Steamed bread is probably new to many Vietnamese people. Max McFarlin, American blogger, was surprised when he tried this street food in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese bread is one of the dishes that attracts foreign diners because of the difference and diversity of ingredients. However, steamed bread at a small shop in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City is probably quite new, even for Vietnamese people.
Bread steamed with coconut water, served with onion fat and fragrant pork rinds. Photo: Thi Thi
After learning about this new dish, American boy Max McFarlin drove to Co Tien's banh xeo shop in a small alley in District 8 to enjoy it. In addition to steamed bread, the shop also sells other traditional cakes such as banh xeo, banh chung, and wet cake.
Before being steamed, the bread at the store is cut into small pieces, then dipped briefly in coconut water to expand evenly and not get too soft. The owner also steams the bread with pandan leaves at the bottom for a fragrant aroma.
Steamed bread dish. Photo: Max McFarlin
When a customer requests a cake, the shop owner will take each small piece onto a plate, sprinkle it with onion fat, shredded skin, and fried garlic. The way to eat steamed banh mi is similar to eating banh xeo, which is to roll it with raw vegetables and dip it in sweet and sour fish sauce.
After taking a bite of the cake, Max continuously complimented: "The bread is steamed with fresh coconut water and pandan leaves, very fragrant, soft and spongy. I found the cake easy to eat, just like the sales lady said. The homemade skin is not dry at all, seasoned just right, and a bit crispy."
American boy enjoying steamed bread. Photo: Max McFarlin
“I'm probably going to cry today because even though I've been in Vietnam for 3 or 4 years, it's only now that I've learned about this dish. Steamed bread is very delicious,” he added.
A portion of steamed bread with onions and pork rinds costs 35.000 VND. The shop is open from 11am every day. Diners should try banh xeo at 50.000 VND for a large, plump one with toppings like eggs, shrimp, meat, onion fat, pork rinds...
Ms. Tien's shop is located in a small alley on Nguyen Duy Street, District 8, HCMC. The address is quite difficult to find if diners are not familiar with directions, so you can find it on the map of Nguyen Son Co Tu pagoda, run there and see the first junction, turn left./.
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