National Dish Vietnam: Banh Dau Xanh (Recipe)
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Meet Banh Dau Xanh, one of Vietnam’s most cherished sweet treats! These delicate, pale green cakes are made from little more than mung beans, sweet coconut milk and a whisper of vanilla. Light, melt-in-the-mouth and gently fragrant, they are equally at home as an afternoon nibble with coffee or as a thoughtful gift for a special occasion. Bring a little of Vietnam’s traditional confectionery into your own kitchen.
About Banh Dau Xanh
Banh Dau Xanh is a traditional Vietnamese treat that brings together the flavours and ingredients of the country in perfect harmony. These lovely green-and-white cakes are made mainly from mung beans, sweet coconut milk and a touch of vanilla. They are not only a popular snack but also a well-known gift for special occasions. Whether served at a festive gathering or simply enjoyed alongside an afternoon coffee, Banh Dau Xanh is held in great affection across Vietnam.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g mung beans (soaked overnight)
- 70 ml coconut milk
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Banh Dau Xanh you need only a handful of ingredients, all of which are easy to find in Asian supermarkets or online. Look out for fresh mung beans with a pleasant aroma and an even colour. The quality of the coconut milk matters too, as it has a real influence on the flavour of the finished cakes. Choosing organic ingredients where you can is a good way to make sure your snack is wholesome and free from unwanted additives.
Preparing the dish
Before you start, the mung beans should be soaked overnight in water. This softens the beans and makes them far easier to work with. Once they have soaked, rinse them thoroughly and let them drain well. It is worth setting out all your other ingredients in advance so that nothing is forgotten once you begin cooking.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add the soaked mung beans to a pan of fresh water and cook until they are soft.
- Drain the cooked beans, then blend them in a bowl with the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour the resulting mixture into a suitable mould and smooth the surface flat.
- Bake at 180°C for around 20–30 minutes, until the surface turns lightly golden.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Banh Dau Xanh is naturally gluten-free, as it contains only mung beans and coconut milk, neither of which has any gluten. Even so, do check that the coconut milk you buy is free from milk-based additives. That way the dish stays suitable for anyone with a gluten intolerance as well as those who are lactose intolerant. Enjoy these cakes with complete peace of mind!
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
This recipe is ideal for vegans and vegetarians, as it is made entirely from plant-based ingredients. The combination of mung beans and coconut milk gives a nourishing and flavoursome result. If you would like to adapt it further, you can swap in other plant-based sweeteners such as agave syrup or coconut sugar. Banh Dau Xanh is therefore an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates plant-based cooking.
More tips and tricks
To improve the texture of the cakes, whip the mixture lightly before baking — this helps make them fluffier. Take care to fill the mould evenly so the cakes bake uniformly. Lining the mould with baking paper also makes it much easier to lift the finished cakes out. Let them cool a little after baking before serving or storing them.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Banh Dau Xanh lends itself beautifully to personal tweaks. If you prefer things a little sweeter, simply increase the sugar, or add nuts or dried fruit if you fancy them. Try working in different flavours such as matcha or chocolate to create a completely different taste experience. There really is no limit to your creativity here.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find mung beans, split green peas make an excellent alternative. With the coconut milk, you can reach for almond or oat drink instead, though this will give the recipe a slightly different flavour. Ordinary sugar can be replaced with artificial sweeteners if you want to cut the sugar content. The important thing is to make sure your substitutes are also vegan and gluten-free — the same care that goes into a comforting bowl of Xoi Dau Xanh.
Drink pairing ideas
Banh Dau Xanh goes wonderfully with a cup of green tea or Vietnamese coffee. The mellow flavours of the cakes are perfectly offset by the bracing notes of these drinks. Herbal tea or coconut water also make lovely companions. Although Banh Dau Xanh is really meant as a snack, you can easily build a full tea-time spread around it, perhaps with an indulgent Ca Phe Trung for something richer.
Serving and presentation ideas
A handsome serving plate can do a great deal to improve the first impression of Banh Dau Xanh. Arrange the cakes in a colourful pattern and garnish them with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. Attractive bowls made of bamboo or ceramic lend the dish a traditional look. And don’t forget to wrap the cakes in pretty paper if you plan to give them as a gift!
A bit of history
Banh Dau Xanh has its roots deep in Vietnamese culture and history, and it is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. The use of mung beans rather than wheat reflects the adaptability of Vietnamese cuisine. It is frequently handed down from one generation to the next, which makes it a symbol of family tradition. This little cake is far more than a snack; it tells the story of a whole country.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Banh Dau Xanh
In short, Banh Dau Xanh is a delicious and easy-to-make Vietnamese dessert. It delights not only with its flavour but also with the many ways it can be adapted. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or as a festive sweet, this treat suits any occasion. Let the variety of Vietnamese cuisine inspire you, and give it a try!
