Vietnam’s Banh Cuon varieties that you shouldn’t miss

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, each region offers its own interpretation of this traditional dish. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors and textures, a culinary heritage passed down from generation to generation. Let yourself be enchanted by this authentic taste experience during your trip to Vietnam.

Banh Cuon Cao Bang

When ordering a rolled rice crêpe from Cao Bang, diners witness a culinary performance: the cook lifts one edge of the crêpe, delicately folds it with a stick, and places it on a plate to serve it hot just minutes after the order.

The batter for the crêpe must be made from freshly harvested, high-quality rice with a robust flavor. Meanwhile, the filling is prepared from fresh lean meat sautéed with a bit of fish sauce, mushrooms, spices, and dried herbs.

To make Banh Cuon Cao Bang, a thin crêpe is created from a light batter of rice flour and water. The crêpe is then gently rolled to enclose the filling and cut into individual portions. This dish is served with a savory pork bone broth.

Banh Cuon Thanh Tri

Originating from Thanh Tri village in Hanoi, this variety stands out for its thinness and transparency. The rice batter, finely spread over a cloth, is steamed, giving it a silky and delicate texture. The traditional filling consists of minced meat and fragrant mushrooms, offering a contrast of flavors and textures.

Banh Cuon Thanh Tri is typically served with sweet and sour nuoc mam sauce and fresh herbs like coriander and mint, enhancing its subtle taste. It is accompanied by cinnamon pork pâté and topped with golden fried shallots for a slight crunch.

Banh Cuon Ngot Mien Tay

Banh Cuon Ngot Mien Tay is a Vietnamese specialty from the Mekong Delta region. This is a delicate and sweet dessert, loved for its light texture and gentle flavor.

To prepare this dessert, a thin rice flour and coconut milk crêpe is steamed until soft and tender. It is then filled with sweet ingredients such as grated coconut, mung beans, cane sugar, or toasted sesame seeds. Once filled, the crêpe is rolled up.

This dessert is often enjoyed as a light treat or a sweet snack. Its simplicity and sweetness make it a favorite among lovers of Vietnamese cuisine.

Banh Cuon Thua Thien Hue

Banh Cuon from Hue is known for its miniature format and denser texture. The rice batter is cooked in small molds, giving it a round shape and compact texture. This version is served with a contrast of sweet and savory flavors.

Banh Cuon Thua Thien Hue is a regional variation of the famous Banh Cuon in Vietnam, originating from Thua Thien Hue province in central Vietnam. This culinary specialty is appreciated for its unique flavors and delicate texture. The filling often includes minced pork and fragrant mushrooms, enhanced with aromatic spices.

Banh Cuon Buon Ma Thuot

Banh Cuon from Buon Ma Thuot features two types of dipping sauces, particularly a mild fish sauce and a fermented fish brine with its own distinctive flavor — a necessary and sufficient condition to elevate the dish.

The white crêpes are familiar dishes across Vietnam, from north to south. Each smooth crêpe is skillfully removed from the steamer and placed on a plate without tearing. It is then topped with scallion oil and powdered dried shrimp.

Often served with grilled meat, fresh herbs like coriander and basil, and shredded mango, this dish offers a rich and balanced culinary experience.

Banh Cuon Cha Muc

Banh Cuon Cha Muc originates from Ha Long, Quang Ninh. Made with fine white rice flour, this dish is especially loved and is eaten with fried onions and raw vegetables. It’s dipped in a thick and delicious sauce.

Inside the banh cuon, you’ll find not only meat and black mushrooms like other varieties, but also tender shrimp that add a unique richness and aroma. The squid patties used are made with 95% fresh squid and only 5% seasoning. That’s why Ha Long’s squid patties are so flavorful and fragrant with fresh squid.

When eating, diners will notice the crunchy and firm texture of every piece of squid.

The diversity of Banh Cuon varieties reflects the richness and creativity of Vietnamese gastronomy. Each region adds its personal touch to this traditional dish, offering a unique and authentic culinary experience.

Whether you're looking for a fine and delicate texture, a soft and filling one, a refined miniature format, or a unique and exotic bite, Banh Cuon will win you over with its varied flavors and incomparable texture.