Brian Jeffrey
When visiting Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, many travelers enjoy starting their day with ‘bun lac’ (shaken vermicelli) and ‘hu tieu lac’ (shaken noodles), as vendors and customers sway on boats amid the river’s gentle currents.
Cai Rang Floating Market, which originated in the early 20th century to facilitate local trade, is a popular spot located only five kilometers from Can Tho City.
The market comes alive at dawn, particularly from 6 AM to 8 AM, which is its busiest time. Visitors can take boat tours to witness the beautiful sunrise, explore the market, and savor traditional breakfast offerings of “shaken crab vermicelli” and “shaken noodles.”
Vendors can be heard calling out to passersby, promoting their tasty offerings with phrases like “Try our wonderful hu tieu lac and bun rieu lac here!” and “Don’t leave without tasting a bowl of bun lac!”
Pham Thi Ngoc, a longtime vendor with 25 years of experience, explains that the name ‘shaken’ comes from the motion of the boats, which causes the bowls of noodles being held to jiggle as sellers and diners balance themselves.
She notes, “First-timers might find their hands a bit shaky while holding the bowls. The passing boats create waves that rock the vessels, which can be a dizzying experience, but it’s all part of the fun!”
The noodles, known for their smooth and chewy texture, are crafted from the high-quality rice of the Mekong Delta. The broth is rich and flavorful, derived from slowly boiled pork bones. A typical serving includes treats like dried squid, dried shrimp with scallion oil, and garnishes such as white radish, fried onions, and chopped green onions. Additional toppings may feature boiled pork, thinly sliced beef, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
Notably, the hu tieu from Cai Rang Floating Market gained recognition when a renowned South Korean chef featured it on EBS TV. Chef Jun Ho Kyun delighted audiences as he slurped the soup and inquired about its deliciousness.
World-famous chef Gordon Ramsay also praised the dish in 2012, and Skyscanner once recommended it as a culinary must-try.
The beautifully presented bowl of noodles showcases vibrant colors, with red tomatoes, green herbs, and an array of meats, shrimp, offal, and meatballs enriching the dish.
