Street food that carries the soul of the ocean
Banh can looks quite similar to the Southern-style 'banh khot', but it is baked in clay molds without using any oil, allowing the cakes to stay crisp and dry, with a distinctively delightful charred aroma. Variations with fresh seafood have taken Nha Trang's banh can to a whole new level, becoming a world-renowned delicacy.
The sophistication of manual preparation
Stepping into a banh can stall, you will be captivated by the skillful technique of the cook. Rice batter is finely ground from rice soaked overnight, poured in a thin layer into a piping hot clay mold, then quickly topped with quail eggs, fresh squid or whole shrimp before being covered until the cakes are golden and fragrant.
A diverse and appealing topping system
To ensure maximum satisfaction for diners, plates of Nha Trang banh can are always served beautifully with an abundance of toppings:
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Traditional nutty chicken egg/quail egg banh can
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Fresh, sweet bigfin reef squid banh can
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Firm and sweet shrimp banh can
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Flavorful minced beef banh can
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Crispy fried shallots and vibrant green scallion oil evenly spread over the cakes
Divine dipping sauce – The origin of flavor
To provide the perfect depth of flavor for the dish, Nha Trang banh can is usually served with 3 types of elaborately prepared sauces: sweet and sour fish sauce, bold-flavored fermented fish sauce (mam nem), or savory-sweet braised fish sauce. Each bowl of dipping sauce is enhanced with fragrant scallion oil, rich pork meatballs (xiu mai), and a little shredded green mango for a sweet and tangy balance.
A cozy dining experience
Sitting around a warm clay stove on a breezy afternoon, watching the piping hot banh can come fresh off the stove, then picking one up and dipping it completely into the bowl of meatball and scallion oil sauce, taking a big bite to feel the crunch of the crust, the sweetness of the seafood, and the rich, nutty flavor of the meatballs spreading through your palate.
Come and experience the warmth and rustic charm of Nha Trang cuisine through a plate of hot banh can!
Recommended famous banh can spots in Nha Trang:
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Co Tu Banh Can Stall: 7A Thap Ba, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
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51 To Hien Thanh Banh Can Stall: 51 To Hien Thanh, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
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Ut Nam Banh Can Stall: 127 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
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Reference price: 30,000 VND - 70,000 VND/plate depending on the topping.
