National Dish Vietnam: Banh Xoai (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Banh Xoai, a moreish Vietnamese street snack that pairs delicate rice-flour pancakes with a fragrant, savoury filling. Tender folds of batter wrap around spiced pork, crisp vegetables and a flurry of fresh herbs, giving you a bite that is at once light and deeply satisfying. Equally happy as an afternoon nibble or a relaxed lunch, it brings a little slice of Vietnamese culture straight to your kitchen.
About Banh Xoai
Banh Xoai is a traditional Vietnamese dish beloved for the way it brings together tender pancakes and a richly flavoured filling. In the name itself, banh means pancake while xoai refers to the filling — typically a mix of seasoned pork, crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs. That combination delivers a distinctive taste that locals and visitors alike find hard to resist. Perfect as a snack to enjoy between meals or as a light lunch, it sits comfortably within the broader world of Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100g rice flour
- 200ml water
- 200g minced pork
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 100g vegetables (e.g. bean sprouts, peppers)
- Fresh herbs (e.g. coriander, mint)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
To bring out the most authentic flavours of banh xoai, it is well worth sourcing your ingredients from an Asian grocery. There you will find not only good-quality rice flour but also the freshest herbs and vegetables. When choosing fish sauce, opt for a reliable, good brand, as the sauce contributes a great deal to the character of the dish. A little care at this stage makes all the difference to the finished result.
Preparing the dish
Getting banh xoai ready is simple and rather enjoyable. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and washing them thoroughly, paying particular attention to the fresh herbs. The vegetables can be varied according to the season and what is available, so feel free to follow your own preferences. Good preparation is the key to a smooth cooking process and helps everything come together without a hitch.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the rice flour with the water in a bowl and whisk until you have a smooth batter.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the filling of minced pork, vegetables and seasonings.
- Pour the batter into the hot pan and spread it into a thin, even layer.
- After a short while, place the filling over one half of the pancake and fold the other half on top.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Banh Xoai is easy to make gluten-free: simply swap the rice flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also make sure that all the other ingredients are lactose-free. Fresh herbs and vegetables are naturally free of both gluten and lactose, so they add nothing to worry about. That way the flavour stays true to the original and the dish remains a pleasure even for guests with sensitivities.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, banh xoai adapts beautifully when you replace the minced pork with tofu or extra vegetables. Tofu soaks up the flavours of the filling wonderfully and provides an excellent source of protein. As ever, reach for fresh, good-quality ingredients to get the best range of flavours. A mix of different vegetables can also add extra colour and variety to each bite.
More tips and tricks
A handy tip when making banh xoai is to scatter over plenty of fresh herbs as a garnish. They lend the dish a lovely lift and boost the all-important freshness factor. You can also vary the pancake mix with different seasonings to create more personalised flavours. Experiment with the aromas you enjoy most to conjure up your very own version of banh xoai.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
To tailor the recipe to your own preferences, simply adjust the filling as you like. Fancy something with more heat? Add chilli or a dash of sriracha. Prefer it milder? Leave out the meat altogether and focus on the vegetables and herbs. Tweaks like these let you create a dish that suits your palate exactly while still keeping the essence of the original — much like the customisable rolls of Goi Cuon Tom Thit.
Ingredient substitutions
If some of the ingredients are not to hand, there are always alternatives. Instead of pork you might use minced beef or a plant-based option. With vegetables, your creativity knows no bounds — mushrooms, courgette or squash all work well. The fish sauce can be replaced with soy sauce or vegetable stock to preserve that savoury umami depth, an approach that also suits a dish like Dau Sot Xa Ot. With substitutions like these, the dish stays delicious and colourful.
Drink pairing ideas
Banh Xoai goes splendidly with a wide range of drinks. A freshly brewed herbal tea or a glass of chilled water with lime make excellent companions. For a sharper contrast, a lightly chilled white wine or a light, dry beer pairs very nicely. Try whatever suits your own taste to round off the meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
When you serve banh xoai, give a little thought to presentation. An attractive plate with a colourful arrangement of herbs not only improves the look but also whets the appetite. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few edible flowers can add a decorative touch. Remember: an inviting presentation can lift the whole eating experience enormously, just as it does with the elegant rolls of Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo.
A bit of history
Banh Xoai has a fascinating story and forms part of a Vietnamese culinary tradition shaped by many cultural influences. The use of rice and fresh ingredients reflects a close connection with nature. The dish is often served at celebratory occasions and is known for its variety and adaptability. This tradition brings together not only tasty food but also a sense of community and family, turning the cooking itself into something special.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Banh Xoai
In short, banh xoai is a wonderful dish that captures the many flavours of Vietnam. It offers a delicious interplay of texture and taste that is both easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. With different fillings and methods of cooking, it can be shaped entirely around your own preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a snack or as a main course, banh xoai sets out a culinary journey that is not to be missed.
