Eating in Cần Thơ: A Less Touristy, More Local Way
“Hi Trân! Do you have any other recommendations for good food near Ninh Kiều? We can always find something, but we love tips from locals.”
That’s exactly the question a friend from outside Cần Thơ asked me today. It motivated me to put together this list, and I want to keep it here for anyone who might be curious later on.
And, honestly, I totally get it! We’re the same whenever we travel outside of Cần Thơ—nothing beats local tips for finding the real flavors of a city.
So, I’m always happy to share what I know to make your visit to my city #Cantho easier, happier, and tastier.
Moreover, with two kids, I also know that eating out is not always easy—finding a spot that keeps both mommy and little ones happy is not always easy 😄.
So, here are some local gems we tried in Cần Thơ (mainly around Ninh Kiều)—nice for enjoying like a local while keeping the whole family happy 😊. Above all, hope this helps you make the most of your time here and soak up the true local vibe without feeling too touristy.
1. One‑Bowl Favorites: Quick & Simple Single‑Dish Spots
- Hủ tiếu Nam Vang Nhân – Phan Đình Phùng, near Bến Ninh Kiều (Phnom Penh‑style noodle soup)
- Mì vịt tiềm Hậu Phát – Thủ Khoa Huân (herbal duck noodle, near Bến Ninh Kiều)
- Phở Nga – Lý Tự Trọng (traditional beef pho)
- Bánh cống Cô Út – Lý Tự Trọng (crispy Mekong fried cakes with shrimp & pork)
- Cháo sò huyết_Lý Tự Trọng (Rice Porridge with Red Clams): I’ve had this at both Quán 1998 and 108 (just a few doors apart) – to me, they taste not too diffrently 🙂 1998 is usually more crowded, and since I tend to avoid busy places, I usually go to 108.
- Nem nướng Thanh Vân – Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa (grilled pork skewers with herbs)
- Cơm tấm Bà Tư – Phan Đình Phùng (broken rice with grilled meat – ask locals for the exact spot)
- Bún Măng 123 – Phan Đình Phùng (Bamboo shoot noodle soup with duck)
- Bún bò Huế Huỳnh Châu – Phan Đình Phùng (classic Huế beef noodle soup)
- Bún đậu mắm tôm Xưa – Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh (tofu & vermicelli with shrimp paste – I also love their “bún chả” :))
- Bún Mắm 173 – 30 Tháng 4 (Fermented fish noodle soup – rich, bold, and super aromatic. Not for the faint of heart, but deeply satisfying if you’re into strong flavors)
- Cơm Cẩm Ký – Đề Thám (my favorite: fried chicken with fish sauce, and salt-steamed chicken)
- Bánh mì: if you would like to have a quick take away of bánh mì, here you are.
2. Kids‑Friendly Spots
- Bò City – Đường 3/2 (fun beef dishes & casual vibes)
- Mr. Beef Steak – 59 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa (western‑style steak & pasta)
- Mì Bò Đài Loan_Taiwanese Beefnoodle: 18 Nguyễn An Ninh, (phố đi bộ bến Ninh Kiều)
- Sweet Treats_Sương sa hẻm Công Đoàn – Lý Tự Trọng (evenings only, closed on Sundays)
3. Family / Group Hotpot & Restaurants
- Lẩu cá mẻ – Quán Ăn 69 Hẹn
Huỳnh Cương, Hồ Xáng Thổi
Fresh fish hotpot by the lake—perfect for sharing. - Lẩu dê Thanh Bạch (specialty goat hotpot)
Trần Quang Khải, Cái Khế, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ
Spacious and breezy spot, I love this space - Lẩu vịt nấu chao Thành Giao (Fermented Tofu Duck Hotpot)
Alley 1/8, Ly Tu Trong Street, An Phu Ward, Ninh Kieu Distric - Lẩu mắm – Quán Hồi Đó (fermented fish hotpot)
Trần Bình Trọng
Small hotpot size, just right for sharing without wasting. - Lúa Nếp (Mekong family restaurant)
Serves a variety of local dishes including bánh xèo, lẩu mắm, cơm cháy.
A cozy, sit‑down spot for family meals. - Alo Chợ_28B/1 Mậu Thân
Dishes here are friendly for both adults and kids. I love many of the dishes they serve! It’s often crowded, so it’s better to make a reservation. The restaurant is run by the house owner in a small alley, so it might be a bit hard to find — or you can just ask your Grab driver to help you get there. 🙂
- Bánh xèo choices
- Bánh xèo 7 Tới – only bánh xèo & bánh khọt 🙂
- Ngọc Ngân – 74 Lê Lợi, Ninh Kiều_reat bánh xèo plus other Mekong specialties like hotpot and grilled pork. Right in the city center
I’ll keep this listed updated. And if you discover something even more interesting, please help me add it to this list—I’d love to keep it growing for all of us!
