As a seasoned food writer who has extensively explored the dynamic street food cultures across Vietnam, I’m thrilled to provide insider expertise on one of my all-time favorite Vietnamese snack discoveries: the sensational bánh tráng nướng, better known as Vietnamese pizza. With over a decade of in-country eating experience under my belt, I can definitively say this ingenious crispy rice flour pizza packs a flavor punch that immediately transports me back to the chaotic streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
This article will equip readers with invaluable insider knowledge for unraveling the mysteries of this Vietnamese street food gem. You’ll gain a deep understanding of Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng’s origins, array of regional variations, fundamental ingredients that set it apart from other pizzas, proper preparation techniques, and where to find the very best versions in Vietnam or beyond.
Overview of Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng
Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng offers a unique take on traditional pizza that food lovers around the world should try. With a crisp and delicate rice paper crust and flavorful toppings like pork, shrimp, egg, and an assortment of herbs, this Vietnamese street food specialty brings exciting tastes and textures not found in other types of pizza.
Some interesting facts about Vietnamese Pizza (bánh tráng nướng):
- Originated as a street food in Hanoi, Vietnam
- Also known as bánh tráng nướng in Vietnamese
- Features a cracker-like crust made from rice paper (bánh tráng)
- Often includes egg, meat, seafood, herbs, chili, and vegetable toppings
- Served with a variety of dipping sauces like nuoc mam, hoisin, and chili sauce
- A popular snack, appetizer, or light meal in Vietnam
People looking to expand their culinary horizons should give Vietnamese Pizza a try to experience the complex flavors and textures that set it apart from other pizzas. It offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese street food without the need to travel halfway around the world!
What makes Vietnamese Pizza grilled rice paper quality?
The unique qualities of Vietnamese Pizza (bánh tráng nướng) derive from its core ingredients:
- Rice paper crust – The crisp, delicate crust provides texture and allows the toppings to shine. Rice paper can be grilled or fried before topping.
- Egg – Beaten eggs are often cooked right on top of the pizza, adding protein.
- Meat and seafood – Pork, shrimp, chicken, beef, sausage, and even crab are popular pizza toppings in Vietnam.
- Herbs and vegetables – Cilantro, basil, mint, bean sprouts, cucumber, and more give the pizza fresh flavor.
- Chilies – Spicy chilies provide heat and spice. Thai bird’s eye chilies are commonly used.
- Nuoc mam – This fermented Vietnamese fish sauce is the most popular dipping sauce.
Variations of Bánh tráng nướng in regions
There are many variations of Vietnamese Pizza across the different regions of Vietnam:
- Northern Vietnam – dill, green onion, pork belly, and egg are common.
- Central Vietnam – shrimp, pork, and herbs like basil feature prominently.
- Southern Vietnam – bolder flavors like chili sauce, sausage, and crispy pork skin.
Other unique regional Vietnamese Pizza specialties include:
- Hanoi – crab meat pizza with fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce.
- Ho Chi Minh City – pizza with chicken, fried egg, cilantro, chili sauce.
- Hue – banana blossom, beef pizza with nuoc mam sauce.
Recipe & Cooking Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng
Making authentic Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng at home is easy to do with just a few key steps:
Ingredients to make Bánh Tráng Nướng
- 1 package Vietnamese rice paper wrappers (bánh tráng)
- 250g ground pork
- 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, mint
- Chili sauce or nuoc mam for dipping
Steps to make Bánh Tráng Nướng
- Soak the rice paper wrappers briefly in warm water until pliable.
- Cook the ground pork in a skillet until browned and drain excess fat.
- In a separate skillet, stir fry the shrimp until just pink. Set aside.
- Working one at a time, place rice paper rounds on a hot, lightly oiled skillet or grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned and crisp.
- Spread pork and shrimp over the cooked rice paper.
- Pour beaten egg evenly over the top and cook until set.
- Top with sliced onion, herbs, and a squirt of chili sauce.
- Fold the pizza in half or quarters and slice into triangles. Serve immediately with nuoc mam or chili sauce for dipping.
Tips for cooking Vietnamese Bánh Tráng Nướng successfully
- Soak the rice paper just until pliable to avoid tearing.
- Cook the toppings first so they don’t make the paper soggy.
- Work in batches to keep the rice paper from drying out.
- Fold and slice the pizza right away for easiest eating.
Guide to serve Vietnamese Pizza Bánh Tráng Nướng
Some flavorful dipping sauce options to consider with Vietnamese pizza bánh tráng nướng include:
- Nuoc mam (fish sauce, sugar, lime, chili, garlic)
- Nuoc cham (fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar)
- Hoisin chili sauce
- Spicy mayonnaise (mayo, sriracha)
- Soy ginger sauce (soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger)
Get creative with fun, fusion Vietnamese Pizza toppings like:
- BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw
- Korean bulgogi beef with kimchi
- Lemongrass chicken with avocado
- Chili garlic shrimp with mango
- Crispy tofu with basil and cashews
Where to Find Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza)?
Ho Chi Minh City is a top destination to sample authentic Vietnamese Pizza. Recommended spots include:
- Bánh Tráng Nướng 108 – Famous spot serving Hanoi-style egg, sausage, pork belly pizza.
- Bánh Tráng Phan Rang – Specializes in the central Vietnamese version with shrimp and herbs.
- Bánh Tráng Cô Ba – Local favorite known for wide range of dipping sauces.
- Bánh Tráng Đại Lộc Quán – Serves pizza with stir-fried lemongrass beef or chicken.
Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, other places in Vietnam to find excellent Vietnamese Pizza include:
- Hanoi – Head to the Old Quarter to find pizza carts with Hanoi-style toppings.
- Hue – Vendors along the Perfume River sell shrimp and pork belly pizza.
- Hoi An – The ancient town offers unique pizza with banana blossom topping.
While less common outside of Vietnam, a few restaurants do serve authentic Vietnamese Pizza:
- United States – Vietnamese enclaves in California and Texas.
- Australia – Vietnamese restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne.
- France – Paris has a handful of Vietnamese pizza options.
Bánh Tráng Nướng Beyond the Food
As a popular Vietnamese street food, bánh tráng nướng holds cultural significance:
- Originated as an inexpensive, mobile food source for laborers, students, and workers.
- Represents the culinary traditions of Vietnam like rice wrappers, herbs, chili, fish sauce.
- Often sold from street carts and hole-in-the-wall shops, adding to the bustling street life.
- Provides a taste of authentic Vietnam for tourists seeking street food experiences.
While not as widely featured as some Vietnamese noodle dishes, bánh tráng nướng occasionally appears in media:
- Anthony Bourdain sampled crab meat pizza in the No Reservations Vietnam episode.
- The film The Third Wife shows a countryside family making the pizza.
- Some Vietnamese hip hop artists reference pizza in lyrics about street food.
When trying Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng, tourists should keep in mind:
- Fold up the pizza to eat it like a taco for the proper technique.
- Don’t be shy with the dipping sauces – it’s an essential component.
- Head to street food stalls in the evening when vendors are most active.
- Have small bills for easy payment – vendors move quickly.
- Ask vendors to point or gesture if the language barrier is an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnamese Pizza spicy?
How spicy the pizza is depends on the toppings used. Some chili sauce or sliced chilies can add heat. But egg, pork, and shrimp pizzas tend to be mildly spicy at most.
What is the difference between Vietnamese Pizza and other Vietnamese rice paper dishes?
Unlike fresh summer rolls and fried spring rolls, the rice paper used for pizza is grilled or fried for a crispy, cracker-like texture. Pizza also includes cooked meat, seafood, egg, and veggie toppings.
What are the most popular toppings for Vietnamese Pizza?
Some of the most popular traditional toppings are egg, pork belly, shrimp, sausage, chicken, crab meat, banana blossom, herbs, chilies, and spring onion.
How does Vietnamese Pizza compare to other Vietnamese street foods?
The thin, crisp crust and assorted toppings make it more similar to pizza than other foods. But dipping sauces and foldable shape give it a Southeast Asian street food flair.
Conclusion: Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng
In conclusion, Vietnamese Pizza bánh tráng nướng offers a truly unique take on everyone’s favorite cheesy, saucy comfort food. With its deliciously cracker-like rice paper crust, flavorful meat, seafood, and herb toppings, and essential dipping sauces, this Vietnamese street food specialty gives global pizza lovers an exciting new flavor profile to discover. Combining the portability of pizza with the bright, fresh tastes of Southeast Asia, bánh tráng nướng is a must-try treat for any adventurous foodie visiting Vietnam or seeking an authentic Vietnamese food experience. So next time you’re craving pizza, why not go beyond the standard pepperoni and try something new with Vietnamese Pizza!
How to make Vietnamese Pizza Bánh Tráng Nướng recipe?
Notes
- Double the rice paper: If you prefer a thicker and chewier crust, use two rice paper sheets. Lightly dampen one sheet with water and place it on the pan first. Top with the dry rice paper round and continue with the recipe.
- Watch the heat: Bánh Tráng Nướng cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the rice paper or overcooking the egg.
- Get creative: The beauty of Bánh Tráng Nướng lies in its customizability. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings to find your favorites.
Ingredients
- - Base:
- • Rounds of rice paper
- • Butter or margarine
- • Egg (chicken or quail)
- - Classic Toppings (choose some or all):
- • Minced pork (seasoned)
- • Dried shrimp
- • Pork floss (chà bông)
- • Green onions (scallions), sliced
- • Quail eggs (or chicken eggs)
- - Optional Sauces and Condiments:
- • Chili sauce (sriracha or sambal oelek)
- • Mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
- - Other Optional Toppings (pick your favorites):
- • Cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or tofu
- • Diced sausage (cooked)
- • Diced ham
- • Drained canned tuna
- • Chopped lemongrass
- • Cheese (Laughing Cow wedges are popular)
- • Corn kernels
- • Fried shallots
- • Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare your toppings: If using raw meat, cook and season it beforehand. Chop or shred any vegetables or proteins you'll be using. Have your sauces and condiments ready.
- Heat a pan or grill: You can use a stovetop pan or a grill (charcoal or gas) for this recipe. Heat it over medium heat. No oil is needed.
- Crisp the rice paper: Place a single rice paper round directly on the hot pan. Let it cook for 30-40 seconds, or until it becomes slightly opaque and starts to puff up. Be careful not to burn it.
- Spread butter (optional): If using butter, spread a thin layer over the crispy rice paper.
- Add egg: Crack an egg directly onto the rice paper. Use a spoon or chopsticks to gently spread the egg white towards the edges.
- Add protein and other toppings: Sprinkle your chosen protein toppings (minced pork, shrimp, etc.) on one half of the egg. Add any other desired toppings like green onions, lemongrass, or cheese.
- Fold and cook: Fold the empty half of the rice paper over the filled side to create a half-moon shape. Press down gently to adhere the filling. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the egg is cooked through and the bottom is crispy.
- Drizzle with sauce and enjoy: Take the Bánh Tráng Nướng off the heat and drizzle with your favorite sauces like sriracha and mayonnaise. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Facts
How to make Vietnamese Pizza Bánh Tráng Nướng recipe?
Serves:
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300-500 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 10-20g | 15.4% | |
| Saturated Fat 3-5g | 15% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 50-100mg | 16.7% | |
| Sodium 200-400mg | 8.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 30-40g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1-2g | 4% | |
| Sugars 2-5g | ||
| Protein 10-20g | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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