Regarding Vietnamese culinary, Pho is considered the best traditional dish of Vietnamese people. However, we always seem to forget that another traditional Vietnamese dish – Banh Xeo is much loved. It is not a coincidence that Banh Xeo (or Vietnamese pancake) is one of the prides of Vietnamese culinary culture for such a long time.
Banh xeo literally means “sizzling cake” in Vietnamese. Pancake is a typical yellow cake made from rice flour and coconut milk with crispy crust outside and colored with vegetables, bean sprouts, shrimp or meat inside. The cake is in circular shape then it is folded into a semicircle. After the cooking process is finished, it will be a thin and tasty pancake.
Banh xeo is usually served with sauces and vegetables. Over many years of development, Vietnamese pancakes vary according to each region through Vietnam. In Northern Vietnam, a pancake has pachyrrhizus and Indian taro. Besides, pancake in Southern Vietnam is served with the sweet and sour sauce called “nuoc mam” and in Hue, it is served with sauce and roast meat.
There are many types of Banh Xeo discovered and become famous from North to South. And in Saigon – Vietnam’s culinary capital, Banh Xeo at different restaurants is also the favorite food of the locals.
1. Banh Xeo Ngoc Son
Located at 103 Ngo Quyen, Ward 11, District 5, Banh Xeo Ngoc Son has a really friendly atmosphere and plenty of well-trained staff. It serves with a wide range of different Vietnamese pancakes which are giant or normal. Located near Cho Lon, this is an ideal dining place for you after an exhausted shopping spree.
2. Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem
Located at 204 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1 or 213 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3
Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem has achieved many famous awards when attending food festivals in many countries in general and in Vietnam in particular. The special point of this place is that apart from the traditional Banh Xeo with shrimp, bean, pork, the restaurant also offers unique kinds of this Vietnamese pancake with mushroom stuffing (mushroom, bean sprouts, beans, etc.) This is an ideal Banh Xeo restaurant for vegetarians.
3. An La Ghien
Located at 74 Suong Nguyet Anh Sreet, District 1 or 100 Cao Thang Sreet, District 3
Banh xeo An La Ghien is the restaurant designed according to the concept of both Vietnamese and Western cuisines. There is a wide selection of Vietnamese pancakes with mushroom and bean sprouts for vegetarians. Coming to Banh Xeo An La Ghien, you will relax with the fresh atmosphere and enjoy gorgeous pancakes that are really tasty and beneficial to your healthy.
4. Banh Xeo Mien Tay
Located at 31/6 Hoang Hoa Tham street, Tan Binh District
Of all the famous Banh Xeo restaurants in the city, Banh Xeo Mien Tay should be your top priority because this store will bring you the unique flavor found only in the western region of Vietnam. It is said that Vietnamese usually eat with all their senses and it is especially true when you are to sit down at a Banh Xeo street store like Banh Xeo Mien Tay. The natural and attractive yellow color of pancake is the charm for your eyes; you can hear the sizzling sound when the batter hits the frying – pan, and you can smell the tasty pork and vegetables when eating.
The mix of many flavors in pancakes always leave the aftertaste for eaters, which makes Banh Xeo an indispensable dish at the big or small parties in both city and countryside and one of the most representative Vietnamese dishes. If you randomly catch Banh Xeo while taking a walk on the street, please do not hesitate to give it a try! Banh Xeo is positively unlike any other pancake you have tried before. When enjoying in Vietnam, perhaps you cannot ignore the opportunity to try Banh Xeo, and then it will bring you unforgettable and interesting experience.
