Banh xeo (Bánh Xèo)is savory and delicate crepe made of rice flour, turmeric powder, and coconut milk and filled with various meats including thinly-sliced pork, whole shrimps and veggies such as bean sprouts or mung beans. Literally, Bánh xèo means "sizzling cake" since the dish makes this loud sizzling sound as its batter is poured into the hot skillet.

Many would look at the dish as a fantastic fusion of French creperie filled with Vietnamese ingredients. With the strong French influence in the country, it may indeed be, but how it is eaten is so Vietnamese. Similar to the salad roll, the “banh xeo” is sort a do-it-yourself dish that involves the messy but delicious process of wrapping the crepe in lettuce with cilantro and basil.

Each region in Vietnam has its slight variation in preparing the Banh xeo with the southern region larger and yellow because of the turmeric powder. Their crepe is said to be more delicious as coconut milk is used with the rice flour which adds more flavor. Additionally, it is stuffed with more bean sprouts and mung beans, then served with sweet and sour fish sauce and fresh vegetables. The central region’s version of the Banh Xeo is typically smaller, white, and does not have mung beans.

Where to find the best ones?

The distinction between a good versus a great banh xeo is the thinness and crispiness of the crepes. Tourists traveling to Vietnam is up for a fantastic Banh Xeo treat since there are a couple of places around that serve great-tasting Banh Xeo. Check out the few places below:

In Hanoi:

Quan Ngon restaurant at 18 Phan Boi Chau Street, Hoan Kiem District

In HCMC:

Chin Tham restaurant at 46A D Dinh Cong Trang, District 3

An la ghien Restaurant at 54a Nguyen Van Troi

An Lac Restaurant at 175/1 Pham Ngu Lao St., District 1

Thien Nguyen Vegetarian Restaurant at 174 Calmette Street, District 1