Discover the Traditional Flavors of Delicious Banh Cuon in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Banh Cuon - A Popular Breakfast Treat on Hanoi Streets

Banh cuon, a rustic yet sophisticated dish, has become an indispensable part of Hanoi's culinary culture. Strolling through the ancient streets, the gentle aroma of steamed rice flour, blended with the greasy taste of fried onions and the rich dipping sauce, is enough to awaken all your senses.

Journey to Discover the Secret of Old Town Banh Cuon

From Carefully Selected Ingredients...

To achieve the delicious and authentic flavor of banh cuon, Hanoians are very meticulous from the selection of ingredients. The rice used to make the dish must be of the delicious variety, finely ground, soaked thoroughly, and then rolled into thin, soft sheets. The filling is also diverse, ranging from minced pork stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms to vegetarian versions with just wood ear mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms.

...To the Artful Steaming Technique

Steaming banh cuon is an art that requires skill and experience. The cook must spread the thin layer of batter evenly on the surface of the steamer, controlling the heat just right so that the sheets cook evenly without tearing. Good banh cuon has thin, translucent sheets, allowing you to see the filling inside, and a slightly chewy, soft texture when eaten.

Dipping Sauce - The Soul of Banh Cuon

It can be said that the dipping sauce is the soul of banh cuon. A good dipping sauce must have a harmonious balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. Hanoians usually make their dipping sauce from delicious fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a bit of fresh chili and minced garlic.

Famous Banh Cuon Stalls in the Old Town

Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh - 66 To Hien Thanh Street

Tucked away in a small alley on To Hien Thanh Street, Ba Hoanh Banh Cuon stall has become a familiar address for many Hanoians. The banh cuon here is rolled paper-thin, served with fragrant fried shrimp cakes and a perfectly balanced sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Banh Cuon Than - Ngo Huyen Alley

Unlike regular banh cuon, Banh Cuon Than attracts diners with its unique filling made from carefully prepared pork kidneys, which are not at all fishy but rather fragrant, delicious, and nutritious.

Banh Cuon Nong Co Be - 40C Ly Quoc Su Street

Co Be Banh Cuon stall is famous for its piping hot banh cuon, served with grilled meat, fermented pork roll, fried spring rolls, etc. The dipping sauce here is prepared according to a special recipe, creating an unforgettable unique flavor.

Hanoi Banh Cuon - A Flavor that Preserves Culinary Culture

Hanoi banh cuon is not merely a familiar breakfast dish but also embodies the beauty of a long-standing culinary culture. Each thin, soft sheet of banh cuon, blended with the characteristic flavors of the dipping sauce, fried onions, and herbs, has become an indispensable part of the hearts of Hanoians and tourists alike whenever they have the opportunity to visit.