In addition to famous specialties such as coconut candy, wax coconut..., in Ben Tre there is also a dish related to coconut but not everyone knows and has the opportunity to enjoy. That is coconut mouse.

According to locals, coconut rats are quite similar to field rats but live on coconut trees. They eat coconut tubers - the young core that is likened to the marrow of the tree - and destroy the fruit to eat the coconut meat and drink the coconut water inside.

Also because of the nutrients it gets, coconut mouse is considered to have a delicious, attractive taste with firm, slightly chewy meat and a natural sweetness.

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Ben Tre people set traps on coconut trees to catch coconut rats. Photo: Minh Hien Western region

Ms. Thuy Ly - a supplier of coconut rats in Giong Trom district said that at first, locals caught rats to protect coconut gardens and ensure fruit yield.

Later, when coconut rat meat became popular and gradually became a specialty, people also earned extra income from catching rats and selling them to traders and restaurants to prepare dishes.

“Catching coconut rats is very laborious and requires experience. In addition to trapping, Ben Tre people also apply the manual method of disturbing the rats’ nests in coconut trees, waiting for them to run out to the leaves and then catching them with specialized tools,” said Ms. Ly.

According to her, coconut rats are quite small, about 8-9 rats/kg. However, this type of rat has quality meat, not to mention it is difficult to hunt, so the selling price is quite high, about 150,000 - 200,000 VND/kg (after cleaning and processing).

In particular, near Tet is the time when coconut mice are most popular, so on this occasion, the price is also higher, even supply cannot meet demand.

Grilled coconut mouse is a favorite dish of many people in Ben Tre. Photo: Le Thi Thuy Lil

Ms. Ly said that in Ben Tre, coconut rats can be processed into many dishes such as steamed, pan-fried, stir-fried, braised..., but the most delicious and popular is still grilled coconut rats.

Depending on the place, people grill mice with salt, chili or lemongrass, garlic, and seasoning according to personal taste.

To ensure the delicious quality of the dish, people prepare coconut rats very skillfully and carefully. After roasting or blanching the rats to clean the fur, they are then gutted, the intestines removed, and the legs and tail cut short.

Next, people wash the rat meat with wine or diluted vinegar and lemon juice, and even rub salt all over from the inside out to clean and remove the fishy smell. After that, rinse again with water and let it drain.

“After cleaning the coconut rat meat, marinate it with minced onion, garlic, lemongrass, chili, add salt, pepper, and five-spice powder to taste. Wait about 15-20 minutes for the spices to soak in, then grill the rat meat,” Ly shared.

Coconut rats are best grilled over charcoal, keeping the heat at medium and turning regularly to ensure the meat is cooked evenly, while the skin is crispy and has an attractive golden brown color.

Because the spices are well seasoned, the hot grilled coconut rat meat can be enjoyed immediately without the need for dipping sauce.

Some attractive dishes made from Ben Tre coconut rat meat. Photo: Ho Ngoc Quy

Ms. My Duyen (in Ho Chi Minh City) has experienced grilled coconut rats in Ben Tre several times and commented that the dish looks quite scary at first glance but tastes strange and has its own unique flavor, especially the rat meat which has a unique aroma.

“Coconut rat meat is both firm and chewy, and soft and fatty. When you eat it, you will feel the aroma of coconut mixed into every fiber of the meat, it tastes better than frog meat or hill chicken meat.

Although it is inevitable to feel cautious and scared before enjoying them, if you get used to them, you can enjoy a few at a time without feeling bored or full," Ms. Duyen expressed.

In addition to grilled dishes, steamed coconut rat meat is also loved by Ben Tre people and tourists from all over. However, this dish has a less attractive appearance, easily causing fear to first-time diners.

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