In Ca Mau, "swallow the clouds" with the "cloud village" dish.

In the culinary exploration of Southern Vietnam, Ca Mau captivates visitors not only with its fresh seafood but also with dishes deeply rooted in local culture. One such example is wonton, also known by the poetic name "van thon" (cloud village) in Chinese, meaning "swallowing clouds."

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• Unlocking the tourism potential of traditional Chinese pastries.
• The beautiful end-of-year worship customs of the Chinese community in Ca Mau.

The name originates from its shape and the sensation it provides when eaten. The wontons are skillfully wrapped, soft and delicate like small clouds. When placed in the mouth, the thin wrapper melts gently, and the hot, sweet filling spreads, creating the feeling of "swallowing" a cloud. Furthermore, in Chinese culture, wontons symbolize wealth and abundance because of their resemblance to small gold bars; therefore, this dish is often featured during festivals, holidays, and family gatherings.

The wonton cuisine of Ca Mau offers many attractive variations, reflecting the rich flavors and cultural identity of the Chinese community.

Originally from China, wontons have been adapted in Ca Mau to suit local tastes and ingredients. Besides the traditional wonton soup, diners can enjoy many appealing variations such as shrimp, squid, mixed fillings, or served with noodles and roasted pork or char siu. Each preparation method offers a unique flavor, while still preserving the delicate essence of the dish.

According to Ms. Thai Thuyen Anh, who has many years of experience with Chinese cuisine in Bac Lieu ward , the most important factors in making a delicious wonton are the filling and the cooking technique.

“The meat must be minced just right, not too finely, to retain its chewiness and sweetness. The seasoning should be just enough to enhance the natural flavor of the meat. When boiling, the heat must be carefully controlled; add the wontons when the water is just boiling, and remove them immediately when cooked to prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring the filling remains soft and retains its sweetness,” Ms. Thuyen Anh shared.

A delicious wonton shop in Bac Lieu ward, familiar to both locals and tourists visiting Ca Mau.

Not only the filling, but also the broth and side dishes contribute to the dish's appeal. The broth is simmered until light and flavorful, combined with shrimp, fish cakes, or carefully prepared pork offal, and flavored with ginger to create a distinctive aroma. Additionally, crispy fried wontons served with noodles and roasted pork or char siu are also a popular choice due to their rich, crunchy texture.

It can be said that wonton is not just a dish, but also the embodiment of the culture and community life of the Chinese people in Ca Mau. Through each preparation method and each flavor, the dish tells a story of cultural exchange and belief in a life of abundance and prosperity.

Each bowl of wonton soup is therefore not simply for enjoyment, but also a connection between tradition and innovation, between memories of home and the rhythm of life today.

In the near future, when Ca Mau organizes the 2026 Traditional Cake Festival, dishes with strong cultural identity such as wontons will continue to be introduced to tourists from near and far. And perhaps, what people will remember forever is not only the delicious taste, but also the stories of culture, people, and land embedded in each of those little "clouds."

Auspicious

Source: https://baocamau.vn/ve-ca-mau-nuot-may-tu-mon-van-thon--a127982.html