Western folk cake shop with full 'color, aroma, taste' attracts diners in Bien Hoa

(DN) - Cuisine is always a bridge that brings people back to old memories, especially traditional cakes imbued with the soul of the countryside. Without having to go far, diners in Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai province can also experience a "miniature country market" right in the heart of the city, selling all kinds of traditional cakes of the West.

The pastry counter is neatly and colorfully displayed. Photo: Minh Hạnh

* Bringing the spirit of the countryside to the city

The shop, named "Western Vietnam Traditional Cakes by Mother Bơ's Kitchen," is located at 1075/8/35 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Bien Hoa Ward. The owner is Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Linh, a woman born and raised in Bien Hoa but with a passion for Western Vietnam cuisine .

Ms. Linh carefully arranges each freshly baked cake on a tray for customers to choose from. Photo: Minh Hạnh

Ms. Linh has learned the art of baking in many places, from short-term courses to field trips to Can Tho, An Giang , Vinh Long, etc., to taste and learn. From there, she adjusted the sweetness, richness, and even the decoration of the cakes to suit the taste of people in Dong Nai while still preserving the essence of traditional local cakes.

The steamer releases a rich, fragrant aroma every time the lid is opened. Photo: Minh Hạnh

Durian-flavored pork skin cake is a favorite among many diners. Photo: Minh Hạnh

A tray of fragrant, chewy tapioca cakes, sprinkled with grated coconut and roasted sesame seeds. Photo: Minh Hạnh

Every morning, the bakery here bustles with activity as they prepare new batches of pastries. Steamers rise, filling the air with the fragrant aroma of pastries mingled with the rich scent of coconut milk.

Outside the kitchen, a long table is neatly arranged with various types of cakes: palm sugar rice cakes, durian pork skin cakes, cassava silkworm cakes, grilled banana cakes, jackfruit sticky rice cakes, mango sticky rice cakes… in a variety of colors and flavors. The cakes are served warm, and customers can personally choose each type of cake to their liking.

The batter for the steamed rice cake is poured into the molds in small batches to ensure evenness and a fluffy texture in each cake. Photo: Minh Hạnh

The baking process takes place regularly every day with the participation of family members. Photo: Minh Hạnh

The baker meticulously adds filling to the coconut-filled steamed rice cakes. Photo: Minh Hạnh

The restaurant is open from 7 am to around 1-2 pm, and may even extend to 3-4 pm if there are still many customers.

Every day, Ms. Linh's shop makes 5,000 to 6,000 cakes, serving a variety of sweet pastries. Among the most popular items are the durian-flavored pork skin cake with its many soft, chewy layers, rich flavor, and fresh durian aroma. The palm sugar rice cake is also well-risen, amber in color, and has a delicate sweetness from the palm sugar.

In particular, Linh's recipe includes a rich, concentrated coconut milk base, cooked separately and served with the cake to add extra creaminess and flavor.

The price of the cakes at the shop ranges from 4,000 to 15,000 VND per piece. In addition, the shop also offers "combo" deals for 59,000 and 99,000 VND, enough to satisfy two people. With reasonable prices, meticulous quality, and flavors reminiscent of home, it's no surprise that the shop has received enthusiastic support from locals just a few months after opening.

Located in a small alley in Bien Hoa ward, this bakery attracts many customers every morning. Photo: Minh Hanh

Memories of those living abroad and the novel experiences of young people.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thong arrived at the shop early to buy cakes. Mr. Thong is originally from Bac Lieu (now Ca Mau province). He has lived for many years in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province. Coincidentally, a few weeks ago, when his family was holding a memorial service, a neighbor recommended a shop selling traditional Western Vietnamese cakes that he thought were "very delicious," so he decided to try them.

But ever since then, the aroma and sweetness of traditional cakes have transported him back to his childhood.

Mr. Thong shared: "Back in my hometown, my favorites were banh bo (rice cake) and banh gan (liver cake). Their color was similar to the cakes here, and the taste was also similar. I find the cakes here reasonably priced, delicious, fragrant, and clean."

Mr. Nguyen Van Thong and his wife happily left after buying the cakes they liked. Photo: Minh Hanh

Not only people from the Mekong Delta but also young people are eager to enjoy these traditional cakes. Vu Thi My Duyen (residing in Long Binh ward) learned about the shop through promotional videos on TikTok.

Young people can freely choose from a wide variety of cakes. Photo: Minh Hạnh

"My first impression was that the cafe had a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The cakes were displayed simply but attractively; they made me want to try them right away," Duyen said.

For Duyen, this is a promising model because not many shops in Dong Nai sell a full range of traditional Western Vietnamese cakes. Each tray of cakes reflects the dedication of the baker, lined with banana leaves, and arranged neatly and cleanly.

In a cozy atmosphere, the aroma of sticky rice, coconut, and pandan leaves blends together, evoking memories of old-fashioned rural markets. There, older generations rediscover cherished memories through familiar cake flavors, while younger generations eagerly explore new and exciting tastes in the heart of the city.

If you have the chance to visit Bien Hoa ward, be sure to stop by the small bakery in the alley on Bui Huu Nghia street to enjoy the flavors of traditional Western Vietnamese cakes.

Minh Hanh

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202507/quan-banh-dan-gian-mien-tay-du-sac-huong-vi-thu-hut-thuc-khach-tai-bien-hoa-2641812/