When people think about Vietnamese food, banh xeo is often one of the first dishes that comes to mind.
But if you have tried banh xeo in different parts of Vietnam, you may notice that it does not look or taste exactly the same everywhere.
In Hoi An, banh xeo has its own character.
Unlike the larger pancakes commonly found in Southern Vietnam, Hoi An banh xeo is smaller, crispier and designed to be enjoyed in several pieces.
It may look simple, but the experience of eating it is what makes it special.
Small, hot and crispy
A freshly cooked Hoi An banh xeo arrives at the table while it is still hot and crisp.
The batter is made primarily from rice, with ingredients such as shrimp, bean sprouts and, depending on the recipe, meat.
The smaller size makes it easy to cut into pieces and enjoy together with fresh herbs and vegetables.
That combination is one of the most enjoyable parts of eating banh xeo in Hoi An.
You get the warmth and crispiness of the freshly fried pancake, followed by the freshness of herbs and vegetables.
The fun is in the wrapping
Banh xeo is not usually eaten like an ordinary pancake.
Instead, it is part of a small dining experience.
Take a piece of the crispy pancake, place it together with fresh herbs and vegetables on rice paper, roll everything together and dip it into the accompanying sauce.
The contrast between the crispy pancake, soft rice paper and fresh herbs creates a surprisingly satisfying bite.
And don’t worry if your first roll does not look perfect.
That is part of the fun.
A taste closely connected with Hoi An
Hoi An’s food culture is strongly connected with its surrounding countryside.
Fresh herbs and vegetables play an important role in many local dishes, and banh xeo is no exception.
The combination of hot, crispy food with fresh herbs gives the dish a balance that makes it easy to enjoy one piece after another.
It is also a dish that feels particularly enjoyable when shared.
Put a plate of freshly cooked banh xeo in the middle of the table, add a basket of herbs and vegetables, and everyone can make their own roll.
When should you try Hoi An banh xeo?
Banh xeo is especially enjoyable when it is served fresh from the pan.
It can make a wonderful light meal or a fun part of a larger Vietnamese meal.
If you are exploring Hoi An, consider having banh xeo for lunch or an early dinner, then continue your journey through the Ancient Town afterward.
Hoi An Banh Xeo at May Kitchen
At May Kitchen, we respect the familiar character of Hoi An banh xeo while carefully refining the dish to suit the tastes and preferences of today’s guests.
Our goal is to keep the elements that make Hoi An banh xeo enjoyable — a freshly cooked crispy pancake, flavorful filling, fresh herbs and vegetables, and a delicious dipping sauce — while presenting it in the distinctive style of May Kitchen.
We want every bite to feel familiar, but also feel like a part of the May Kitchen experience.
Taste Hoi An, the May Kitchen way
If you are visiting Hoi An, don’t just look for the famous dishes that everyone talks about.
Try something simple.
Try something crispy.
Try wrapping your own bite with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Try Hoi An Banh Xeo, the May Kitchen way.
May Kitchen – The flavors of Hoi An, our way.