American tourists were surprised to eat strange steamed bread never seen before in Vietnam.

Steamed bread is probably still a novelty for many Vietnamese people. Max McFarlin, an American blogger, was surprised when he tried this street food in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnamese banh mi is one of the dishes that attracts foreign diners because of its unique and diverse ingredients. However, the steamed banh mi at a small shop in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, is probably still quite new, even to Vietnamese people.

Steamed bread in coconut milk, served with fried shallots and crispy pork fat for a rich and savory flavor. Photo: Thi Thi

After learning about this unique dish, American Max McFarlin drove to Co Tien's banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) shop in a small alley in District 8 to try it. Besides steamed bread, the shop also sells other traditional dishes such as banh xeo, banh cong, and banh uot. Before steaming, the bread is cut into small slices, then briefly dipped in coconut water to ensure even expansion and prevent it from becoming too soft. The owner also steams the bread with pandan leaves underneath for added aroma.

Steamed bread. Photo: Max McFarlin

When a customer orders the bread, the owner will pick up small slices and place them on a plate, drizzling them with scallion oil, shredded pork skin, and fried garlic. The way to eat steamed bread is similar to eating Vietnamese savory pancakes (banh xeo): wrap it with fresh vegetables and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce. After taking a bite, Max repeatedly praised it: "The bread is steamed with fresh coconut water and pandan leaves, so it's very fragrant, soft, and fluffy. I find it easy to eat, just as the vendor said. The homemade pork skin isn't dry at all, seasoned just right, and slightly crispy."

The American man enjoys a steamed bun. Photo: Max McFarlin

"I might cry today because even though I've been in Vietnam for 3 or 4 years, I only just discovered this dish. The steamed bread is delicious," he added. A portion of steamed bread with scallion oil and pork cracklings costs 35,000 VND. The shop opens at 11 am daily. Diners should also try the banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) for 50,000 VND, a large one with generous toppings of egg, shrimp, meat, scallion oil, and pork cracklings... Ms. Tien's shop is located in a small alley on Nguyen Duy Street, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. The address is quite difficult to find if diners are not familiar with the area, so you can look for Nguyen Son Co Tu Pagoda on a map, drive in there, and at the first intersection turn left to reach it.

laodong.vn

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