Banh Xeo is a well-known Vietnamese dish, even in Japan. My first visit to Vietnam was 30 years ago, and I’ve never tasted Banh Xeo in Japan that surpassed what I had back then. This article shares information about the Banh Xeo I actually ate at “Banh Xeo 46A,” a famous restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, during my visit in December 2023, 30 years later.
Note: Prices in the article are based on the exchange rate and prices at the time of visit.
Banh Xeo: A Vietnamese Culinary Staple
What is Banh Xeo?
Banh Xeo is a representative dish of Southern Vietnam. It’s a thin, crispy pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk, filled with ingredients like pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
Characteristics of Banh Xeo
- Crispy Batter: The turmeric-colored batter has a distinctive crispy texture.
- Abundant Fillings: In addition to pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, some restaurants may add various ingredients like squid or mushrooms.
- How to Eat: Freshly made Banh Xeo is wrapped in lettuce and herbs and dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.
The Secret to Banh Xeo’s Deliciousness
- Rice Flour Aroma: The fragrant rice flour whets the appetite.
- Rich Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds richness to the batter.
- Harmony of Ingredients: Enjoy the crispy batter and the textures of various fillings.
- Compatibility with Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce enhances the flavor of Banh Xeo.
Important Notes When Eating Banh Xeo
- Be Careful, It’s Hot: Freshly made Banh Xeo is very hot, so be careful not to burn yourself.
- Wrap Your Own Ingredients: Since it’s eaten wrapped in lettuce and herbs, you can arrange it to your liking.
Banh Xeo 46A: A Famous Restaurant
In Ho Chi Minh City, there’s a restaurant called “Banh Xeo 46A,” which is introduced as a famous Banh Xeo spot in guidebooks.
On my very first trip to Vietnam 30 years ago, a guide (who ended up overcharging me) took me to a delicious Banh Xeo place, which became a fond memory.
Nowadays, I don’t typically travel to find restaurants listed in guidebooks. However, during my second visit to Ho Chi Minh in December 2023, the Banh Xeo I ate near my accommodation was simply not satisfying. I searched online for the nameless restaurant from 30 years ago, and a photo matched my memory of the place. So, I took a local bus and went there.
Banh Xeo After 30 Years
Banh Xeo 46A is located down an alley across from Tan Dinh Church (the famous pink church), a tourist attraction in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Walking down the alley, my heart raced as I saw the cooking scene visible from outside. It was indeed the same sight as 30 years ago. This was definitely the place. My expectations for the taste of Banh Xeo were nothing short of certainty.
The menu also includes fresh spring rolls, fried spring rolls, drinks, and more, besides Banh Xeo.
The main Banh Xeo, a regular size, was 110,000 VND (about 660 JPY). Compared to eating Vietnamese food in Japan, this was an exceptionally low price. However, during that trip, my average meal cost was around 30,000 VND, so it was quite expensive by comparison.
Nevertheless, I had traveled all this way for the taste of 30 years ago, so I ordered the regular. The Banh Xeo arrived quickly. It was a generously sized Banh Xeo with plenty of vegetables and herbs, and the sauce was the sweet and sour nuoc cham.
I broke off a piece from the end, wrapped it in vegetables, dipped it in the sauce, and ate it. The batter was crispy, and inside were hot bean sprouts and minced pork. It was perfect Banh Xeo. I’ve had Banh Xeo that was soggy or greasy before, but this was truly excellent.
After finishing one pancake, I was full. If you’re coming in a group, you might want to adjust the quantity.
I was satisfied. I had worried that my memory might have idealized the taste over 30 years, but it was just as delicious as I remembered.
The tables are set up along the street, but payment is made across the alley.
Conclusion
How was it? I introduced Banh Xeo 46A, a famous Banh Xeo restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Why not visit it when you go to Ho Chi Minh City? However, be warned: after eating here, Banh Xeo at Vietnamese restaurants back in Japan might feel unsatisfying. If you’re okay with that, please give it a try!
Information
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 14:00, 16:00 – 21:00
- Access: Direct local bus from Pham Ngu Lao Street (7,000 VND)
