavorful meals, using local mushrooms and tofu to skillfully mimic traditional textures. It is clean, honest, and deeply rooted in local culture.
- Location: 9 De Tham St, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.
- Price Range: $1 – $4 USD. | Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Vegan Bun Hue or the Daily Vegan Rice Platter.
Lua Nep Restaurant
Situated right on the banks of the Hau River, this restaurant is instantly recognizable by its unique architecture inspired by the shape of a rice grain. It offers one of the most refreshing dining atmospheres in the city, with open-air pavilions surrounded by lush greenery and the cooling river breeze. It is a premier destination for those who want to enjoy traditional Mekong flavors in a refined, nature-oriented setting.
- Location: Bai Cat area, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho (Official Lua Nep Restaurant on map).
- Price Range: $10 – $35 USD. | Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Grilled Chicken with Crispy Sticky Rice (Gà nướng xôi phồng) and Mekong River Fish Grilled in Bamboo.
Ngon Vegan Bistro & Cafe
Hidden within the famous De Tham “Food Street,” this bistro is a sanctuary for those seeking a modern take on traditional plant-based cuisine. The atmosphere is light, airy, and welcoming, bridging the gap between a chic urban cafe and a traditional Vietnamese eatery. It is widely praised for using fresh, locally sourced vegetables and herbs to create clean, vibrant flavors that appeal to both vegans and curious foodies alike.
- Location: 28 Hai Ba Trung St, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho (Official Ngon Vegan Bistro & Cafe on map).
- Price Range: $3 – $10 USD. | Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Local Expert’s Signature Picks: Vegan Pho (Phở Chay) and Vietnamese Crispy Crepes (Bánh Xèo Chay).
Local tips from Mekong Smile for good experiences with Can Tho Restaurants
- The Soul in the Sauce: We always say the dip is the “soulmate” of the dish. Ask us or your server which sauce fits best. Watching how locals mix lime, chili, and salt is a small, vital ritual that unlocks the real flavor.
- Trust the River’s Rhythm: Seasonality is our guide. Always check what the morning boats brought in. Our local experts always look for the seasonal catches that might not even be on the printed menu.
- The Plastic Stool Test: Don’t let a lack of decor stop you. If there’s a crowd on tiny stools, that’s where the heritage lives. We often find the most authentic Delta stories in these narrow, lively alleys.
- Embrace the Southern Smile: Southern hospitality is genuine. If a vendor suggests a specific herb for your wrap or shows you a better way to roll your rice paper, go with it. That’s the “Mekong Smile” experience in action.
Must-Taste Signature Can Tho Food
Before you leave the “Western Capital,” make sure these legendary flavors have crossed your palate: charcoal-grilled Nem Nuong Cai Rang (Grilled Pork Skewers) served with peanut dipping sauce; the bold Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hotpot) served with wild river vegetables; crispy Banh Cong (Mung Bean Cake) filled with shrimp; and creamy Vit Nau Chao (Duck with Fermented Bean Curd) stew. You should also try the unique Banh Tam Bi (Silkworm Noodles with Coconut Cream), delicate Banh Hoi Mat Vong (Fine Rice Vermicelli) with roasted pork, and a morning bowl of Hu Tieu (Mekong Noodle Soup) with its signature clear, sweet broth.
Our Signature Can Tho Tours
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Frequently Asked Questions about Can Tho Restaurants
Is tipping expected in Can Tho restaurants?
Tipping is not traditional in local Vietnamese culture. However, in higher-end heritage restaurants or for exceptional service at local spots, a small tip (approx. 50,000 – 100,000 VND) is a kind gesture of appreciation that supports the local staff.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Can Tho, a city famous for fish hotpots?
Absolutely. Can Tho has a strong Buddhist tradition, so “Chay” (vegetarian) food is very high quality. Streets like De Tham have dedicated vegan bistros, and most traditional spots can adapt dishes with tofu and mushrooms if you ask.
Is the Can Tho street food safe for international travelers?
Yes, generally. Our rule of thumb: follow the locals. A busy stall with a high turnover of ingredients is usually the freshest. Stick to cooked foods and bottled water, and you’ll be able to enjoy the sidewalk culture safely.
What is the best time of day at Can Tho to go out for a meal?
Cần Thơ is an early-rising city. For the best breakfast noodles, aim for 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM. For dinner, the city is most vibrant between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Many local gems close early once they run out of fresh ingredients.
How do I order if the staff at Can Tho Restaurants doesn’t speak English?
Don’t worry—hospitality is the universal language here. Pointing to dishes other guests are eating or using a simple translation app works wonders. Locals are patient and will always try their best to help you have a great meal.
