Da Nang is now home to hundreds of eateries selling banh beo (round-cakes), banh nam (rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaves), and banh loc (steamed clear tapioca cakes in banana leaves).  Such Vietnamese dishes have become popular amongst locals and visitors thanks to their special flavours.

Diners at the Ba Be eatery

Banh beo is often served in a small bowl.  It has the white colour of rice flour, and typically features a dimple in the centre which is filled with sauce made from a mixture of chopped crayfish and pork, scallions, and crispy fried peanuts, along with fish sauce and chilli.  When enjoying this delicacy, customers will therefore experience the soft, sweet-smelling, oily taste and the delicate flavours.

Meanwhile, banh loc is filled with simmered pork and shrimps, wrapped tightly in banana leaves, and then steamed.  In order to make the dish more eye-catching, the crust should be thin enough to show off the delicious fillings inside.

Located at 100 Hoang Van Thu in Hai Chau District, the Ba Be eatery is one of the city’s popular eateries offering these dishes. 

Owner Vo Thi Lien Thuy says that each of the dishes sold at her venue is served with a different type of sauce.  Banh beo is served with sweet fish sauce mixed with sliced garlic and chilli, whilst banh loc is accompanied by pure fish sauce and spicy chilli.

Whenever she travels to Da Nang, Ms Ha My from Ha Noi goes to this eatery to enjoy its delicious dishes and buys them as presents for her relatives and friends.  She said that the dishes here boast quite delicious tastes and moreish flavours which are better than the Hue-made versions.

Ba Be owner Vo Thi Lien Thuy serving up a dish

The Tam eatery at 291 Nguyen Chi Thanh is another popular venue selling banh beo, banh nam and banh loc.

The shop’s owner Doan Thi Tam proudly says, “I was born in Da Nang, but my mother-in-law was born in Hue City where such dishes originated.  I learnt how to make these delicious dishes from her, and have operated this eatery for over 25 years”.

The delicate flavours of these specialities have become very popular with local residents, and have made them must-try dishes for domestic and foreign visitors who come to the beautiful seaside city.