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Cong cake

Cong cake: A crunchy bite of the Mekong Delta’s cuisine

19/07/2025 203 views

Cong cake is one of the most iconic street foods from Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, loved for its crispy texture and rich flavor. More than just a dish, cong cake represents the cultural fusion of Khmer, Chinese, and Vietnamese culinary traditions.

1. What is cong cake? Where did it originate?

Cong cake is a beloved street food found across the Mekong Delta. This golden-brown treat is made by frying a batter of rice flour, mung beans, and minced pork in a special metal mold that resembles a small cup or cylinder. On top, freshwater shrimp curl enticingly. The cake is typically served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a sweet-sour fish sauce for dipping.

Cong cake in Vietnam

Cong cake in Vietnam delights food lovers with vibrant shrimp toppings (Source: Collected)

The origins of cong cake are still a subject of debate. Some believe it came from the Khmer people of Southern Vietnam and evolved through cultural exchanges with Chinese and Kinh communities. Others suggest that Teochew immigrants from China brought a similar recipe to Soc Trang (now part of Can Tho), which the local Khmer people adapted and renamed. 

While cong cake is enjoyed throughout the Mekong Delta, Soc Trang is often celebrated as its culinary heartland. The iconic Xoai Ca Na cong cake from My Xuyen is famous for their perfect crispiness, fluffy texture, and golden color.

2. How is cong cake made?

Although it looks simple, creating a perfect cong cake demands careful attention to detail. The batter must be mixed precisely and rested long enough to rise properly. The cooking temperature is equally important – too hot and the outside burns while the inside stays raw; too low and the cake turns soggy instead of crisp.

The filling preparation is just as crucial as the batter. A great cong cake balances its crispy shell with a flavorful interior. While some recipes use only rice flour for the batter, adding ground soybeans creates a richer taste. The filling usually combines minced pork, whole mung beans, small shrimp, and even shredded jicama for a slight crunch. Some cooks stir-fry the pork and shrimp with shallots to elevate the aroma.

When frying, layers are built in the special metal mold. First, a base layer of batter; the filling of pork, mung beans, and vegetables; another thin layer of batter; and finally, a few shrimp on top for decoration. As the cake emerges golden and crispy, its irresistible aroma fills the air. 

cong cake in the mekong delta

Making cong cake is a meticulous process that requires skills, patience, and experience (Source: Collected)

Read more: Mekong Delta: An ultimate guide for every traveler

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3. How to enjoy cong cake?

Cong cake must be eaten hot, straight from the fryer. The crispy golden shell releases a tempting aroma as you break off a piece. Wrap it in fresh herbs and lettuce, then dip it into a bowl of sweet-sour fish sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect mix: the crunch of the batter, the sweetness of mung beans and shredded jicama, the savory taste of pork and shrimp, and the refreshing kick of fragrant herbs.

The dipping sauce is essential. It’s made by diluting quality fish sauce with warm water, then adding sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chilies for a balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Thin slices of carrot and daikon radish are often added for extra color.

Fresh greens like lettuce, mint, perilla, fish mint, and cucumber complete the dish. This vibrant pairing highlights the rustic charm of cong cake in the Mekong Delta and makes it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Explore the world of Vietnamese cakes for the best tastes!

4. Where to try cong cake in the Mekong Delta?

If you’re looking for the most famous cong cake in Vietnam, head straight to Soc Trang (now part of Can Tho) – the best destination for this crispy delight. Here, the section of National Road 1A passing through My Xuyen is often called the “Cong Cake Street” because there are many vendors serving these hot cakes all day long.

Here are some recommended spots: 

  • Bánh Cống Cô Út at 28 Ly Tu Trong Street, Can Tho 
  • Bánh Cống Huê Viên at 22 De Tham Street, Can Tho 
  • Bánh Cống Cô Nga in My Xuyen, Can Tho
Cong cake paired with fresh herbs and dipping sauce

Cong cake paired with fresh herbs and dipping sauce (Source: Collected)

Read more: Vietnamese pancake: A rustic and mouth-watering dish to try onc

Whether you’re a street food lover or not, tasting cong cake is an experience not to be missed. With its golden crust, savory filling, and vibrant accompaniment, cong cake perfectly captures the flavors of Southern Vietnam.

From Can Tho, it’s easy to continue your Vietnamese adventure to other stunning destinations. Imagine soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, exploring the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang, or strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Each place offers its own charm, making your journey through Vietnam a seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

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