National Dish Vietnam: Banh Com (Recipe)
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Discover Banh Com, one of Vietnam’s most cherished sweet treats! This delicate rice-flour dessert is filled with a soft, sweet mung bean paste and wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. With its gentle sweetness, earthy bean filling and tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture, it carries a real sense of Far Eastern occasion. Bring a little of Hanoi’s festive spirit straight to your own table.
About Banh Com
Banh Com is far more than a simple dessert — it is woven into Vietnamese culture and history. The dish is often served at celebrations and traditional gatherings, where it stands as a symbol of luck and prosperity. Made from rice flour and paired with a sweet mung bean filling, it has a flavour all its own. What sets Banh Com apart is the way its light sweetness meets the earthy aroma of the beans, all held together by a soft, tender dough that makes every bite a genuine pleasure.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g rice flour
- 50 g mung beans
- 80 ml water
- 20 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- Fresh leaves for wrapping (e.g. banana leaves)
Shopping for the ingredients
Before you start making Banh Com, it is worth checking that you have all the necessary ingredients to hand. Many of them are easy to find in Asian grocery shops, while some are also stocked by well-supplied supermarkets. Pay particular attention to the freshness of the leaves, as they are key to both the presentation and the flavour of the dessert. It also pays to choose a rice flour that is suited to making sweet dishes.
Preparing the dish
Getting ready to make Banh Com is straightforward, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to achieve the best result. Begin by soaking the mung beans to soften them and cut down on the cooking time. While they soak, you can weigh out the rice flour and gather all the other ingredients. Take care to clean and prepare the leaves well too, so your finished dessert looks as inviting as possible.
Step-by-step instructions
- Soak the mung beans in water for at least 2 hours, then drain.
- Cook the beans in a pan of water until soft, then mash or purée them.
- Stir the sugar and a pinch of salt into the puréed beans.
- Combine the rice flour and water in a bowl and mix to a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one out thinly.
- Place a small amount of the mung bean paste in the centre and fold the dough over to enclose it.
- Wrap the filled parcels in the prepared leaves.
- Steam the parcels until cooked through (about 15–20 minutes).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Banh Com lends itself beautifully to a gluten-free version — simply make sure the rice flour you use is free from any contaminating ingredients. Lactose is not a concern here, as the recipe contains no dairy at all, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone with a lactose intolerance. If you fancy experimenting with alternative fillings, you could try pressed fruit pastes or even nuts to create a gluten-free and lactose-free variation that is just as delicious. For more naturally dairy-free options, take a look at Banh Bo.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
If you are after a vegan or vegetarian dish, Banh Com is the perfect choice, as it is naturally plant-based. Do check ingredients such as the sugar and any fillings to make sure they contain no animal products. You can also branch out with different fillings, such as toasted coconut or fresh fruit, to put your own spin on the dish. That way you not only end up with a wonderful dessert but also support a plant-based way of eating.
More tips and tricks
Making Banh Com takes a little patience, but with the right tips and tricks anyone can master it. Take care not to roll the dough too thinly, or it may tear when you fold it. A handy trick is to keep the dough lightly floured to stop it sticking. Experiment with the steaming time to find the ideal texture for your dessert, and remember to arrange the parcels evenly in the steamer so they cook uniformly.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Banh Com is a wonderfully versatile dish that is easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you would like a less sweet version, simply reduce the amount of sugar in the mung bean filling. To give the dish a more aromatic edge, you can add a little cardamom or cinnamon. You can vary the fillings too — try matcha powder for a green filling that not only looks striking but also brings an intriguing flavour.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are plenty of alternatives you can turn to. In place of mung beans, you might use red beans or even green peas for a different flavour profile. For the wrapping, baking paper works well if no fresh leaves are available. Experimenting with different types of flour can yield interesting results too, should you be after a different texture or a particular taste — much like the playful textures found in Banh Bot Chien.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs nicely with Banh Com and rounds off the whole experience. Fresh fruit juices are a great match, complementing the dessert’s sweetness — think mango or pineapple juice. For a slightly more grounded note, a cup of green tea works wonderfully with the texture and flavour of Banh Com. If you fancy something a little more adventurous, try a mix of coconut water and fresh lime juice for a refreshing lift.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Banh Com is every bit as important as the taste. Serve the parcels on an attractive serving plate lined with fresh leaves to create an appealing picture. Finishing touches such as edible flowers or fresh herbs add an extra visual dimension. Arrange the parcels evenly and symmetrically to whet your guests’ appetites and make the spread feel all the more inviting.
A bit of history
Banh Com has a rich history that reaches back to Vietnam’s ancient dynasties. Originally it was prepared for special occasions as a way of showing respect and appreciation. Over time it grew into a beloved festive dessert that also found its way into everyday life. Making Banh Com is something of an art form, often passed down from one generation to the next, with each family adding its own touch to keep the tradition alive. It remains a proud part of Vietnamese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Banh Com
Banh Com is an incomparable Vietnamese dessert that wins hearts with its simple preparation and singular flavour. It is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a slice of Vietnamese culture, frequently served on special occasions. With its versatility and adaptability, it is the perfect choice for anyone craving new culinary experiences. Give this delicious dish a try and bring a touch of authentic Far Eastern flair to your own table!
