What to Eat on a Mekong Cruise: Flavors of Vietnam & Cambodia

One of the most memorable parts of traveling the Mekong isn’t just the scenery—it’s the flavors. From steaming bowls of pho in Vietnam to fragrant coconut curries in Cambodia, every dish tells the story of the river and the people who live along its banks. On a Mekong cruise, you’ll taste your way through two rich culinary traditions, enjoying authentic dishes onshore and regionally inspired meals served onboard. If you’ve ever wondered what to eat on a Mekong cruise, the answer is simple: everything from local specialties to Western comforts thoughtfully prepared.

What to Expect Onboard: Dining & Cuisine

Onboard dining blends familiar favorites with the flavors of Southeast Asia. Breakfasts might include fresh tropical fruit, pastries, and Western classics, while lunches and dinners highlight regional specialties such as coconut curries, fragrant herbs, river fish, and stir-fried vegetables. Western dishes are always available if you prefer something more familiar.

Meals are paired with complimentary drinks like wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, alongside coffee, tea, and juices throughout the day. Whether you’re starting your morning with fresh juice as fishing boats drift by or sipping wine at sunset, dining onboard becomes as much a part of the journey as the sights along the river.

Tasting Local Life: What to Eat on a Mekong Cruise

The Flavors of Vietnam

In Vietnam, food is fresh, vibrant, and full of balance. Expect dishes that layer sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in perfect harmony.

• Pho: The country’s iconic noodle soup, served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili on the side so you can season it to your taste.

• Banh Mi: A crisp baguette (a nod to French influence) filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro.

• Banh Xeo: Golden turmeric pancakes stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, folded crisp and eaten with herbs.

• Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi cuốn): Delicate rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, vermicelli, and herbs, often dipped in peanut or fish sauce.

Every bite is light yet satisfying, a reflection of Vietnam’s vibrant markets and abundance of fresh herbs.

The Flavors of Cambodia

Cambodian cuisine is warm and comforting, with deep flavors and a slower rhythm. Expect dishes that lean on coconut milk, fragrant spices, and a balance of savory and sweet.

• Amok Curry: A creamy coconut curry, traditionally steamed in banana leaves with fish or chicken.

• Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef served with a peppery lime dipping sauce.

• Khmer BBQ: Grilled meats and vegetables, served with flavorful sauces for dipping.

• Num Pang: Cambodia’s answer to the banh mi, with bold, spiced fillings tucked into crusty bread.

Meals are hearty but never heavy, often designed to be shared, reflecting Cambodia’s emphasis on connection and community.

Street Food & Market Finds in Vietnam and Cambodia

One of the highlights of a Mekong cruise is stepping ashore into bustling markets. In Sa Dec, Phnom Penh, and smaller riverside towns, stalls overflow with produce, spices, and sizzling street food. Pyramids of dragon fruit, mangos, and rambutan glow in the sunlight, while the scent of lemongrass, chili, and grilled meat fills the air.

These markets are more than a place to eat—they are a window into daily life. Sharing a snack from a street vendor or tasting a fruit you’ve never tried before is part of the adventure, a way of connecting directly with the people and traditions of the Mekong.

Sweet Treats & Tropical Fruits

Don’t leave without indulging in the sweets and fruits that brighten every table. Sticky rice with coconut milk, palm sugar, and sesame seeds is a favorite dessert in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Tropical fruits like lychee, jackfruit, mangosteen, and dragon fruit appear at breakfast buffets and market stalls, each one bursting with flavor you’ll remember long after the trip.

A Culinary Journey That Stays With You

Food along the Mekong isn’t just nourishment—it’s memory. Each dish you try, whether a simple street snack or an elegant meal onboard, becomes part of your journey. The flavor of pho on a cool morning in Hanoi, the warmth of amok curry at dusk in Phnom Penh, the sweetness of fresh mango eaten as the river drifts by—these are the tastes that linger.

Ready to taste your way through Vietnam and Cambodia? Let’s plan your Mekong adventure today.