The yummy goi buoi (pomelo salad) served in Dong Nai Province’s “Lang Buoi Nam Hue city” tourist area

Many varieties of delicious grapefruit abound in Tan Trieu Islet, around 40 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.

From the Buu Long tourist area, the peaceful “Lang Buoi Nam Hue” (Nam Hue Pomelo Village) is three kilometers away along the serene Dong Nai River.

Thanks to the rich alluvium deposited by the Dong Nai, the pomelos of Tan Trieu Islet are much tastier than anywhere else in the province.

Nam Hue, owner of “Lang Buoi” tourist area, says the 2.5-hectare garden with its nearly 500 pomelo trees is a “place for tourists to unwind and enjoy some specialties of the little town.”

Among the most popular specialties is goi buoi (pomelo and green papaya salad with shrimp, meat and onion).

“There are several places that make the dish in HCMC, but the taste of goi buoi here is totally different,” Nam Hue says.

“A little sour and a little sweet, the tanginess of buoi duong da xanh (green-skinned pomelo) makes the dish unique and unforgettable.

“Another specialty of buoi duong da xanh is it keeps for a long time, for over a month. The longer it stays, in fact, the sweeter it turns.

Ruou buoi (wine made from pomelo juice) and che buoi (pomelo sweet soup) are other items not to be missed here.

A feature here is the reasonable prices charged for the pomelo - VND40,000 to 80,000 (US$2.34-$4.68) for goi buoi, VND65,000 ($3.80) a liter for ruou buoi and VND5,000 for a bowl of che buoi.

Pomelo village also offers other attractions like rowing, fishing, visits to gardens and overnight accommodation.

A visit here not only gives one a chance to escape the bustle and cacophony of the big city but also to discover the tasty traditional cookings of the southeastern region.

“Lang Buoi Nam Hue” tourist area

109/7 Tan Trieu Isle, Tan Binh Commune, Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai Province

Tel: (016) 3 965 555 – 3 965 666 – 0913 75 75 09

Email: stvlangbuoi5hue@yahoo.com.vn

Reported by Kim