Patarapron Brink Phisarnworakit, known as Brinkkty, recently visited Vietnam with five friends, choosing Hanoi as a key stop on their trip.

While exploring the city's vibrant streets, they stumbled upon a local eatery at Ho Nhai Street, Ba Dinh District, renowned for its banh cuon.

The group ordered three servings of meat-filled banh cuon, one serving of banh cuon with soft-boiled egg, and a plate of Chinese sausage.

The steaming dishes arrived accompanied by a perfectly balanced dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

Brinkkty’s group was instantly captivated by the presentation and, upon tasting, expressed sheer delight.

Taking a generous bite dipped in fish sauce, Brinkkty repeatedly nodded in approval, exclaiming, “So delicious!”

Tradition preserved for over three generations

The eatery, with more than 30 years of history, earned a place on Hanoi's Michelin-recommended list in 2023.

According to Bui Thi Kim Lan, a third-generation owner, the family has faithfully preserved their traditional recipe.

To cater to diverse tastes, they introduced banh cuon with eggs in recent years, while maintaining their signature style.

Lan shared that the rice flour used is sourced from Cao Bang Province, prized for its high quality.

The flour is milled using a decades-old stone grinder, a labor-intensive process rarely seen in modern establishments.

Lan explained that while industrial milling saves time, stone grinding ensures a finer, more fragrant batter. This results in banh cuon that is soft, thin, and slightly chewy, with a distinctive flavor.

“Our stone-milled method requires significant effort but guarantees a unique texture and aroma that define our family’s banh cuon,” Lan noted.

The dish is served with homemade crispy fried shallots, aromatic pork sausages, and cinnamon-scented pork rolls.

A standout specialty is the banh cuon with eggs. The eggs are steamed to about 70% doneness, with the yolk still slightly runny, creating a rich, creamy flavor without any hint of unpleasantness.

Brinkkty and her friends left the eatery deeply impressed, calling it one of their most memorable culinary experiences in Hanoi.

Through their enthusiastic response, it’s clear that the timeless charm of banh cuon continues to win the hearts of both locals and international visitors alike.

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