Unique An Giang
There is an interesting thing when returning to the riverine region of An Giang: coming to an islet to enjoy a dish called islet. At Con En Ecotourism Point (Cu Lao Gieng commune), that experience is even more special.
In the way people in the Mekong Delta call it, Cu Lao is a land floating in the middle of a river or surrounded by four sides of waves. And there is another "Cu Lao" felt by taste: cu Lao hotpot. These two homophone but different meanings are present at Con En, ready to bring visitors a special feast in the river space.
Two "islands", one feeling
Cu Lao is the name of a mound of soil floating in the middle of the river, formed over the years by the accumulation of alluvium - a familiar image of the Mekong Delta, where large rivers silk up fertile lands. Cu Lao hotpot is the name of a dish associated with a traditional pot with a chimney in the middle, below holding charcoal to warm the broth.
Thanks to its characteristic shape with chimneys protruding like a mound in the middle of the river, the name "Cu Lao" was born as an interesting association with the image of a floating land in the middle of the river. That resonance creates an underground charm for local cuisine. One side is living space, the other side is cooking utensils... which has added flavor to the journey to explore Con En.
Delicious taste from river and water advantages
As an eco-tourism destination located on the banks of the Tien River, Con En possesses a great advantage in cultural values and traditional riverine cuisine. Alluvial grounds, abundant raw materials from river shrimp and fish, and the simplicity of the gardeners have created a unique menu.
Among them, cù lao hotpot has a unique mark that is difficult to mix. Not only attractive because of its curious name, the dish is also suitable for the crowded enjoyment of people in the Mekong Delta: the hotpot is placed in the middle of the table, many crispy and fresh green vegetable ingredients are dipped together, shared together, so that the conversation at the tray of rice just continues in rhythm with the waves crashing.
Eating hotpot in the middle of the river
At Con En, cù lao hotpot is elevated by the ecological space. The leaf huts built along the Tien River bank evoke the feeling of an ideal stop. Especially in the flood season, the river surface is wide open, the strong wind blows in, bringing cool water vapor, dispelling all the urban heat.
In that scene, the hotpot steaming is gathering with family and friends, creating a special bond. River wind, lively laughter and hot hotpot create a completely different experience compared to the four-walled restaurant space.
From food to memories of destinations
Ecotourism sometimes just a meal placed in a suitable space is enough to create a full feeling for the trip. With Con En, the advantages of the river and landscape are not only a tourism catalyst, but also foster unique local values for culinary life.
Experiencing "returning to the island to enjoy the island" is like a very unique beauty at Con En: coming to a land in the middle of the river, enjoying a dish named after that land itself. After strolling on suspended wooden bridges designed from agarwood trees, calling it hot island and leisurely enjoying and chatting, you will surely burst into emotions about the poetic river An Giang.
