Top 15 Vietnamese Snacks Made with Rice/Flour
Vietnam’s street food scene is a symphony of flavors, and rice and flour are the star musicians. From sweet and savory to spicy and crunchy, these delicacies offer a delightful adventure for every taste bud. Dive into our curated list of the Top 15 Vietnamese snacks made with rice and flour, categorized for easy exploration. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the heart of Vietnamese cuisine!
Top 15 Vietnamese Snacks Made with Rice/Flour: A Delicious Discovery
Embark on a culinary adventure through Vietnam’s vibrant street food scene with these top 15 rice and flour-based Vietnamese Snacks, categorized by taste:
Vietnamese Snacks with Sweet & Salty Treats:
- Bánh Khọt (Mini Crispy Pancakes): Tiny, savory rice flour pancakes with a crispy exterior, often filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and dipped in a sweet and sour nuoc cham sauce (15,000 – 20,000 VND per portion). Hoian Ancient Town is renowned for its Banh Khọt, but these treats can be found in various regions, especially in Central Vietnam.
- Bánh Tráng Nướng (Grilled Rice Paper): Thin rice paper sheets grilled over charcoal, then wrapped around various fillings like shredded pork, herbs, and a sweet and savory peanut sauce (10,000 – 15,000 VND per serving). This popular street food is a staple at night markets across Vietnam.
- Bánh Ít Tràm (Indigo Rice Cakes): Sweet glutinous rice cakes dyed a beautiful blue with indigo leaves, often filled with mung bean paste and sprinkled with sesame seeds (5,000 – 10,000 VND per piece). Hue, in Central Vietnam, is famous for these unique and visually stunning treats.
- Banh Chuối (Banana Fritters): Ripe bananas dipped in a sweet rice flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection (10,000 – 15,000 VND per skewer). A ubiquitous snack found throughout Vietnam, these sweet and gooey fritters are perfect for a quick energy boost.
Vietnamese Snacks with Savory Delights:
- Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette): A crusty baguette filled with savory ingredients like pate, grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a creamy mayonnaise sauce (20,000 – 30,000 VND per sandwich). This iconic Vietnamese dish is a satisfying and affordable meal option found everywhere in the country.
- Nem (Spring Rolls): Minced pork, shrimp, rice vermicelli noodles, and vegetables wrapped in rice paper and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce (15,000 – 25,000 VND per serving). Fresh spring rolls are a refreshing and healthy snack, while fried spring rolls offer a crispy and flavorful alternative.
- Banh Canh (Rice Noodle Soup): Thick rice noodles served in a flavorful broth with various toppings like pork, shrimp, vegetables, and boiled quail eggs. (25,000 – 40,000 VND per bowl). This hearty soup is a popular choice for a comforting and filling meal. Look for variations with different broths and toppings depending on the region.
- Bánh Xèo (Crispy Rice Pancakes): Large, turmeric-dyed rice flour pancakes filled with bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and served with lettuce leaves and herbs for wrapping (20,000 – 30,000 VND per pancake). Central Vietnam is known for these vibrant-colored pancakes, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Bánh Đa Cua (Rice Noodle Soup with Crab): Thin rice noodles in a rich crab broth with crab meat, vegetables, and sometimes fish sauce for a complex and flavorful experience (30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl). This specialty dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, particularly in regions known for crab fishing like Haiphong
Vietnamese Snacks with Spicy Options:
- Banh Beo (Spicy Hue Style): Similar to the sweet version, but with a spicy and sour shrimp and pork topping (10,000 – 15,000 VND per serving). Hue, in Central Vietnam, offers this fiery variation of Banh Beo, perfect for those who enjoy a kick.
- Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle Soup): Spicy beef noodle soup originating from Hue, known for its rich broth, thin rice noodles, various cuts of beef, and a plethora of fresh herbs (30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl). This iconic dish is a must-try for those seeking a flavorful and slightly spicy experience.
- Nem Nướng (Grilled Pork Skewers): Marinated pork grilled on skewers and served with rice noodles, pickled vegetables, and a spicy peanut sauce (20,000 – 30,00 VND per serving). A popular street food across Vietnam, Nem Nuong offers a delightful combination of savory, smoky, and spicy flavors.
Vietnamese Snacks with Crunchy and Chewy:
- Bánh Tráng (Rice Paper): Large, thin sheets of rice paper enjoyed on its own or used to wrap various fillings for a customizable snack (5,000 – 10,000 VND per pack). Found in most grocery stores and markets, rice paper offers endless possibilities for creating your own snacks or enjoying with fresh herbs and dips.
- Bánh Phồng (Rice Crackers): Light and airy rice crackers, perfect for enjoying on their own or as a crunchy accompaniment to other dishes (10,000 – 15,000 VND per bag). These crackers come in various shapes and sizes, offering a satisfying crunch and a neutral flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
- Bánh Khéo (Sesame Rice Crackers): Thin, crispy rice crackers generously sprinkled with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture (15,000 – 20,000 VND per bag). A specialty of the Mekong Delta region, these flavorful crackers are a delightful snack enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Bánh Gai (Sticky Rice Dumplings): Glutinous rice dumplings filled with savory fillings like mung bean paste or meat, often wrapped in banana leaves for steaming (10,000 – 15,000 VND per serving). These steamed dumplings offer a delightful chewy texture and come in both sweet and savory varieties. Look for them at traditional markets or street vendors specializing in xôi (sticky rice).
- Bánh Dừa (Coconut Rice Cakes): Chewy rice cakes made with glutinous rice flour and grated coconut, offering a delightful textural experience (10,000 – 15,000 VND per serving). Found throughout Vietnam, these sweet and slightly chewy cakes are a popular snack enjoyed for their unique combination of flavors and textures.
Top Tips to Savor the Best of Vietnamese Rice and Flour Snacks:
Embarking on a culinary adventure through Vietnam’s rice and flour snack haven? Here are some tips to maximize your enjoyment:
Embrace the Street Food Scene:
- Hygiene: Look for stalls with good hygiene practices, where ingredients are fresh and preparation areas are clean.
- Variety: Don’t be afraid to try different vendors! Each stall may have its own unique take on a classic recipe.
- Communication: A smile and a few basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in enhancing your experience. Pointing to pictures or asking for recommendations can be helpful.
Spice it Up (or Not) for Vietnamese Snacks:
- Adjust Spice Levels: Many dishes come with chili peppers or dipping sauces on the side. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Herbs are Your Friend: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro add a refreshing flavor and enhance the overall taste. Don’t hesitate to add them generously!
Beyond the Bite:
- Utensils: Some snacks are best enjoyed with chopsticks, while others are finger food. Observe how locals eat and adapt accordingly.
- Wet Wipes: Carry a pack of wet wipes for convenience, especially when navigating street food.
Savor the Experience of Vietnamese Snacks:
- Slow Down: Street food is meant to be savored. Take your time, enjoy the flavors, and appreciate the cultural experience.
- Drink Up: Pair your snacks with local drinks like iced tea (chè), fresh coconut water, or Vietnamese coffee (cà phê).
- Ask Questions: Engage with the vendors! Learn about the ingredients, preparation methods, and local recommendations.
See also:
Discover Vietnamese’s cuisine with TOP 10 best pho in Saigon
