In a quiet alley in Ho Chi Minh City, an 80 - year - old woman with silver hair has captivated food lovers with a unique version of banh khot (Vietnamese mini savory pancakes).

Her tiny roadside eatery has no signboard, yet customers flock to her stall daily, willing to wait patiently - or even order in advance - to get a taste of her crispy, golden pancakes.

A passion project turned beloved eatery

Every afternoon, after the local market winds down, Mrs. Hai (69 years old) and her friend Muoi (62 years old) make their way to Alley 565 on Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, hoping to secure a plate of freshly fried banh khot.

The modest stall, tucked into a narrow alley, consists of a single charcoal stove, a few plastic stools, and a tiny cooking station where Mrs. Le Thi Le (80 years old) prepares each batch of her signature dish.

Sitting by her charcoal stove, Mrs. Le swiftly ladles her homemade batter into a sizzling pan of hot oil. The air fills with the irresistible aroma of frying dough. Within minutes, she tops each piece with crispy shrimp before plating them for eager customers.

“The flavor is incredible - rich, crispy, and full of texture,” says Mrs. Hai. “It’s one of the best banh khot I’ve ever had.”

It’s hard to believe that Mrs. Le only started selling her beloved pancakes after the COVID - 19 pandemic. Previously, she spent her days taking care of her younger sibling’s children. But when her nieces and nephews left for overseas studies, she found herself alone.

To combat loneliness, she moved in with her elderly aunt. After her aunt passed away, Mrs. Le returned to her own home, but the solitude weighed heavily on her. Instead of spending her days in silence, she decided to start selling banh khot - not for profit, but for companionship.

A unique take on a traditional dish

Mrs. Le’s banh khot is unlike the traditional version found in most eateries. Inspired by the flavors she remembers from childhood, she crafted her own recipe without following any formal instructions.

“I use banh xeo flour, but I mix in coconut milk, eggs, and mung beans to give it a distinct flavor. My recipe doesn’t include pork - just shrimp, as I prefer a lighter taste,” Mrs. Le explains.

Each day, she prepares a small batch of batter, just enough to make 200 pancakes, and sells them within two hours. Once the batter runs out, she stops cooking for the day.

“I only earn about 100,000 VND ($4) in profit per batch, but that’s not the point. I do this to stay active and have people around,” she says with a smile.

Patience is key for hungry customers

Though Mrs. Le insists she sells pancakes “just for fun,” her dedication to quality is unwavering. She handpicks her ingredients daily, selecting the finest jasmine rice flour, plump mung beans, and fresh shrimp from the morning market.

The shrimp is cleaned and stir - fried just 30 minutes before service, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor. Even her dipping sauce - a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, sour, and spicy fish sauce - is carefully crafted.

Despite the long wait times, customers keep coming back.

“Some people tell me to switch to a gas stove so I can cook faster, but charcoal gives a better flavor,” Mrs. Le explains. “If the heat is too strong, the outside burns while the inside stays raw. You have to be patient.”

Her careful cooking process means that it takes 30 minutes just to prepare 50 pancakes. Customers often wait in line, chatting with each other as they anticipate their turn.

“Since it’s hot out, I try to serve those waiting under the sun first,” she says kindly.

More than just a snack - an experience

The crowd at Mrs. Le’s stall is diverse, ranging from elderly patrons who appreciate her traditional techniques to young students who discover her through social media.

“I first saw a video about her stall online,” says Tuan Anh, a university student. “After trying her pancakes once, I was hooked. Now, I come every week.”

For just 5,000 VND ($0.20) per piece, customers enjoy crispy, flavorful pancakes with a generous portion of fresh herbs.

“The price is incredibly affordable for Ho Chi Minh City,” Tuan Anh adds. “That’s why I’ve been coming here for over a year now.”

Though her shop is small, Mrs. Le has created more than just a place to eat - she has built a community. Customers return not only for her delicious pancakes but also for the warmth of her presence and the nostalgic charm of an old - school cooking style that’s becoming increasingly rare in the city.

Plan your visit

Location: Alley 565, Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: Afternoon only (until batter runs out)

Price: 5,000 VND ($0.20) per pancake

If you want to experience one of the best banh khot in Saigon, be sure to arrive early and prepare to wait. It’s not just a meal - it’s a journey into the heart of a woman’s love for cooking, conversation, and keeping tradition alive.