Bánh xèo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric and coconut milk, folded around pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. The name comes from the sizzle (xèo) the batter makes when it hits the hot pan. You do not eat it with a knife and fork: tear off a piece, wrap it in a leaf with fresh herbs, and dip it in sauce.
How do you eat bánh xèo?
- Take a leaf. Lettuce or mustard greens are served alongside; mustard leaf adds a peppery bite.
- Add herbs. A few leaves of mint, basil or perilla from the plate.
- Tear off some pancake with your chopsticks, filling and all, and lay it on the leaf.
- Roll it up like a small wrap.
- Dip and eat straight away, while the pancake is still crisp.
Hands are fine, and expected. The first wrap is always messy; by the third you will roll like a local.
How is Saigon bánh xèo different from Da Nang bánh xèo?
| Saigon and the south | Da Nang and central Vietnam | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large, often the width of a dinner plate | Small, about the size of a hand |
| Shell | Thin and very crisp, yellow with turmeric | Thicker and crunchier at the edges |
| How it is wrapped | In lettuce or mustard leaf with herbs | Often rolled in rice paper with herbs |
| Dipping sauce | Nước chấm: fish sauce, lime, sugar and chilli | A thick peanut sauce |
| How many | One pancake can be shared | Ordered by the plate, several each |
Both are worth trying. In Da Nang, bánh xèo is one of the city’s signature dishes; read our Da Nang food guide for where it fits in a day of eating.
When do locals eat bánh xèo?
It is mostly an afternoon and evening dish, made for sharing with friends or family around a low table. Shops often fire up their pans from mid-afternoon. See what to eat in Saigon by time of day to plan the rest of your meals.
Can I get vegetarian bánh xèo?
Yes. Ask for bánh xèo chay: the same pancake filled with mushrooms, tofu and bean sprouts. Also ask for soy sauce or a vegetarian dipping sauce instead of the fish sauce mix. More tips in our guide to vegan and vegetarian food in Saigon.
Where can I try bánh xèo on a food tour?
In Da Nang, Da Nang Signature Dishes includes bánh xèo with mì Quảng, bánh bèo and bún thịt nướng for $45 per adult, and Da Nang Michelin Food stops at a bánh xèo restaurant. In Saigon, your guide on any of our Saigon food tours can point you to a good pancake shop for another evening.
Want to roll your first one with a local? Check dates for Da Nang Signature Dishes.
Frequently asked questions
What is bánh xèo made of?
A batter of rice flour, turmeric and coconut milk, fried crisp and filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. Vegetarian versions use mushrooms and tofu.
How do you eat bánh xèo?
Tear off a piece, wrap it in lettuce or mustard leaf with herbs, dip it in sauce and eat it while it is crisp.
Why is it called bánh xèo?
Xèo is the sizzling sound the batter makes when it is poured into the hot pan.
Is bánh xèo different in Da Nang?
Yes. Da Nang’s pancakes are small and crunchy, rolled in rice paper and dipped in peanut sauce. Saigon’s are large, thin and served with fish sauce.