In Vietnamese cuisine, cakes take on a whole new level of diversity and flavor. From savory pastries to sweet treats, these delightful delicacies are referred to as “Banh” in Vietnamese. However, this simple translation does not fully capture the immense variety of these unique Vietnamese food items. Join us as we take a closer look at the world of Vietnamese cakes.
Vietnamese Cakes for Every Occasion
Unlike Western countries where cakes are typically enjoyed as desserts, Vietnamese cakes often take center stage as main dishes, especially during breakfast. Take, for example, the beloved Vietnamese baguette, also known as Banh Mi. This crusty and hollow delight, filled with a variety of ingredients like roasted meat, pate, omelet, or peanut butter, is a go-to choice for alleviating hunger among people of all ages and backgrounds, from students to office workers.
Another popular breakfast option is rice crepes, known as Banh Cuon. Hailing from Northern Vietnam, Banh Cuon Thanh Tri in Hanoi is a well-known variant of this delectable delicacy. Made with thin and delicate sheets of steamed rice, filled with minced pork and mushroom, and served with Vietnamese Pork sausage (Cha lua), fried onion, bean sprouts, and elegant fish sauce, this dish is a true treat for the taste buds.
On the other hand, the green bean cake, known as Banh Dau Xanh, is a popular snack often enjoyed with a cup of tea. This sweet cake, made purely of sugar and mung bean powder, pairs perfectly with lotus tea, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings people together.
These dishes highlight the versatility of Vietnamese cakes, which are not limited to being snacks or desserts but are also essential components of main meals.
Vietnamese Cakes – A Cultural Tapestry
Vietnamese cakes go beyond their culinary significance and are deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture and traditions. Two iconic cakes associated with Tet Holiday, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, are Banh Chung (Square Rice Cake) and Banh Day (Day Cake). These cakes symbolize the sky and the earth, respectively. Banh Chung, made from glutinous rice, green beans, pork, and other ingredients, has a square shape and is wrapped in Dong leaf and Giang strings. Banh Day, on the other hand, is a round cake with a simpler recipe. These cakes hold great cultural and spiritual significance as they are used in ancestral altars to express gratitude and usher in a joyous new year.
Another meaningful cake is Banh Phu The (Conjugal Cake), also known as Xu Xe, which is made from tapioca flour, pandanus, green beans, coconut, and other ingredients. With its jelly-like texture and transparent cover revealing the yellow mixture inside, this cake symbolizes a solid and eternal marriage, making it a customary presence at weddings.
Regional Delights
Vietnam’s diverse geography and rich cultural tapestry have given rise to unique cakes specific to different regions. In Northern Vietnam, Hanoi boasts Banh Khuc (Khuc Cake), a rice ball made of glutinous rice and cudweed, stuffed with pork and green beans. This childhood favorite holds a special place in the hearts of Hanoians. On the other hand, Soc Trang Province in the South of Vietnam takes pride in its famous Banh Pia (Pia Cake). Made from wheat flour, durian, and egg yolk, this round pie stands out with its many layers.
Heading to the center of Vietnam, Hoi An is renowned for its white rose cake, known as Banh Vac, which derives its name from its beautiful and fragrant rose shape. Made with rice and filled with minced shrimp and spices, this dumpling-like dish is served with a delicious sauce made from shrimp broth, chili, and lemon.
A Spectrum of Flavors
Vietnamese cakes offer a delightful kaleidoscope of flavors and colors. From sweet to savory, every region and city in Vietnam boasts its own unique cake creations. In the sweet category, we have the green sticky rice cake, or Banh Com, a delicacy made from young green sticky rice and green beans. Vong village in Hanoi is renowned for producing the best Com.
In the savory category, we have the famous Banh Hue, which includes Banh Beo, Banh Nam, and Banh Loc. These rice flour cakes, filled with shrimps, pork, and aromatic spices, are served with a delicious fish sauce made from chili and garlic. Hue’s traditional cuisine has captivated the hearts of gourmands not just in Vietnam but also around the world.
Endless Variations
Vietnamese cakes come in an array of styles, types, and versions. Just take Banh It (Little Cake) as an example. Banh It La Gai, a specialty of Binh Dinh province, is made from sticky rice, green beans, and a unique ingredient called “La Gai” (Thorn Leaf), wrapped in banana leaves. This sweet cake resembles a black ball, concealing a yellow filling inside. In contrast, Banh It Tom Thit (Little Cake with Pork and Shrimp) from Hue Imperial City is also made from sticky rice but is filled with minced pork and shrimp. It is typically served with fish sauce.
Another example is Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes) and Banh Khoai (Khoai Cake). While Xeo Cake is popular in southern Vietnam and Quang Binh, Khoai Cake is a specialty of Hue City. These crepe-like cakes, filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and other ingredients, are served with fish sauce and fresh vegetables. However, Khoai Cake from Hue City is smaller and thicker compared to Xeo Cake.
This is merely a glimpse into the vast world of Vietnamese cakes, where each city and region has its own unique creations to offer. When you visit Vietnam, be sure to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Vietnamese cakes. Each bite will transport you to a world of flavors, with tastes that will linger in your memory forever.
For more travel inspiration and information, check out our comprehensive Travel Guide. Happy cake tasting!