Hoi An Banh Xeo: A crispy culinary delight and cultural experience
When mentioning the cuisine of Central Vietnam, it is impossible not to mention Hoi An banh xeo – a street food that has become a culinary symbol of the ancient town. With a crispy crust, sweet shrimp and meat filling, and a harmonious combination of fresh vegetables, Hoi An banh xeo brings a unique and attractive culinary experience. Not only a delicious dish, pancakes are also a cultural feature, a long-standing culinary quintessence, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists to explore. Enjoying pancakes in the ancient space of Hoi An, next to small streets and shimmering lanterns, visitors will feel not only the rich flavor but also the simple, rustic soul of this land.
Introducing Hoi An Banh Xeo
Hoi An banh xeo is one of the unique and flavorful dishes of Central Vietnam, especially in Hoi An ancient town. This dish is not simply a part of the cuisine, but also carries a unique cultural feature, expressing the connection between people and the land and sky of the Central region.
Unlike Hoi An banh xeo in other regions, Hoi An banh xeo is small in size, just enough for one piece, creating sophistication and convenience when enjoying. This helps diners comfortably enjoy many pancakes at the same time, feeling the crispy outer shell, mixed with shrimp, meat, bean sprouts and the rich flavor of rice flour. The crust is crispy and golden, the inside is plump and attractive, all creating a perfect harmony, satisfying those who enjoy it.
Hoi An banh xeo is usually eaten while still hot, freshly fried to retain the full flavor. Diners can dip the cake with skillfully prepared fish sauce, with enough sour, sweet, spicy flavors, or serve it with rice paper and raw vegetables such as lettuce, basil, and coriander. This way of eating not only enhances the flavor of the cake but also brings a fresh feeling, softening the fat of the crust.
For the people of Hoi An, banh xeo is not only for filling but also for sharing joy and connecting generations in the family. Every afternoon, when the shops begin to burn brightly and the pleasant sizzling sound resounds from the hot pans of cakes, that is also the time when the atmosphere of the old town becomes warm and full of vitality.
Ingredients and how to make Hoi An banh xeo
Hoi An banh xeo is a familiar dish, famous for its crispy golden crust and delicious, plump filling. To make attractive banh xeo according to Hoi An standards, preparing ingredients and mastering how to prepare them is extremely important.
Main ingredients
Ingredients for making Hoi An banh xeo include familiar, rustic ingredients but must be carefully selected. Rice flour is the factor that determines the crispiness and flavor of the cake, shrimp and pork create a sweet and aromatic filling, blended with fresh bean sprouts and green onions. To give banh xeo its eye-catching color and unique taste, the cook adds a little turmeric powder, creating a golden crust when fried.
Secrets of mixing flour and processing
Mixing pancake dough is an art. Rice flour, after soaking for the right amount of time to ensure moderate crispness, is added to turmeric powder to give it a beautiful yellow color. Adding a little salt and coconut milk (depending on taste) will help the cake have a rich taste and light aroma. The ratio of water and flour needs to be adjusted so that the dough is neither too thick nor too liquid, so that when poured into the pan, it can be spread evenly and thinly.
Cake making process
- Pour the dough: First, heat the pan over medium heat and apply a little cooking oil to prevent the cake from sticking. When the pan is hot, scoop a sufficient amount of dough into the pan, shake gently to spread the dough evenly, forming a thin and even cake layer.
- Add filling: When the dough layer is just firm, quickly add the filling including shrimp, thinly sliced ββpork and bean sprouts. You can sprinkle some green onions to increase color and flavor.
- Cover: After adding the filling, cover the pan so the cake cooks evenly from the inside out. The steam will help the shrimp and meat cook until tender while still retaining moisture.
- Flip the cake: Wait until the crust turns golden brown, use a spatula to gently flip the cake to check for crispness. Flip the cake and fry a little more to make the crust crispy and fragrant.
Hoi An banh xeo is best when eaten hot. To add flavor, the cake is often rolled with rice paper (rice paper), raw vegetables such as lettuce, basil, herbs, and then dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. The crispy flavor of the crust, the sweetness of shrimp and meat mixed with raw vegetables, all create an unforgettable, rich dish.
The typical flavor of Hoi An Banh xeo
Hoi An banh xeo has a unique flavor not only thanks to the meticulous recipe but also thanks to the skillful combination of ingredients to create a unique, unforgettable dish. Fried until golden brown, the pancake becomes crispy on the outside, containing sweet shrimp and meat inside, creating a delicate blend of flavors.
The sweetness of the shrimp and meat and the crispiness of the crust: Hoi An banh xeo filling is a harmonious combination of fresh shrimp, tender pork and sweet and crispy bean sprouts, each bite brings a natural and rich sweetness. The crust is made from rice flour, mixed with a little turmeric powder, creating a shiny golden color and a crispy texture when fried. The crust is thin but crispy. The more you eat, the more you feel the rustic, familiar “taste” of this Central dish.
Special dipping sauce: The highlight of Hoi An Banh Xeo lies in the bowl of sweet and sour dipping sauce mixed according to the locals’ own secret. Fish sauce is diluted moderately, sugar and vinegar are added to create a sour, sweet taste, with a little fresh chili and minced garlic. This cup of dipping sauce not only enhances the delicious taste of the cake but also makes the flavor rich and attractive. The dipping sauce is mildly spicy, fragrant with garlic and chili, blending with the cake to create an unforgettable overall flavor.
Unique way to enjoy: To fully enjoy the flavor of banh xeo, Hoi An people often eat it with thin rice paper and raw vegetables such as lettuce, herbs, bananas and cucumbers. When rolled with vegetables, banh xeo not only has the crispiness of the crust but also the cool feeling of raw vegetables, creating the perfect balance. Each type of vegetable brings a different flavor, from the mild scent of lettuce, the light taste of herbs, to the slight astringency of green bananas. One bite and you can clearly see the delicate blend, making diners unable to forget the unique flavor of Hoi An banh xeo.
The appeal of Hoi An banh xeo to tourists
Hoi An banh xeo is one of the most prominent and attractive street dishes of Hoi An ancient town, always attracting many both locals and international tourists. Whenever walking on the small streets here, visitors can easily see small and beautiful banh xeo shops with the fragrant scent from pans of pancakes sizzling on the stove. It is that scent and image that create an irresistible attraction, making anyone passing by want to stop and enjoy.
A special point that makes Hoi An banh xeo more attractive is the enjoyment space. Banh Xeo shops are often small roadside shops, on old town corners or in small alleys filled with lanterns, creating a close, rustic and very familiar atmosphere. Visitors can sit on low chairs on the side of the road, enjoying hot pancakes while watching the scenery of the old town sparkling with lights. This is not only about enjoying the food but also about a cultural experience, helping visitors feel more deeply about the simple lifestyle of Hoi An people.
Not only is it a delicious dish, Hoi An banh xeo also contain the cultural essence of this land. Banh Xeo is made from rustic ingredients and through the skillful hands and generations-old experience of local people, turns each cake into a small work of art. Visitors not only get to enjoy the food but also get to tell the story of tradition and how people preserve and develop their long-standing culinary culture.
Read more: Top banh mi Hoi An spots loved by locals and tourists
List of delicious banh xeo restaurants in Hoi An
Below is a detailed list of famous banh xeo shops in Hoi An, where you can enjoy golden, crispy banh xeo with unforgettable rich flavors. Each restaurant has its own unique characteristics, reflecting the beauty of the culinary culture of the old town.
Hoi An Banh xeo
Address: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An.
Hoi An Market is not only a gathering place for unique street food but also a lively and local space. Visitors to the market can easily find stalls selling Banh Xeo and many famous specialties such as Cao Lau and Banh Beo. The pancakes are fried on the spot, crispy with plump fillings, bringing a rustic experience and closeness to the indigenous people. Enjoying banh xeo at Hoi An market will bring you not only the unique flavor but also the vibrant atmosphere of daily life here.
Song Hoai pancake
Address: 59/32 August 18 Street.
Spacious, airy space with rich dipping sauce is the highlight of Song Hoai Banh Xeo restaurant. Banh xeo here is carefully processed, ensuring it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With reasonable prices, this is an ideal destination for groups of friends or families who want a delicious meal in a comfortable space. Diners coming here will experience the taste of Hoi An banh xeo in a relaxing space, enjoying and chatting happily.
Hai Dao pancake
Address: 160 Ly Thai To.
Hai Dao pancakes are famous for their diverse menu, quick service and always hot cakes. The banh xeo here is fried until golden brown, crispy but still retains the softness of the inner shell, and is filled with fresh shrimp and meat. With an intimate space, the restaurant brings a culinary experience that is both sophisticated and comfortable for visitors.
Banh Xeo Gieng Ba Le
Address: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao.
Banh Xeo Gieng Ba Le retains the traditional style with a moderately crispy crust, sweet shrimp and meat filling and dipping sauce prepared according to the restaurant’s own recipe, rich in sweet and sour taste. The small restaurant space, located deep in a quiet alley, brings a cozy and simple feeling, creating a unique experience for visitors when visiting.
Hainan pancake
Address: 103 Ly Thai To.
Made from fresh ingredients, Hainan pancakes are famous for their standard Central flavor. The cakes here are not only crispy but also have a natural sweetness from shrimp and pork, mixed with the light aroma of green onions. This is a great choice for those who want to enjoy Central-style pancakes.
Ms. Anh’s pancakes
Address: Thoai Ngoc Hau Street, near Hoi An market.
Highlight: Co Anh Banh Xeo restaurant near Hoi An market has beautiful, crispy and easy-to-eat small cakes. With plump fillings including shrimp, meat and bean sprouts, the restaurant is suitable for tourists who want to quickly enjoy Hoi An banh xeo without having to sit for a long time. This is the ideal choice for tourists who want to enjoy banh xeo while walking to explore the old town.Β
Banh Xeo Ba 9
Address: Kiet 92 Phan Chu Trinh and 159/20 Tran Hung Dao.
Ba 9 Banh Xeo is famous for its soft soaked rice flour, creating a moderate crunch when fried. The restaurant also specially combines banh xeo with Hoi An’s famous Tra Que raw vegetables and heirloom dipping sauce. It is this combination that gives diners a full, rich feeling of local cuisine. The restaurant is small but always crowded thanks to its unique delicious flavor.
Banh Xeo Quan Dung
Address: 38 Phan Chu Trinh.
With always fresh ingredients, Quan Dung is famous for traditional pancakes and a rich menu, providing many options for diners. Banh xeo here has a crispy crust, rich filling, and delicious dipping sauce, bringing a complete culinary experience to visitors.
Dai Loc pancake
Address: 193 Nguyen Tat Thanh.
Highlight: Dai Loc Restaurant stands out with its large pancakes, lots of filling and crispy crust. The cakes here are dipped in thick broth, creating an irresistible delicious taste. The rich filling and rich dipping sauce make diners satisfied and memorable.
Hai Son pancake
Address: 147 Ly Thai To.
Highlight: Hai Son banh xeo has a rich flavor of the Central region, with a crispy and oily crust. Fragrant sweet meat cake filling, mixed dipping sauce to suit your taste, giving diners a Hoi An-style meal in a simple space.
Banh Xeo Twelve
Address: 02 Le Van Huu.
Highlight: Loved by both locals and tourists, Banh Xeo Muoi Twelve stands out with its crispy, delicious crust and is always served hot. Although the restaurant is small, it is very crowded, showing people’s love for this traditional flavor.
If you are preparing for a trip to Hoi An, finding a hotel to stay is very important. Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is an ideal destination for tourists who want to enjoy a complete vacation amidst peaceful natural space and modern conveniences. After a day exploring Hoi An ancient town, immersing yourself in the rich culture and history, what could be better than returning to a resort with a quiet private beach, professional health care services, and Luxurious relaxation space.Β
At Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, visitors not only get to rest but also have the opportunity to regenerate energy, immerse themselves in the beauty of Central Vietnam nature and immerse themselves in complete relaxation. With classy amenities and thoughtful hospitality, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is the perfect choice, a place to keep memorable memories during your journey to discover Hoi An.
