Vietnamese pancake: A Sizzling Delight
“Bánh xèo”, the iconic Vietnamese pancake, is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its crispy texture and flavorful filling. This beloved dish has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike, offering a unique and satisfying dining experience. Join us as we delve into the world of this cake, exploring its rich history, diverse regional variations, and the art of creating the perfect bite.
What is Vietnamese pancake?
Vietnamese pancake is a beloved dish known for its crispy texture and savory filling. While its exact origins remain somewhat mysterious, it is widely believed to have originated in Central Vietnam.
The name “bánh xèo” itself is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sizzling sound of the batter hitting the hot pan. Some theories suggest that the dish may have been influenced by Champa culture or even South Indian cuisine.
Over time, Vietnamese pancake has evolved and adapted to regional tastes. While the basic ingredients remain similar, the fillings and dipping sauces can vary across different regions. In Central Vietnam, Vietnamese pancake often features shrimp and pork belly as fillings, while in Southern Vietnam, it’s commonly filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
No matter where you enjoy it, Vietnamese pancake is a delicious and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.
Origin of Vietnamese pancake
The exact origins of Vietnamese pancake remain a bit of a mystery, but it’s widely believed to have originated in Central Vietnam.
Some theories suggest that Vietnamese pancake may have been influenced by:
- Cham Culture: The Champa kingdom, which once occupied parts of central and southern Vietnam, had a significant influence on Vietnamese cuisine. Some believe that bánh xèo may have evolved from a similar dish in Cham culture.
- South Indian Cuisine: There are some similarities between bánh xèo and certain South Indian dishes, such as dosas. However, the extent of this influence is still debated.
Regardless of its exact origins, Vietnamese pancake has become a beloved dish throughout Vietnam, with variations found in different regions. It is often enjoyed as a street food or a family meal, and it continues to be a popular choice among both locals and tourists.
How to Make Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)
Ingredients:
- For the batter:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 liter water
- For the filling:
- 200g pork belly, thinly sliced
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 100g mung bean sprouts
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (such as mint, basil, and cilantro)
- For the dipping sauce:
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
- Sugar
- Chili peppers
Instructions:
- Prepare the batter:
- Mix the rice flour, tapioca flour, turmeric powder, salt, and water in a large bowl.
- Whisk the batter until smooth and free of lumps.
- Prepare the filling:
- Marinate the pork belly with a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and pepper.
- Heat a pan and cook the pork belly until crispy.
- Sauté the shrimp, onion, and bean sprouts until cooked.
- Cook the pancake:
- Heat a large, flat pan over medium heat.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan, spreading it out into a thin, circular layer.
- Add the prepared filling to the center of the pancake.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for a few minutes until the bottom is crispy.
- Carefully flip the pancake and cook for a few more minutes until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Cut the pancake into smaller pieces.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made by mixing fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
Tips to make and eat Vietnamese pancake:
- For a crispy pancake, use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
- Adjust the thickness of the batter to your preference.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables.
- Serve the pancake immediately to enjoy its crispy texture.
Different tastes in different regions of Vietnam
While Vietnamese pancake is a beloved dish across Vietnam, there are distinct regional variations in terms of size, ingredients, and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Central Vietnam:
- Smaller size: Vietnamese pancake from Central Vietnam is typically smaller and cooked in individual molds.
- Crispier texture: The batter is often thinner and crispier.
- Simpler fillings: The filling usually consists of pork belly and shrimp.
- Flavor profile: The flavor is more focused on the savory and umami notes of the meat and seafood.
Southern Vietnam:
- Larger size: Vietnamese pancake from Southern Vietnam is typically larger and cooked in a larger pan.
- Thicker texture: The batter is often thicker and more doughy.
- Diverse fillings: The filling can include a variety of ingredients, such as pork belly, shrimp, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and even lotus root.
Flavor profile: The flavor is often sweeter and richer, with the addition of coconut milk to the batter.
Top 5 places to eat Vietnamese pancake in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are 5 top places to enjoy Vietnamese pancake (Bánh Xèo) in Ho Chi Minh City:
Banh Xeo 46A: This is a popular local spot known for its delicious and affordable Vietnamese pancake. The crispy pancakes are filled with a variety of ingredients, including pork belly, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
Banh Xeo Mien Tay: This restaurant specializes in Vietnamese pancake from the Mekong Delta region. The pancakes are larger and often filled with more exotic ingredients, such as snakehead fish and wild boar.
Banh Xeo Ngoc Son: This restaurant is known for its authentic and delicious Vietnamese pancake. The pancakes are crispy and flavorful, and the fillings are generous.
Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem: This restaurant offers a unique twist on the traditional Vietnamese pancake, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and creative presentations.
Banh Xeo Ba Hai: This family-run restaurant has been serving Vietnamese pancake for generations. The pancakes are crispy and flavorful, and the dipping sauce is a perfect complement.
Top 5 places to eat Vietnamese pancake in Hanoi City
Here are 5 top places to enjoy Vietnamese pancakes (Bánh Xèo) in Hanoi:
- Banh Xeo Tung Huong: This restaurant is known for its crispy and flavorful Vietnamese pancake, filled with a generous amount of pork belly and shrimp. The dipping sauce is also a highlight, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Banh Xeo Gia Truyen: This family-run restaurant has been serving delicious Vietnamese pancake for generations. The pancakes are made with a special recipe that results in a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Banh Xeo Cau Go: This restaurant is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Vietnamese pancake. The pancakes are crispy and filled with a delicious combination of pork belly, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Banh Xeo Ba Thin: This restaurant is famous for its large and crispy Vietnamese pancake. The pancakes are filled with a variety of ingredients, including pork belly, shrimp, and mushrooms.
- Banh Xeo 36 Hang Buom: This restaurant is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The Vietnamese pancake is crispy and flavorful, and the dipping sauce is perfectly balanced.
