Vietnamese Expat Reviews Bun Dau Mam Tom in Di An & Sour Fish Soup in Dau Tieng – A Taste of Vietnam

1. Exploring Vietnam’s Culinary Treasures

Returning to Vietnam always brings a deep sense of nostalgia, especially when it comes to food. As a Vietnamese expat living in the U.S., I was eager to revisit the dishes that shaped my childhood. This journey took me to Di An, Binh Duong, where I indulged in Bun Dau Mam Tom. Later, I traveled to Dau Tieng to experience the rustic flavors of Sour Fish Soup (Canh Chua Ca Bop) and Braised Catfish in Clay Pot (Ca Lang Kho To), followed by a visit to the famous rubber forests of Dau Tieng.

2. Bun Dau Mam Tom – The Signature Dish of Di An

My first stop was Di An, Binh Duong, a lively city known for its diverse street food. Here, I visited a local restaurant that specializes in Bun Dau Mam Tom, a dish beloved by many Vietnamese.

What is Bun Dau Mam Tom?

This dish is a Vietnamese street food specialty that consists of:
?? Rice vermicelli (Bun) – Soft, fresh, and slightly chewy noodles.
?? Crispy Fried Tofu – Golden brown and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
?? Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mam Tom) – The most important element, with a bold umami flavor.
?? Boiled Pork Belly – Tender, juicy slices of pork.
?? Fried Vietnamese Sausage (Cha Com & Doi Sun) – Adds a crispy, savory texture.
?? Fresh Herbs & Vegetables – Including cucumber, perilla leaves, and lettuce for balance.

Tasting Experience

As I took my first bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The crispy tofu paired perfectly with the richness of the shrimp paste, while the fresh herbs added a refreshing touch. The Mam Tom (fermented shrimp paste) had a strong, salty, and slightly sweet taste, enhanced with lime juice, sugar, and chili.

? Price: Only 50,000 – 70,000 VND ($2 – $3 USD) for a full platter!

After finishing this delicious meal, I set off for Dau Tieng, a peaceful district famous for its traditional Vietnamese dishes.

3. Sour Fish Soup & Braised Catfish – A Rustic Taste of Dau Tieng

Dau Tieng is known for its authentic countryside dishes, and two of the most famous are Sour Fish Soup (Canh Chua Ca Bop) and Braised Catfish (Ca Lang Kho To).

Sour Fish Soup (Canh Chua Ca Bop)

This dish is a sweet and sour fish soup, made with Cobia Fish (Ca Bop), tamarind, pineapple, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

? Why It’s Special:

• The sour tamarind broth gives a refreshing tanginess.
• Cobia fish is rich, slightly fatty, and melts in the mouth.
• A balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors makes it comforting and hearty.

Braised Catfish in Clay Pot (Ca Lang Kho To)

The next dish, Ca Lang Kho To, is a Vietnamese classic:

• Catfish (Ca Lang) is slow-braised in a clay pot.
• The sauce is made from fish sauce, caramelized sugar, garlic, and chili, creating a thick, flavorful glaze.
• Best enjoyed with steamed rice, as the rich sauce pairs perfectly with the soft grains.

? Price: A set meal with Canh Chua Ca Bop & Ca Lang Kho To costs 150,000 – 200,000 VND ($6 – $8 USD).

4. A Visit to Dau Tieng’s Rubber Forests

Aside from its delicious food, Dau Tieng is home to one of Vietnam’s largest rubber plantations. Stretching across over 27,000 hectares, this rubber forest has been part of Vietnam’s history since the French colonial period.

Why Visit the Rubber Forests?

?? Breathtaking Scenery – Endless rows of rubber trees, especially stunning during the leaf-changing season in late autumn.
?? Peaceful Atmosphere – A perfect escape from city life.
?? Historical Significance – These plantations have played a major role in Vietnam’s rubber industry.

Walking through the tranquil, sun-dappled forest, I felt a deep connection to the land and its history. The fresh air and stunning views made it the perfect way to end my journey.

5. Conclusion – A Culinary & Cultural Experience Worth Remembering

This trip from Di An to Dau Tieng, Binh Duong was an incredible way to reconnect with Vietnamese food and culture.

? Bun Dau Mam Tom in Di An delivered an explosion of flavors with its crispy tofu, fresh noodles, and intense shrimp paste.
? Sour Fish Soup and Braised Catfish in Dau Tieng reminded me of the deep culinary traditions rooted in the Vietnamese countryside.
? Dau Tieng’s rubber forests offered a peaceful retreat with stunning landscapes.

If you’re ever in Binh Duong, don’t miss the chance to explore these hidden gems of Vietnamese cuisine and nature!

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