Cá kho tộ: Mekong Delta clay-pot caramelised fish
If you’re invited to a family dinner in the South, there’s a good chance a small clay pot of caramelised fish will be on the table.
Cá kho tộ is a Mekong Delta home-cooking classic: fish, often catfish, braised slowly in a clay pot with caramel sauce, fish sauce, black pepper and chilli until sticky and glossy. It’s eaten with rice and a sour soup. As part of a rice meal it usually costs 40,000–80,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một phần cá kho tộ”.
At a glance
How to order
“Cho tôi một phần cá kho tộ.”
One portion of clay-pot fish. Add canh chua, the sweet-sour fish soup that often comes with it.
How to eat it
Spoon a little fish and sauce over your rice. The sauce is salty, sweet and peppery, so a little goes a long way. Balance it with a sour soup and fresh vegetables.
When to go
Lunch and dinner at rice shops (quán cơm) and family restaurants.
Questions travellers ask
What fish is used in cá kho tộ?
Often catfish such as cá basa, but snakehead and other river fish are also common.
How much does cá kho tộ cost?
Around 40,000–80,000 VND as part of a rice meal.
What is nước màu?
A dark caramel sauce made by cooking sugar, used to colour and sweeten braised dishes.
Is cá kho tộ spicy?
It is peppery and can be spicy; ask for “ít cay” for less chilli.
Prices are typical ranges we’ve seen and change often; tourist areas can charge more. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Last updated 2026-09-30.
