Over thousands of years of history, Vietnamese cuisine is abundant in dishes and diverse in cooking methods. Especially, many traditional dishes that have been handed down over many generations. The dishes show the soul and lifestyle of Vietnamese people. In this article, we will learn about a traditional dish which is one of the typical dishes of Central and Southern Vietnam. That is “Bánh Xèo” or Vietnamese pancakes.
Bánh Xèo
In Vietnamese, it called “Bánh Xèo” [ɓǎjŋ̟ sɛ̂w]. “Bánh” means cake, “Xèo” is the loud sizzling sound it makes when the rice batter is poured into the hot skillet. This is the rustic way that how Vietnamese named the dish. Many people believe that this dish originated from the Khmer ethnic minority in Southern Vietnam, but no oneexactly know when it has been.
Our group were making pancakes in Hoi An.
In Vietnam today, though many local variations exist, “Bánh Xèo” is enjoyed with its own characteristics. But there are usually 2 types: crispy pancakes and chewy pancakes. “Bánh Xèo” is yellow and circular in a pan, that why is has the name “pancakes”. It is a Vietnamese savory fried pancake made of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder. Some common stuffings include: pork, shrimp, diced green onion, mung bean, and bean sprouts. Pancakes are also served with lettuce, mint, Thai basil, fish mint and dipping sauce.
How to make pancakes:
Firstly, we need to prepare a batter of rice flour, turmeric powder, spring onion, salt and water. We then put a little shrimp, meat in a hot oil pan and stir for 1 minute. Next, we ladle some batter and tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter evenly. Add some beansprouts and cover the pan for about 2 minutes. Finally, open the lid and fold the pancake in half before presenting it on a plate with vegetables and dipping sauce.
Crispy pancakes for Southern Vietnam (Photo: Internet)
“Pancake Pagoda”
There is a “Pancake Pagoda” in An Giang province, Southern Vietnam. The pagoda is actually Dong Lai Monastery, but because it usually offers free vegetarian pancakes to visitors and has up to 6000 – 7000 cakes made every day, people gave it an intimate name, “the Pancake Pagoda”.
Đông Lai Monastery in An Giang province (Photo: Internet)
In some places, Vietnamese call it “Bánh Khoái”, some eat with mixed fish sauce and rice paper, while others dip with peanut sauce. Although there are differences in the enjoyment, “Bánh Xèo” have their own unique characteristics in general. It is always simple in the way of making and eye-catching in presentation that reminds us of a rustic but rich traditional life of Vietnamese people.
(Justin Ngoc Pham)
