Banh xeo Mien Tay, a rustic yet irresistibly charming culinary symbol of Vietnam, has captivated the hearts of countless food lovers. This dish is more than just a pancake; it’s a journey to explore the culture, history, and people of the Mekong Delta. While you can find banh xeo throughout Vietnam, for the most authentic and exquisite taste, there’s no place more ideal than Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) as we embark on a culinary adventure, discovering renowned banh xeo eateries and fully experiencing the essence of this unique cuisine on your Mekong Delta trip.
Mekong Delta Banh Xeo: A Symphony of Flavors from the Watery Region
Mekong Delta banh xeo possesses a distinct identity, unlike any other. Different from banh xeo in other regions, Mekong Delta banh xeo is typically larger, resembling a mini pizza, sometimes exceeding the span of an adult hand in diameter. The eye-catching golden color of the crepe shell comes from high-quality rice flour, combined with fresh turmeric, creating a uniquely alluring aroma. The crepe is paper-thin, crispy, and melts in your mouth, a perfect combination of skillful pancake-making techniques and secret family batter recipes.
The filling of Mekong Delta banh xeo is a diverse and abundant world, reflecting the richness of this land. From fresh tiger prawns and flavorful pork belly to succulent duck meat and sweet river shrimp, all are harmoniously blended with crunchy green papaya, savory mung beans, and refreshing bean sprouts. Each banh xeo eatery has its own variations in batter preparation and filling choices, creating a diversity of flavors that never leaves diners feeling bored.
Crispy Mekong Delta Banh Xeo filled with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs
Banh xeo is cooked on large cast iron pans placed over hot charcoal stoves, the delightful sizzling sound echoing throughout the space. The cook deftly scoops ladles of batter, spreading it evenly on the hot pan, then quickly adds the filling in the center, covering it to wait for the pancake to turn golden brown. The enticing aroma spreads, stimulating all senses, making everyone crave it.
To fully enjoy Mekong Delta banh xeo, fresh and diverse raw vegetables are indispensable, such as lettuce, mustard greens, herbs, fish mint, basil, cucumber, and bean sprouts. All are rolled in a crispy banh xeo crepe, dipped generously in a rich, sweet and sour fish sauce, creating a symphony of wonderful flavors. The crispiness of the crepe, the fresh sweetness of the filling, the coolness of the raw vegetables, combined with the richness of the fish sauce, all create an unforgettable culinary experience, quintessentially Mekong Delta. Visiting Can Tho without savoring banh xeo is like missing out on a part of the culinary essence of this place.
“Golden” Secrets for Authentic Mekong Delta Banh Xeo at Home
Do you love the flavor of Mekong Delta banh xeo and want to make this delicious dish yourself at home? Don’t worry, the recipe below will guide you step-by-step to conquer this famous banh xeo, so you can showcase your culinary skills and treat your family and friends.
Preparing Fresh Ingredients
To have authentic Mekong Delta banh xeo, choosing fresh ingredients is extremely important. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also ensure food safety and hygiene.
Fresh ingredients for making Mekong Delta Banh Xeo at home
Ingredients for the crepe:
- Banh xeo flour: 400g (choose a good quality, reputable brand)
- Coconut milk: 200ml
- Water: 200ml
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon (for color and characteristic aroma)
- Green onions: 50g (chopped)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Beer (or white wine): 50ml (optional, makes the crepe crispier)
Ingredients for the filling:
- Tiger prawns: 200g (choose fresh, firm prawns)
- Pork belly: 200g (choose meat with alternating layers of lean and fat for a rich filling)
- Split mung beans, peeled: 100g (soaked until soft)
- Bean sprouts: 100g
- Onion: 1 (sliced into wedges)
Raw vegetables to serve with: Lettuce, mustard greens, herbs, fish mint, basil, cucumber, bean sprouts, young mango leaves, star gooseberry leaves, young fig leaves, Siamese rough bush leaves, crape myrtle leaves, hog plum leaves, garcinia cowa leaves, wax gourd leaves…
Seasoning: Seasoning powder, salt, sugar, fish sauce, lemon, garlic, chili, cooking oil…
Secrets to Making Crispy Banh Xeo Batter
Making banh xeo batter is a crucial step that determines the deliciousness of the dish. To achieve a crispy crepe, apply the following recipe:
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix banh xeo flour, turmeric powder, salt, sugar, and chopped green onions.
- Add coconut milk and water: Gradually pour coconut milk and water into the flour bowl, stirring well until the flour is completely dissolved and smooth, without lumps.
- Add beer (optional): If you want crispier crepes, you can add beer or white wine to the batter mixture, stirring well.
- Let the batter rest: Cover the bowl of batter tightly, let it rest for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps the batter rise evenly, making the crepes crispier and fluffier.
Note:
- Do not make the batter too thick, the crepes will be thick and hard.
- Season to taste, avoid making the batter too salty or too sweet.
- If you don’t have fresh turmeric powder, you can use dried turmeric powder, but reduce the amount to avoid making the crepes bitter.
“Artful” Banh Xeo Cooking Technique
Cooking banh xeo requires a bit of skill and technique. However, with just a few practice sessions, you will easily master this technique.
- Prepare the pan: Choose a cast iron pan or non-stick pan with a deep bottom and flat base. Place the pan on the stove, heat it thoroughly.
- Grease the pan: When the pan is hot, add a sufficient amount of cooking oil to the pan, spreading it evenly over the surface.
- Pour the batter: Scoop a ladle of batter, pour it into the center of the hot pan, quickly tilt the pan and spread the batter evenly around, forming a thin circle.
- Add the filling: Place shrimp, pork, onions, and bean sprouts in the center of the crepe.
- Cover and cook: Cover the pan, cook the crepe over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
- Fold the crepe: When the crepe is cooked, use a spatula to fold it in half, cook for a little longer until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the crepe: Remove the banh xeo from the pan and place it on a plate lined with oil-absorbing paper to drain excess oil.
Cooking Banh Xeo on a hot pan
Tips:
- To keep banh xeo crispy for longer, you can add a little lard to the batter.
- When cooking banh xeo, use medium heat, avoid using too high heat as the crepes will burn easily.
- If you prefer thin banh xeo, you can make the batter slightly thinner.
Enjoying Authentic Mekong Delta Banh Xeo: From Dipping Sauce to Raw Vegetables
To fully enjoy the flavor of Mekong Delta banh xeo, the dipping sauce and raw vegetables play an extremely important role. Delicious dipping sauce and fresh raw vegetables will enhance the rich and appealing flavor of the dish.
Banh xeo dipping sauce:
Mekong Delta banh xeo dipping sauce usually has a harmonious sweet and sour taste, rich in fish sauce flavor. How to make authentic dipping sauce:
- Prepare: Good quality fish sauce, sugar, fresh lemon, garlic, chili, water, carrot, white radish.
- Mix fish sauce: In a bowl, add fish sauce, sugar, and water, stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The mixing ratio depends on taste, but is usually 1 fish sauce : 1 sugar : 2 water.
- Add sour and spicy flavors: Squeeze lemon juice into the fish sauce bowl, add minced garlic and chili, stir well.
- Add pickled vegetables: Shred carrots and white radish, soak in diluted salt water, remove and drain, add to the dipping sauce bowl.
Raw vegetables to serve with:
Raw vegetables served with Mekong Delta banh xeo are extremely diverse and plentiful. Each type of vegetable carries its own flavor, contributing to the balance and harmony of the dish.
Mekong Delta Banh Xeo served with fresh vegetables and flavorful dipping sauce
Some popular raw vegetables:
- Fish mint: Slightly fishy taste, cooling, helps to cool down, stimulates digestion.
- Bean sprouts: Refreshing, crunchy, sweet, provides vitamins and fiber.
- Cucumber: Crunchy, sweet, refreshing, helps balance the richness of banh xeo.
- Young mango leaves: Slightly sour, slightly astringent, creates a unique taste.
- Star gooseberry leaves: Sour, refreshing, has a cooling effect.
- Wild vegetables: Young fig leaves, Siamese rough bush leaves, crape myrtle leaves, hog plum leaves, garcinia cowa leaves, wax gourd leaves… bring the characteristic flavors of the countryside.
How to enjoy:
Mekong Delta banh xeo is not rolled with rice paper like Central Vietnam banh xeo. Instead, you tear off pieces of banh xeo by hand, roll them with raw vegetables, dip them generously in the sweet and sour fish sauce, and enjoy them while they are still hot to fully experience the delicious, crispy flavor.
Mekong Delta Banh Xeo rolled with raw vegetables and dipped in fish sauce
Top Famous Mekong Delta Banh Xeo Hotspots in Can Tho
In Can Tho, it’s not difficult to find delicious banh xeo eateries. However, for the best culinary experience, refer to the list of famous banh xeo eateries loved by locals and tourists below:
4.1. Muoi Xiem Restaurant
Muoi Xiem Restaurant is one of the oldest and most famous banh xeo restaurants in Can Tho. Banh xeo here is made according to a family recipe, with a thin crispy crepe, generous filling, rich dipping sauce, and especially a spacious, airy restaurant space, imbued with the architecture of a Mekong Delta garden house.
Famous and delicious Muoi Xiem Banh Xeo in Can Tho
- Address: 13/3 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Tra Noc Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho.
- Reference opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Special features: Green garden space, family recipe banh xeo, delicious dipping sauce.
4.2. Banh Xeo 7 Toi
Banh xeo 7 Toi attracts diners with its paper-thin, crispy crepes, filled with shrimp, pork, mung beans, and bean sprouts. The restaurant is also famous for its perfectly balanced sweet and sour dipping sauce and fast, enthusiastic service style.
Crispy and thin crust Banh Xeo at 7 Toi in Can Tho
- Address: 45 Hoang Quoc Viet, An Binh, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.
- Reference opening hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
- Special features: Paper-thin crepe, generous filling, affordable prices.
4.3. Co Mai Restaurant
Co Mai Restaurant is known for its “super giant” banh xeo, with generous fillings, fresh ingredients, and guaranteed hygiene. The restaurant space is spacious and airy, suitable for large groups or families.
- Address: Vo Truong Toan, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.
- Reference opening hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
- Special features: Large-sized banh xeo, abundant filling, spacious space.
4.4. Tay Hue Vien Restaurant
Tay Hue Vien Restaurant has a special crispy banh xeo making secret, the crepe melts in your mouth when eaten. The dipping sauce here is also very well-balanced, harmonious between sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors, creating a perfect combination with banh xeo.
Unique crispy Banh Xeo at Tay Hue Vien in Can Tho
- Address: 32 De Tham Street, An Cu, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.
- Reference opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Special features: Melts-in-your-mouth crispy banh xeo, special dipping sauce, cozy space.
4.5. Tan Dinh Restaurant
Tan Dinh Restaurant is an ideal place to enjoy Mekong Delta banh xeo with traditional flavors. Banh xeo here is made from fresh ingredients, rich filling, fresh raw vegetables, and flavorful dipping sauce. The friendly owner and enthusiastic service create a comfortable feeling for diners.
Traditional flavored Banh Xeo at Tan Dinh in Can Tho
- Address: Le Loi Roundabout, Cai Khe, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.
- Reference opening hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
- Special features: Traditional flavor, rich filling, enthusiastic service.
Conclusion: Mekong Delta Banh Xeo – An Unmissable Delight on Your Can Tho Exploration
Mekong Delta banh xeo is not just a rustic dish, but also an indispensable part of the unique culinary culture of the watery region. With its delicious, crispy flavor, banh xeo has become a familiar and beloved dish for locals and tourists alike.
On your Can Tho travel journey, don’t forget to take the time to enjoy this famous banh xeo. Whether you choose to enjoy it at famous eateries or make it yourself at home, Mekong Delta banh xeo will surely bring you memorable and unforgettable culinary experiences. Let the special flavor of Mekong Delta banh xeo enrich your trip and discover the unique culinary culture of the gentle and hospitable land of Can Tho.