VietNamNet Bridge – Banh Duc (plain rice flan) is considered one of the most rustic and simple dishes of Hanoi, however the way to serve it varies thanks to Hanoian connoisseurs.

‘Banh Duc Lac’ is the most popular form of the dish in the north

‘Banh Duc Lac’ is the most popular form of the dish in the north. The main ingredients are non-glutinous rice flour or corn flour and peanuts.

Firstly, grind soaked rice with water in a grist mill; next, add lime juice to the flour solution to bring it to a certain degree of glutinousness; then boil the solution, add peanuts to enhance the nutty flavor, and stir it continuously to prevent it from burning.

When well done, Banh duc takes on a jelly-like-appearance and has a mild flavor. It is served either hot or cold, commonly with soy sauce and sometimes with tofu. The buttery taste of peanut, rice flour, the spicy sweet flavor of soy sauce and soft tofu are mixed perfectly together, bringing guests a cool dish in the hot days of summer.

It is also an experience to savor a bowl of ‘Banh Duc Thit’, topped with grounded pork, fried onions, roasted sesame seeds and herbs, a dish best enjoyed in winter.

In the south, instead of taking on a white colour, banh duc has a distinctive appearance with a green color extracted from fragrance grass and a refreshingly sweet taste from syrup or coconut juice.

Nhan Dan/VNO