Enjoy the famous Hoi An Rice Pancake – a delicious local dish, highly rated by many tourists that you must try when coming to Hoi An. Find out what makes this dish so special and delicious!
You won’t need to spend much time looking for this dish, because when walking around the streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, every few hundred meters there will be a place selling Hoi An Rice Pancake, it’s easy to enjoy. Hoi An Rice Pancake, also known as Banh Xeo. This golden, crispy pancake has become a beloved symbol of the rich culinary culture here. Made from rice flour, turmeric, fresh shrimp, pork and herbs from Tra Que village, Banh Xeo brings the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you enjoy it at a street stall or a local family restaurant, each pancake reflects the warmth, tradition and character of Hoi An cuisine.
Hoi An Rice Pancake is Banh Xeo – A Traditional Dish That Reflects Local Identity
Different from the Southern banh xeo, Hoi An banh xeo is smaller and crispier, making it convenient to enjoy as a snack or light meal. The crust is made from rice flour, turmeric powder and water – simple ingredients that blend together to create a beautiful golden crust when cooked. The name Banh Xeo comes from the sizzling sound it makes when it hits a hot pan.
In Hoi An, locals often make banh xeo with fresh shrimp, sliced pork, bean sprouts and herbs sourced from Tra Que vegetable village. This makes each piece of cake rich in flavor, pure and closely linked to the agricultural tradition of the region.
Fresh Herbs & Special Dipping Sauce Make the Difference
A unique point of Hoi An Rice Pancakes is the way to enjoy them. The pancakes are cut into small pieces, wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs such as mint, perilla and lettuce. After being rolled up like a spring roll, they are dipped in Hoi An’s signature dipping sauce – slightly sweet, sour and slightly spicy. This multi-layered method turns the simple pancake into a perfectly balanced dish with all the flavors: crispy, fresh, soft and rich.
The dipping sauce is an indispensable element. Many local restaurants prepare pancakes in their own way with pork broth, crushed peanuts, garlic and chili. Some restaurants also add fermented soy sauce to enhance the flavor. Thanks to that, the flavor of Hoi An Rice Pancakes becomes richer and more unforgettable than pancakes from other regions.
How Hoi An Locals Cook the Perfect Crispy Pancake
The secret to making a delicious Hoi An Banh Xeo is controlling the temperature and time. Vendors often use non-stick pans. The batter is poured quickly into the pan, creating a thin, even layer. Immediately after, the shrimp and pork are added, folded in half and fried until golden brown.
This traditional cooking method is part of what makes Hoi An Banh Xeo famous. Tourists often stop by the old town eateries just to watch skilled chefs prepare dozens of hot Banh Xeo in just a few minutes. It is not only a culinary experience but also a glimpse into the local culture.
Where to Taste the Best Hoi An Rice Pancake
Hoi An has many restaurants and street stalls selling banh xeo, but the most popular places are often small, family-run eateries. Many visitors like to enjoy this dish in the countryside, such as An Bang, where fresh, aromatic herbs are sourced from the nearby Tra Que vegetable village. If you want to enjoy your meal and then stroll around the beach, then head to Passion Restaurant & Bar.
Some travel bloggers even rank Banh Xeo Hoi An as a “must-try” dish, often ranking alongside Cao Lau, Hoành Thánh and Banh Bao. The combination of crispy skin, balanced flavors and interactive eating style makes this dish an interesting and unforgettable local culinary experience.
