Flat Steamed Rice Dumplings (Banh Nam): Your Ultimate Local Guide

Introduction: Savoring Hue’s Delicate Flat Steamed Rice Dumplings (Banh Nam)

While exploring the ancient capital of Hue, don’t miss the chance to savor Banh Nam (flat steamed rice dumplings) – a beloved delicacy celebrated for its refined taste and delicate texture. This article is your local’s guide to this quintessential Hue dish.

Read on to explore the rich history, the simple yet artful ingredients, a step-by-step authentic recipe, and discover some of the very best places in Hue to enjoy this delightful treat. We’ll help you dive deep into the world of flat steamed rice dumplings (Banh Nam), ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience.

1. Quick Facts About Vietnamese Banh Nam

Banh Nam, also known as flat steamed rice dumplings, is a beloved traditional delicacy deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary heritage, particularly in Hue.

• Origin: Banh Nam proudly originates from Nam Pho Village, Phu Thuong Ward, Hue. Initially a cherished dish made by local women for their families, its exquisite taste soon led to its widespread popularity, establishing it as a quintessential part of Hue’s rich culinary tradition.
• Key Ingredients: The primary ingredients for crafting this delicate cake include rice flour (often sourced from local farms), savory minced pork, and succulent shrimp (freshly caught from nearby seas). These simple, fresh components contribute to its distinct and refined flavor.
• Variations: Over time, Banh Nam has evolved, leading to delightful variations. A popular option for vegetarians substitutes the shrimp and pork filling with savory mung beans or finely chopped mushrooms.
• The Proper Way to Eat Banh Nam: To fully appreciate flat steamed rice dumplings, gently peel back a portion of the banana leaf wrapping. Carefully transfer the dumpling onto your plate, keeping the leaf intact as a serving vessel. Drizzle a generous amount of sweetened fish sauce, infused with a hint of fresh chili, directly over the dumpling. Use a spoon to scoop small, delicate portions and savor the exceptionally smooth texture of the rice flour and the rich flavor of the filling.

What is Banh Nam? It is a savory, flat steamed rice dumpling made from a delicate rice flour dough, typically filled with a flavorful mixture of minced pork and shrimp, and traditionally wrapped in banana leaves.

2. Authentic Recipe: How to Make Banh Nam at Home

Crafting Banh Nam at home is a rewarding experience. Here’s an authentic recipe that captures the essence of this Hue specialty:

2.1. Ingredients

• Rice Flour: 250 grams (for the delicate dough)
• Tapioca Starch: 50 grams (for added chewiness and translucence)
• Shrimp: 100 grams (fresh, peeled, and finely chopped for the filling)
• Lean Pork: 100 grams (finely chopped for the savory filling)
• Water: 600 milliliters (for the dough)
• Annatto Powder: A tiny pinch (e.g., 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of annatto oil/powder for vibrant coloring of the filling – Note: The original “100 grams” was a typo and has been corrected for accuracy.)
• Seasonings: Chopped shallots, minced garlic, minced chili, cooking oil, salt, sugar, ground pepper, fish sauce, lemon juice (to taste for the dipping sauce).
• Banana Leaves: Sufficient quantity for wrapping (cut into rectangles, approximately 20 cm x 15 cm).

2.2. Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Clean the shrimp and pork thoroughly, then finely chop them. Marinate the mixture with salt, sugar, and pepper according to your preference.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Sauté the chopped shallots and minced garlic until they become fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 3: Cook the Savory Filling

Add the marinated shrimp and pork mixture to the pan. If using annatto powder (or oil for color), add a small amount now to give the filling a vibrant hue. Cook the mixture until it is fully done and fragrant. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the rice flour and tapioca starch with water, a touch of cooking oil, sugar, and salt until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Transfer this batter to a non-stick pot. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the dough thickens and becomes translucent. This process requires patience to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Banana Leaves

Wash the banana leaves thoroughly to ensure they are clean. Briefly blanch them in hot water; this makes them pliable and easier to fold without tearing. Cut the softened leaves into uniform rectangular pieces, approximately 20 cm x 15 cm in size.

Step 6: Assemble the Banh Nam

Lightly grease each banana leaf rectangle with a small amount of cooking oil. Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared dough over the center of the leaf. Place a modest portion of the cooked filling in the middle of the dough. Carefully fold the banana leaf to form a neat, rectangular package, ensuring the dough and filling are securely enclosed.

Step 7: Steam the Dumplings

Arrange the wrapped Banh Nam dumplings in a steamer basket. Steam for 10-15 minutes until they are fully cooked. You’ll know they’re done when the dough is completely translucent and firm to the touch.

Step 8: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

The dipping sauce is crucial for Banh Nam. Combine fish sauce and sugar in a small pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add water and allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, stir in fresh lemon juice, along with finely chopped fresh chili and garlic to taste. This balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy perfectly complements the delicate dumplings.

Hue’s banh nam recipe is so simple that everyone can make it at home and experience a piece of its culinary heritage.

3. The 7 Best Places to Eat Flat Steamed Rice Dumplings (Banh Nam) in Hue

While the recipe allows you to create Banh Nam at home, savoring it fresh from a local Hue eatery offers an unparalleled experience. Here are seven top places to find authentic flat steamed rice dumplings in Hue:

3.1. Ba Van Restaurant

• Address: No. 106B, Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Hue

Located conveniently in the heart of Hue, Ba Van Restaurant comes highly recommended for those seeking traditional flavors of Banh Nam. Beyond this specialty, visitors can also purchase authentic Hue products like lotus seeds, fermented shrimp, royal tea, and sesame candy, all known for their reasonable prices and high quality.

3.2. Duc Buu Village

• Address: Duc Buu Village, Huong So Ward, Hue

For a deeper dive into the world of Hue’s traditional cakes, a visit to Duc Buu Village is a must. This community boasts a 150-year legacy of cake-making. Here, you can sample and buy a delightful variety of cakes, including Banh Nam, all crafted using the village’s distinctive recipes, resulting in chewier dough and richer fillings. Visitors are also welcomed to learn about the ingredients and the meticulous cake-making process, often shared by the village’s skilled artisans.

3.3. Hue Xua Restaurant

• Address: No. 1, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Hue

Renowned for its authentic taste and clean, inviting setting, Hue Xua Restaurant is a top pick for Banh Nam lovers. Its diverse menu showcases a wide array of traditional Hue dishes, such as Banh Beo, Banh Ram It, Banh Loc, grilled pork skewers (Nem Lui), crispy rice pancakes (Banh Khoai), and shrimp cakes. Reasonable pricing and attentive service further enhance the restaurant’s appeal. Banh Nam can be easily found in Hue, and Hue Xua is a great starting point!

3.4. O Le Restaurant

• Address: No. 17/9, Alley 104, Kim Long Street, Hue

For a truly authentic taste of Banh Nam, head to O Le Restaurant. With over 50 years of history, it offers a serene ambiance with lush greenery and the soothing melody of singing birds. Here, you can savor meticulously prepared traditional Hue dishes. For those wishing to take these treats home, the restaurant conveniently provides vacuum-sealed packaging, making it easy to bring a taste of Hue to your loved ones.

3.5. Chi Restaurant

• Address: No. 52, Le Viet Luong Street, Hue

Chi Restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, known for its delicious, affordable traditional cakes. Its menu boasts all the classics – Banh Nam, Banh Beo, Banh Loc, and Banh Ram It – each bursting with authentic flavors. With friendly staff and complimentary iced tea, along with packaging services for takeaway, Chi Restaurant ensures a delightful dining experience for all visitors.

3.6. Ba Cu Restaurant

• Address: No. 23, Alley 177, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hue

Tucked away in an alley near An Dinh Palace, Ba Cu Restaurant is a hidden gem for people who love Hue’s traditional cakes. Visitors often praise its spacious, clean, and serene atmosphere. Here, you can savor a variety of Hue’s signature dishes, including Banh Nam and Banh Loc, as well as more unique offerings like Banh Uot and grilled shrimp cakes. Savor the delicious Banh Nam on your trip to Hue!

3.7. Trung Bo Restaurant

• Address: No. 16, To Hien Thanh Street, Hue

At Trung Bo Restaurant, you will not only enjoy delicious Banh Nam but also witness the fascinating process of making these delicacies by skilled vendors. The freshly steamed Banh Nam, Banh Loc, Banh Beo, and Banh Ram It, served with various toppings, are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Located conveniently near Dong Ba Market, it is a must-visit to satisfy your hunger for authentic Hue flavors.

Hue’s Culinary Delights: Beyond Banh Nam and Coffee

While Hue’s Banh Nam offers a delightful introduction to its unique cuisine, and Salt Coffee provides a taste of its vibrant beverage culture, your culinary adventure in the city doesn’t have to stop there! Beyond these iconic delights, prepare to be delighted by the rich and diverse flavors of other classic Hue dishes, such as:

• Hue Crispy Pancake (Bánh Khoái): A savory, crispy delight often served with a special peanut dipping sauce.
• Grilled Pork Salad Noodle (Bún Thịt Nướng): Fresh rice noodles topped with tender grilled pork and vibrant fresh herbs, typically served with a savory-sweet dressing.
• Clam Rice (Cơm Hến): A quintessential Hue specialty – spicy, flavorful rice mixed with tiny clams, crunchy pork cracklings, and aromatic herbs.
• Grilled Lemongrass Pork Skewers (Nem Lụi): Fragrant, succulent pork skewers best enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with fresh greens and a special dipping sauce.
• Salt Coffee in Hue: A unique and beloved local beverage.

Exploring these local delicacies truly completes the authentic Hue experience, showcasing why this city is a culinary paradise!

Enhance Your Hue Experience: Join a Hue Food Tour!

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What You’ll Experience:

• ✅ Learn to cook authentic dishes like Flat Steamed Rice Dumplings (Banh Nam).
• ✅ Taste over 10 traditional Hue foods, including Flat Steamed Rice Dumplings (Banh Nam).
• ✅ Discover hidden food gems with knowledgeable local guides.
• ✅ Gain cultural insights behind every unique recipe.

We guarantee an unforgettable journey into Hue’s vibrant food scene – delicious, fun, and authentic! Create unforgettable memories for you and your family.