Bánh Xèo Basics
Báinh xèo is a traditional rice-flour dish that originated in southern Vietnam. Also known as Vietnamese-style okonomiyaki in Japan and Vietnamese crepes in the West, this popular dish attracts many people with its beautiful golden color and unique way of eating.
The “seo” in “Bánh Xèo” is an onomatopoeic word that describes the “sizzling” sound of baking dough in a hot pan. This sound is the signal that a delicious Bánh Xèo is about to be baked.
Features and Attractiveness of Bainceo
Secrets of appearance and texture
- This bright yellow color is the color of turmeric and is not an omelet or egg omelet. This rice-flour batter is cooked thin and crispy around the edges, but the center, by contrast, is slightly chewy, offering two different textures in a single piece.
The simple deliciousness of the ingredients
The filling includes plenty of bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, or mushrooms and onions. The ingredients are simple, but that is what makes the unique flavor of the dough of the báinh xèo stand out.
The Proper Way to Eat Bainceo
The best part of baingceo is its unique way of eating:
- Wrap with lettuce: Wrap the skin and ingredients with the accompanying leafy greens like a hand roll.
- Garnish with herbs: add shiso or pak choi for a rich aroma
- With special sauce: Taste with sweet and sour sauce (nuk cham)
- Eating with hands: Eating with hands like hand-rolled sushi is the original style.
This way of eating allows you to enjoy this healthy and tempting dish, which also provides you with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Banh xeo in various regions of Vietnam
South (around Ho Chi Minh City)
- Size: large (25-30 cm in diameter)
- Dough: Sweet with lots of coconut milk
- Ingredients: Shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, royal style
- Characteristics: Typical style popular among tourists
Central (Hue and Da Nang area)
- Size: small (15-20 cm in diameter)
- Dough: Crispier and thinner
- Ingredients: seafood in abundance
- Characteristics: Enjoy multiple pieces in a single serving style
North (around Hanoi)
- Size: medium
- Dough: Light and elegant
- Ingredients: simple and sophisticated combinations
- Characteristics: Delicate, capital-like flavor
Nutritional Value and Health Aspects of Bainceo
Because baingceo is rice flour-based, it is a gluten-free dish that is easier on the digestive system than wheat flour. It is also eaten with lots of raw vegetables, making it an efficient source of vitamins and fiber.
However, care should be taken not to eat too much because of the large amount of oil used in cooking.
Points to consider when enjoying BAINCEO
Recommended eating for beginners
- Start with a basic lettuce wrap.
- Familiarize yourself with herbs in small quantities.
- Keep the right amount of sauce in mind.
- Not shy about eating with their hands
For an authentic experience
- Share and eat with several people
- Experiment with different combinations of aromatic herbs.
- Taste the differences by region.
Summary: Experience the charm of Banh xeo!
More than just a dish, báinh xèo is a special way to experience Vietnamese food culture and lifestyle. The beautiful golden appearance, the two textures of crispy and chewy, and the exquisite combination of fresh vegetables make it an unforgettable taste experience once you try it.
Whether you are new to Vietnamese cuisine or already a fan, we invite you to explore the world of authentic Bain Xeo. You are sure to discover something new.
