The Bánh Cuốn Of Kênh Village: A Popular Vietnamese Specialty

In February 2023, a reliable Australian travel site, Traveller, ranked Banh Cuon (also known as Vietnamese dumplings) in the top 10 culinary specialties to try around the world. Despite the varying versions from region to region, the "banh cuon" from Kênh village is considered the most delicious and renowned.

About

Kênh village was once located in Tuc Mac district, in the north of Nam Dinh province. Today, it is situated in the Loc Vuong neighborhood of Nam Dinh city. During the Tran dynasty, dumplings were reserved only for kings as a noble dish, which became a true source of pride for all the villagers of Kênh. To preserve the secret of their traditional craft, the recipe was only passed down to the daughters or daughters-in-law of the family. However, today, as families have moved to other regions of the country, those specializing in this popular dish have made Banh Cuon Nam Dinh more appreciated by Vietnamese people.

Despite being less known to international tourists compared to "pho" and "banh chung," the "banh cuon" from Nam Dinh offers an experience that is just as unique as the first bites from the artisans.

Unlike the version from Thanh Tri, which is served cold, the dumplings from Kênh village are not stuffed and are rolled at the table.

Banh Cuon from Kênh Village – A Subtlety of Vietnamese Cuisine

The process of making the dumplings involves simple steps, which can even be done at home. However, preparing the ingredients to make a roll of Banh Cuon requires a lot of effort. To ensure the best quality of this dish, artisans need to select high-quality rice, specifically long-grain rice. Early in the morning, vendors must go shopping to guarantee the freshness of the "banh cuon."

Among the various steps, making the pancakes is the most important and decisive for the quality of the dumplings. The flour batter is poured onto a cloth above a steaming pot. Once cooked, a bamboo stick is used to remove the pancake before it is filled with sautéed black mushrooms and spring onions.

The sauce is also essential in the dumpling recipe, consisting of a mixture of fish sauce and other spices such as sugar, vinegar, and water. The flavor of the sauce can be adjusted by adding a few drops of lemon juice or some chili pieces. Once the rolls and sauce are prepared, the artisans place them on a plate, serving them with cha que (grilled and seasoned pork mortadella).

If it's your first time traveling to Vietnam, make sure to note the following locations:

• Banh Cuon Do Ngan – 16 Quang Trung, Nam Dinh
• Banh Cuon Thanh Nam – 36/245/5 Mien Kinh, Nam Dinh
• Banh Cuon Nam Dinh – 261 Hoang Văn Thu, Ba Trieu District, Nam Dinh

Variants of Banh Cuon from other regions

In Vietnam, each province has its own specific version of Banh Cuon with unique flavors.

Banh Cuon Thanh Tri (Hanoi)

The dumplings originally come from the Thanh Tri area, Hoang Mai District, in Hanoi. Referring to a local specialty of Hanoi, this dish has gained popularity among international travelers. Good Thanh Tri rolls are accompanied by fried beans, cinnamon buns, silk buns, and plenty of fried onions sprinkled on top. Here are the best places to try this dish:

• Banh Cuon Ba Hoanh - 66 To Hien Thanh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Cuon Ba Hanh - 26B Tho Xuong, Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Banh Cuon Hang Bo - 57A, Hang Bo, Hanoi

Banh cuon Cao Bang

The Banh Cuon from Cao Bang differs from others by its broth-based sauce made from bones, rather than the sticky fish-based sauce. Initially, Banh Cuon Cao Bang is served with spring rolls, eggs, chopped herbs, and marinated young bamboo shoots. If you have the opportunity to visit Cao Bang, be sure to try the Banh Cuon Cao Bang.

• Banh Cuon Cao Bang Co Hai - Hoang Dinh Giong, Cao Bang
• Banh Cuon Ba Binh - 101, 3/10 Street, Song Bang, Cao Bang
• Banh Cuon Ba Thi (Madame Hai) - 4, Hien Giang Street, Hop Giang Ward, Cao Bang

Banh cuon Saigon

Although originally from the north of Vietnam, Banh Cuon Saigon is adapted to suit the tastes of people in southern cities. Additionally, common toppings served with Banh Cuon Saigon include bean sprouts, chopped herb salad, spring roll filling, and shrimp paste. Below are the best places to enjoy Banh Cuon Saigon:

• Banh Cuon Hong Hanh - 17A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Thien Huong Banh Cuon - 179A, 3/2 Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Cuon Y Thien - 274, Ba Hat Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
• Đệ nhất bánh cuốn Sài Thành - 212B/82 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Banh Cuon Van Kiep - 55/19 Van Kiep Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !