1. Quick facts about Vietnamese banh nam
Banh nam, or flat steamed rice dumplings, is a beloved traditional delicacy of Vietnam.
- Origin: Banh nam originates from Nam Pho Village, Phu Thuong Ward, Hue. Initially, it was made by local women to serve their families. Due to its delicious taste, it began to be sold throughout the ancient capital, becoming a quintessential part of Hue's culinary heritage.
- Key ingredients: The ingredients to make this cake are sticky rice flour, pork, and shrimp. The rice is often sourced from local farms and the shrimp are freshly caught from nearby seas.
- Variations: Over time, banh nam has evolved into various forms. One popular variation includes using mung beans or mushrooms instead of shrimp and pork, creating a vegetarian version.
- The proper way to eat banh nam: Peel back a portion of the banana leaf wrapping and place the dumpling on a plate, keeping the leaf intact. Drizzle sweetened fish sauce with chili over the dumpling. Use a spoon to scoop small portions and savor the smooth texture of the rice flour.
2. Authentic recipe to make banh nam
2.1. Ingredients
- Rice flour: 250 grams
- Tapioca starch: 50 grams
- Shrimp: 100 grams
- Lean pork: 100 grams
- Water: 600 milliliters
- Annatto powder: 100 grams (for coloring)
- Seasonings: Chopped shallots and garlic, minced chili, cooking oil, salt, sugar, pepper, fish sauce, lemon juice
- Banana leaves
2.2. Instructions
- Step 1: Clean the shrimp and pork and finely chop them. Marinate with salt, sugar, and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil, and sauté the chopped shallots and garlic until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp and pork mixture and the annatto powder. Cook until fully done.
- Step 4: Mix the rice flour and tapioca starch with water, oil, sugar, and salt until smooth. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the dough thickens and becomes translucent.
- Step 5: Wash the banana leaves and briefly blanch them in hot water. Cut the leaves into rectangles about 20 cm x 15 cm in size.
- Step 6: Grease the banana leaves lightly with oil. Spread a thin layer of dough over the leaf, then place a portion of the filling in the center. Fold the leaf to form a neat rectangular package.
- Step 7: Place the wrapped dumplings in a steamer and steam for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Step 8: Prepare the dipping sauce by combining fish sauce and sugar in a pot and boiling it. Add water and let it cool. Add lemon juice along with finely chopped chili and garlic.
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3. The 7 best places to eat flat steamed rice dumplings
3.1. Ba Van Restaurant
- Address: No. 106B, Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Hue
Located in the heart of Hue, Ba Van Restaurant is highly recommended for those seeking to experience the traditional flavors of banh nam. In addition to enjoying specialties, visitors can also purchase authentic Hue products such as lotus seeds, fermented shrimp, royal tea, and sesame candy, all of which are reasonably priced and of high quality here.
3.2. Duc Buu Village
- Address: Duc Buu Village, Huong So Ward, Hue
For a deeper dive into the world of Hue’s traditional cakes, visit Duc Buu Village, a community with a 150-year legacy. Here, you can sample and buy a variety of cakes made from the village’s distinctive recipes, with chewier dough and richer fillings. Visitors are also invited to learn about the ingredients and the meticulous process of making these cakes, shared by the village's artisans.
3.3. Hue Xua Restaurant
- Address: No. 1, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Hue
Renowned for its authentic taste and clean setting, Hue Xua Restaurant is a top pick for banh nam lovers. The diverse menu here features a wide array of traditional Hue dishes, such as banh beo, banh nam, banh ram it, banh loc, grilled pork skewers (nem lui), crispy rice pancakes (banh khoai), and shrimp cakes. Reasonable pricing and attentive service add to the restaurant's appeal.
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3.4. O Le Restaurant
- Address: No. 17/9, Alley 104, Kim Long Street, Hue
For an authentic taste of banh nam, head to O Le Restaurant. With over 50 years of history, it offers a serene ambiance with lush greenery and the soothing melody of singing birds. Here, you can savor meticulously prepared traditional Hue dishes. And, if you want to take these treats home, the restaurant also provides vacuum-sealed packaging, making it easy to bring a taste of Hue to your loved ones.
3.5. Chi Restaurant
- Address: No. 52, Le Viet Luong Street, Hue
Chi Restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, known for its delicious, affordable traditional cakes. Its menu boasts all the classics - banh nam, banh beo, banh loc, and banh ram it - each bursting with authentic flavors. With friendly staff and complimentary iced tea, along with packaging services for takeaway, Chi Restaurant ensures a delightful dining experience for all visitors.
3.6. Ba Cu Restaurant
- Address: No. 23, Alley 177, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hue
Tucked away in an alley near An Dinh Palace, Ba Cu Restaurant is a hidden gem for people who love Hue’s traditional cakes. Visitors often praise its spacious, clean, and serene atmosphere. Here, you can savor a variety of Hue's signature dishes, including banh nam and banh loc, as well as more unique offerings like banh uot and grilled shrimp cakes.
>>> More on: Hue map: A detailed guide to make the most of your vacation in Hue
3.7. Trung Bo Restaurant
- Address: No. 16, To Hien Thanh Street, Hue
At Trung Bo Restaurant, you will not only enjoy delicious banh nam but also witness the fascinating process of making these delicacies by skilled vendors. The freshly steamed banh nam, banh loc, banh beo, and banh ram it, served with various toppings, are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Located conveniently near Dong Ba Market, it is a must-visit to satisfy your hunger.
Banh nam, or flat steamed rice dumplings, is a quintessential delicacy that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you are savoring it at a restaurant or preparing it at home with a banh nam recipe, this traditional treat offers a delightful journey into the country's culinary heritage.
After exploring the charm of Hue, visitors can easily extend their journey to Da Nang and Hoi An, two beautiful cities located just over 100 kilometers away. In Hoi An, don't miss the chance to visit VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a remarkable amusement park with many exciting activities and cultural experiences.
For a luxurious stay, consider Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. This high-end resort offers exceptional rooms and premium amenities, including a golf course, restaurants, swimming pools, spa services, etc.
