Photo: Asian Inspirations
Vietnamese Steamed Rice Roll, also known as Banh Cuon, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that incorporates a healthy balance of Asian ingredients. Made from thin sheets of steamed rice batter, Banh Cuon is filled with a flavorful mixture of cooked ground pork, minced wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. The rice rolls are served with fried shallots, a special dipping fish sauce, slices of Vietnamese pork sausage, sliced cucumbers, blanched bean sprouts, and Vietnamese herbs.
Preparing these steamed rolls requires a special skill to achieve their signature thin and translucent texture. In Vietnam, Banh Cuon is typically consumed for breakfast, while a similar dish known as “khao phan” can be found in Thai cuisine.
Best Places to Eat Steamed Rice Roll in Hanoi
On a cold rainy day, many visitors in Hanoi opt for a plate of steamed rice rolls. Below is a list of places known for serving the most delicious Banh Cuon in Hanoi:
Ba Hoanh Banh Cuon
Photo: Bachuaviahe, Ninheating.
Ba Hanh is highly recommended for enjoying Banh Cuon on cold days. Located on To Hien Thanh Street, this restaurant always attracts a crowd of guests. Despite serving a large number of customers simultaneously, the quality of the food remains consistent.
The Banh Cuon layers are exceptionally thin, combined with delicious pork sausage and fried shallots in the dipping fish sauce, creating a satisfying experience with each bite. Grilled meat is also available to accompany the Banh Cuon. The price ranges from VND 30,000 to 50,000 per serving.
Ba Hanh Banh Cuon
Photo: Leethijthuysanh, Ngocsfood.
This restaurant is famous for its traditional taste of Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, evoking nostalgic memories. The layers are thin, soft, and slightly sweet due to the rice being soaked and ground by hand. The filling includes wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, herbs, Thung Nai bananas, Binh Phuoc pepper, and Hue chilli, creating a unique and special flavor. The price ranges from VND 25,000 to 40,000 per serving.
Thuy Khue Banh Cuon
Photo: Foodbloginhn, Banhbaochay.
Located in the hidden 29 Lane of Thuy Khue Street, this restaurant boasts a rich history of 40 years. The Banh Cuon layers are smooth and thin, enveloping cooked ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. They are then steamed and topped with fried shallots. The price ranges from VND 15,000 to 30,000 per serving, along with a warm and flavorful dipping sauce that warms the diner’s heart.
Thanh Van Banh Cuon
Photo: Mikey_wes.
This restaurant is always bustling with guests who come for plates of delicious Banh Cuon. In addition to fried shallots, they offer shredded dried shrimp as one of the fillings. What makes them special is the option to choose between cooked ground pork, eggs, chicken meat, or shrimp. The price is slightly higher than other restaurants, ranging from VND 30,000 to 60,000.
Phuong Banh Cuon
Photo: Fuongsfood, Lefooding.
This is a popular spot for many people residing in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its special dipping fish sauce. The fish sauce is made using a traditional recipe with meat, ground pork, and chopped shiitake mushrooms.
The layers are thin, wrapped around wood ear mushrooms, chopped ground pork, and sprinkled with fried shallots. The side dishes include pork sausages, eggs, Chinese sausages, and shredded fried shrimps. The price ranges from VND 20,000 to 55,000.
