Strangely named cake, cheap as hell, customers can eat their fill for less than 30,000 VND

Bánh quai vạc is a popular local dish in Phan Thiết ( Bình Thuận ). These translucent white cakes reveal a filling of red shrimp. The sticky layers of cake are stacked on top of each other and placed on a large aluminum tray. In shape and structure, Phan Thiết's bánh quai vạc resembles bánh bột lọc but is smaller. The name comes from its shape, which resembles the handle of a cauldron (vạc).

Banh quai vac (a type of Vietnamese steamed rice cake) is made from refined wheat flour (sliced wheat flour) and comes in two common forms: steamed and fried. In provinces in the South Central region such as Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan, the cakes are boiled rather than fried and served with sweet and sour chili fish sauce or sandwiched in bread. Banh quai vac has become a unique specialty in Phan Thiet, attracting tourists who eagerly seek it out and enjoy it.

The crescent-shaped baguette is a favorite among many tourists visiting Phan Thiet because of its unique and distinctive flavor (Photo: Linh Trang).

According to Ms. Hue, the owner of a famous banh mi quai vac (a type of Vietnamese sandwich) stall on the sidewalk of Vo Thi Sau Street (Phan Thiet), the preparation of banh mi quai vac is not too difficult but requires meticulous attention to detail in each step and is time-consuming. The dough must be made from tapioca flour, with boiling water added until cooked through. Then, the baker will knead the dough until it is very pliable before shaping it. The filling consists of shrimp and finely chopped pork belly, braised with sugar, fish sauce, onions, pepper, seasoning, etc.

Ms. Hue has been selling crescent-shaped dumplings for over a decade. Her sidewalk stall is a familiar breakfast spot for locals. Later, it also became known to many tourists.

Mrs. Hue's fried dough stick stall is simple and rustic, but it attracts customers with its delicious flavor and incredibly cheap prices (Photo: Linh Trang).

Diners can enjoy banh quai vac (a type of Vietnamese pancake) with sweet and sour fish sauce or sandwiched in bread. The soul of this dish lies in the Phan Thiet fish sauce, mixed with chili and sugar, resulting in a thick consistency, a sweet and sour taste, and a tingling spiciness. When eating banh quai vac, locals often sprinkle fried shallots and pork cracklings on top to enhance the flavor, and serve it with cucumber.

You can enjoy banh quai vac (a type of Vietnamese dumpling) on the streets of Phan Thiet for 15,000 to 20,000 VND per box. At Mrs. Hue's stall, depending on customer demand, she sells boxes starting from 10,000 VND. The most expensive box costs 26,000 VND and includes banh quai vac, cucumber, fish cake, leaf-wrapped sausage, bread, and fish sauce. One serving like that is enough to fill you up completely.

Both the tapioca dumplings and fish cakes are homemade by Mrs. Hue every day (Photo: Linh Trang)

Ms. Hue's street food stall selling banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) usually operates from 6 am to noon and from 1 pm to 5 pm. Ms. Hue says that on busy days, she uses about 5 kg of flour. "For the past few years, many tourists have come here, so sales have been very consistent. I usually sell until around 5 pm and then close. In the evening, I make the dough and shape the sandwiches until about 2 am. The work is hard, but it's fun," Ms. Hue shared with a smile.

Many visitors from afar order 2-3 plates of crescent-shaped dumplings to satisfy their cravings, then buy large and small boxes to take home.