1. Characteristics of Tay Ninh's ecological cuisine
1.1. Tay Ninh converges the quintessence of rustic and ecological cuisine
Tay Ninh's ecological cuisine is a harmonious combination of the rustic flavors of the Southeast region and a dining model closely associated with nature. The concept of “ecological cuisine” is not just about delicious food but also about how Tay Ninh people preserve the purity of nature in every experience.
The source of ingredients for ecological eateries here is mainly from local farms, fish ponds, and vegetable gardens, ensuring natural freshness. This self-sufficiency in ingredients helps the dishes retain their original flavors, from wild vegetable platters, stream fish to free-range chicken cooked with herbs.
Ingredients are all from local sources, with authentic Tay Ninh characteristics. (Source: Collected)
Tay Ninh ecological cuisine is therefore not just a business model but also a cultural aspect reflecting how people cherish nature, live slowly, and fully enjoy every moment at the dining table.
1.2. Experiencing Tay Ninh Ecological Cuisine
Stepping into Tay Ninh ecological cuisine spaces, visitors feel like entering a vibrant garden. The sound of trickling water by the pond, the shade of trees, and the gentle breeze blowing through the leaves create a perfect setting for a more poetic meal.
Simple, rustic, yet incredibly attractive Tay Ninh dishes. (Source: Collected)
The dishes here carry the strong flavor of the countryside, cooked from fresh local ingredients: river fish, free-range chicken, wild vegetables, or tubers and fruits growing around Ba Den mountain. That rustic flavor, when combined with delicate presentation, has made Tay Ninh ecological cuisine an experience of "eating and feeling," where all senses are awakened.
Amidst the lush green space, you can enjoy delicious food while listening to the sounds of wind and water, letting all worries gradually disappear. Many families and groups of young friends choose this place as their weekend destination, a place to fully enjoy Tay Ninh ecological cuisine and rediscover simple peace.
A dining space close to nature. (Source: Collected)
2. Must-try ecological culinary stop in Tay Ninh
2.1. Song Que Cuisine
- Address: 169 Tran Hung Dao, Tan Ninh ward, Tay Ninh province.
- Reference price: 50,000 – 500,000 VND/dish.
Song Que is known as the largest garden restaurant in the city. The space here recreates the scenery of the Western region with green lakes, wooden bridges, and shady trees.
Diners can enjoy dishes that are both rustic and luxurious, such as crab noodle soup, baby lobster, abalone shark fin soup, and scallop with passion fruit sauce. Each dish is prepared from fresh ingredients, ensuring natural flavor and safety.
Song Que is famous for its professional, quick, and friendly service style, making many tourists want to return.
Song Que is suitable for groups of friends, families, or travelers who want to fully experience the eco-cuisine of Tay Ninh in a cool green space. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Bau Sen Garden Restaurant
- Address: 16 alley 37 Nguyen Van Linh, Long Hoa ward, Tay Ninh province.
- Reference price: 70,000 – 400,000 VND/dish.
Bau Sen is an ideal stop. The entire campus is surrounded by lakes, thatched huts, and lush greenery, creating a feeling of returning to a peaceful countryside.
The menu is diverse, with strong countryside flavors, featuring nổi bật dishes such as chicken cooked with artichoke, fried field crabs with fish sauce, grilled rabbit with chili salt, and grilled mountain snails. The aroma spreading from the kitchen fire along with the scenery of thatched huts by the lake makes the meal more poetic.
Garden space of Bau Sen restaurant. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Cay Truong Culinary Village
- Address: Xom Dong Hamlet, Go Dau Ward, Tay Ninh Province.
- Price: 20,000 – 400,000 VND/dish.
Cay Truong Culinary Village is one of the favorite destinations for its open, airy space with fish ponds, thatched huts, and a children's play area.
The menu here is a harmonious blend of rustic Tay Ninh cuisine and delicious dishes from the river region. Dishes such as boiled meat with wild vegetables and rice paper, German-style pork knuckle, mountain snails, and Black Lady Mountain lizards are both novel and reflect the spirit of ecological cuisine: fresh, clean, and safe. The spacious and airy environment makes it an ideal choice for weekend picnics and outings.
At Cay Truong, you will better feel the slow, simple spirit that Tay Ninh's ecological cuisine aims for. (Source: Collected)
2.4. Long Trung Cuisine and Ecological Tourism
- Address: 17 Thuong Thau Thanh street, Hoa Thanh ward, Tay Ninh province
- Price: 30,000 – 400,000 VND/dish
Long Trung is a model combining a family restaurant and an ecological tourist area. Each thatched hut is built on a clear blue water pond, creating a private and airy space for diners.
The menu is rich with seafood, grilled chicken, and river fish dishes, all delicately prepared and suited to taste. Additionally, visitors can take photos at many beautiful spots, from the wooden bridge spanning the lake to the lush green garden area.
Cuisine and eco-tourism Long Trung are suitable for tourists who want to enjoy a relaxing day. (Source: Collected)
2.5. Lua Vang San Cu Dao
- Address: Alley 17, San Cu, Long Hoa ward, Tay Ninh province.
- Reference price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/dish.
Lua Vang San Cu Dao is located near many famous tourist attractions, making it very convenient for tourists to stop by. The menu is rich in countryside flavors with salted pork knuckle, seafood soup, clay pot roasted chicken, and Lua Vang spring rolls. This is an ideal destination for those who want to fully experience the eco-cuisine of Tay Ninh in a close and warm atmosphere.
The spacious garden area is scientifically arranged with many green trees. (Source: Collected)
2.6. Dang Garden
- Address: 98 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Tan Ninh ward, Tay Ninh province.
- Reference price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND/dish.
Dang Garden offers an open space, with many green trees and natural light. The architecture blends modernity and nature, making it a perfect choice for tour groups or large groups of friends.
The menu is rich with many special dishes such as grilled chicken, king crab with garlic butter sauce, 24k gold-plated Wagyu beef ribs, and whelk with salted egg sauce. The dishes are prepared meticulously, preserving their freshness and showcasing creativity in presentation.
2.7. An Sinh Vat Canh An Cuisine
- Address: Ninh Hiep Hamlet, Ninh Thanh ward, Tay Ninh province.
- Reference price: 30,000 – 350,000 VND/dish.
An Sinh Vat Canh An Cuisine is a unique destination that combines Tay Ninh ecological cuisine with landscape art. The space carries a Vietnamese rural atmosphere, but the highlight lies in its European-style architecture, especially the famous "homemade" Eiffel Tower model.
Unique landscape at Canh An ecological cuisine. (Source: Collected)
Diners can enjoy dishes such as barrel-grilled chicken, steamed king crab with green chili salt, fried fish with sweet and sour chili sauce, coconut palm heart salad, and stir-fried pork ribs with sweet and sour sauce, all prepared from fresh local ingredients.
Additionally, visitors can participate in fishing activities, take photos, and organize outdoor parties. This is the ideal place to enjoy a truly "green" day with Tây Ninh ecological cuisine.
2.8. Picnic by Dau Tieng Lake
Dau Tieng Lake and Truc Stream are ideal stops when exploring Tây Ninh ecological cuisine. This place boasts a wild beauty with lush green bamboo forests, babbling water, and fresh air. Visitors can set up tents, organize picnics, and enjoy rustic meals amidst nature such as grilled fish, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, boiled wild vegetables, or grilled skewers.
Along the stream banks, flat rocks and leaning bamboo trees casting shadows create a rare peaceful scene. During the rainy season, the stream flows over white rocky rapids, bringing a cool and relaxing feeling. Here, you can swim in the stream, go fishing, or simply watch the sunset over the lake.
Camping experience at Dau Tieng Lake. (Source: Collected)
A picnic at Truc stream – Dau Tieng lake is not just a culinary experience but also a journey to find balance, where Tây Ninh ecological cuisine blends with the breath of nature, bringing an unforgettable sense of peace.
3. Suggested itinerary for a day of Tây Ninh ecological cuisine experience
- Morning:
6:00 – 8:00: Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Ba Den Mountain
8:00 – 8:15: Travel by Van Son cable car route to the summit of Ba Den Mountain.
8:15 – 11:00: Worship the 72m high Quan Am Bo Tat statue, the giant sandstone Maitreya Buddha statue. Besides, visitors can visit the Buddhist Art Exhibition Center right at the foot of the Quan Am Bo Tat statue, exploring modern technology combined with novel Buddhist culture.
11:00 – 11:15: Travel by cable car down the mountain and move to Song Que ecological cuisine.
- Noon:
12:00 – 13:00: Stop at Song Que restaurant. Enjoy dishes that are rich in rural flavor such as mud crab hot pot, lobster, abalone shark fin soup in a cool green space, by a clear lake. Rest lightly, enjoy the quiet atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- Afternoon:
13:30 – 17:30: Move to Dau Tieng Lake ecological tourist area. Set up tents, swim in the stream, fish, or simply relax amidst the green bamboo forest. Prepare a light meal with grilled fish, sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, boiled wild vegetables, enjoying and feeling nature, in the true spirit of Tây Ninh ecological cuisine.
- Evening:
17:30 – 19:30: Return to Tay Ninh center, visit Tay Ninh night market to buy specialties such as shrimp salt, tamarind rice paper, sweet fermented fish. Enjoy some snacks like grilled rice paper, crab noodle soup, coconut jelly in a bustling, cozy atmosphere.
Ecotourism at Ba Den Mountain offers visitors a chance to explore a series of unique experiences. (Source: Collection)
Tay Ninh's ecological cuisine is a journey of immersion in nature, where rustic flavors are honored. Each eatery carries its own unique mark, contributing to the vibrant culinary picture of the holy land. Don't forget to save this list for your upcoming trip, to make your journey of exploring Tay Ninh complete and inspiring.