Exploitation and Promotion of Coconut Homeland Cuisine in Tourism Activities

26/07/2023 2034 0
Sự kiện xác lập kỷ lục thế giới với 222 món ăn từ dừa vào tháng 6-2022 đã đánh dấu mốc quan trọng cho ngành du lịch tỉnh khi ngành tập trung và có chiến lược khai thác bài bản hơn đối với ẩm thực dừa, đưa món ngon từ dừa trở thành sản phẩm du lịch đặc trưng, độc đáo của tỉnh, thu hút khách du lịch trong và ngoài nước.

Ben Tre, known as the homeland of coconuts, boasts a diverse culinary heritage deeply rooted in coconut-based dishes.

The variety and versatility

The variety and versatility of coconut in the local cuisine are remarkable, incorporating ingredients such as coconut water, coconut rice, coconut milk, coconut sprout, and recently, coconut flower honey. Coconut plays a central role in dishes like salads, stews, braised dishes, desserts, and more, adding its unique flavor profile to every preparation.

According to Chef Phan Thanh Lộc from Ben Tre Riverside Resort, "Coconut is often used in our dishes for its natural sweetness and richness compared to animal fats. Depending on the dish, we carefully measure and utilize coconut water, coconut milk, and grated coconut to enhance the quality and showcase the distinctive characteristics of Ben Tre cuisine to our visitors."

One of the most interesting uses of coconut in local cuisine is the incorporation of coconut sprouts. These tender parts of young coconut are crisp, sweet, and refreshing, ideal for dishes like coconut sprout salad with shrimp and pork, braised coconut sprouts with meat, coconut sprout pancakes with duck meat, and sour soup with coconut sprouts and river prawns cooked in tamarind broth.

The natural sweetness of coconut water enhances braised and stewed dishes such as caramelized pork belly, braised snakehead fish, and simmered chicken, making them richer and more flavorful. Coconut water is also used for cooking dishes like sour soup with bần fruit and steamed or boiled seafood, adding a delicate coconut flavor.

Grated coconut is essential for creating coconut cream, a key ingredient in many desserts, cakes, and sticky rice dishes. It's also used in savory dishes like curries and eel stew, enriching them with a creamy texture and nutty aroma.

Cultural Perspective of Coconut Homeland

According to Master Vu Nhat Tan from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology in his article "Cuisine in Tourism - Solutions for Ben Tre Development," culinary experiences play a crucial role in successful tourism programs. Food not only meets the dietary needs of tourists but also helps them understand the local customs and traditions.

Food tourism, a growing trend, focuses on experiencing local cuisine and beverages deeply rooted in the traditions and cultural identity of the destination. In this context, food acts as a cultural ambassador, offering the most tangible expression of a community's essence to travelers.

For example, Ms. Phuong Nhi, a visitor from Buon Ma Thuot City (Dak Lak Province), shared her experience: "When visiting Ben Tre, I immediately thought of trying the distinctive dishes of the Coconut Homeland. I had heard about Ben Tre's delicious roasted coconut worms, and they did not disappoint. The river shrimp stir-fried with coconut worms has a savory taste with a hint of coconut richness, perfect with hot rice. I really enjoyed this dish."

Ben Tre Riverside Resort, one of the participants in setting the Vietnamese record of 222 coconut dishes, has incorporated coconut cuisine as a highlight on their menu to serve tourists. Nguyen Nhu Huyen, Director of Business and Marketing at Ben Tre Riverside Resort, said: "Following the Vietnam record-breaking program, we established a world record with 222 coconut dishes. We aim to convey the warm hospitality and kindness of the Coconut Homeland's people through our dishes. Instead of just starting with a betel chew, we use the familiar image of coconut in our cuisine, harmoniously combining culture and coconut cuisine of the Coconut Homeland to introduce the distinctive flavors of our homeland to visitors nationwide."

Introducing and promoting culinary culture, bringing culinary culture to tourists, is an effective solution for tourism development. Recently, the Ben Tre Coconut Cuisine Association has been officially launched and has actively promoted the exploitation and promotion of Coconut Homeland Cuisine in tourism activities. Tourism professionals are collaborating to further strengthen Ben Tre's culinary scene.

Through these efforts, Ben Tre not only showcases its rich culinary heritage but also attracts gastronomic tourists, contributing to the overall development of cultural tourism in the region.

By Thanh Dong

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