How to Make Vietnam’s Most Famous Pastries at Home

Vietnam is renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine, and its pastries are no exception. From flaky bánh mì to sweet bánh da lợn, these treats are iconic in Vietnamese culture. If you're looking to recreate the enchanting flavors of Vietnam in your own kitchen, here's how you can make some of the most famous Vietnamese pastries at home.

Bánh Mì - Vietnamese Sandwich

Bánh mì is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that has taken the world by storm. It's a fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions.

  • Ingredients: Baguette, pickled vegetables (carrots and daikon), fresh herbs (cilantro, mint), sliced cucumber, jalapeños, and your choice of protein (grilled pork, chicken, tofu).

Instructions:

  1. Prepare pickled vegetables by soaking julienned carrots and daikon in vinegar, sugar, and salt for at least an hour.
  2. Grill or prepare your protein, seasoning it with traditional Vietnamese spices.
  3. Slice the baguette and layer on your protein, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sliced cucumbers. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Bánh Da Lợn - Layered Tapioca Cake

Bánh da lợn is a traditional layered cake made from rice flour and tapioca, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

  • Ingredients: Rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, sugar, and pandan leaves for flavor and color.

Instructions:

  1. Mix rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, and sugar until smooth.
  2. Divide the mixture into two bowls: add pandan extract to one for a green layer.
  3. In a steaming tray, pour in a layer of the plain mixture, steam for 10 minutes, then add a layer of the pandan mixture. Repeat until all batter is used.
  4. Cool and cut into squares before serving.

Bánh Bao - Vietnamese Steamed Buns

Bánh bao are fluffy steamed buns filled with various ingredients, including pork, chicken, or vegetables.

  • Ingredients: All-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, water, and filling of your choice (often minced pork with eggs).

Instructions:

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Mix it with flour and sugar to form a dough.
  2. Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise for about an hour.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls, flatten each, and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Wrap and seal the bun.
  4. Steam for 15-20 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.

Bánh Kẹo - Vietnamese Candy

Bánh kẹo refers to a variety of traditional candies, often made with ingredients like coconut, peanuts, and sesame.

  • Ingredients: Coconut milk, sugar, peanuts, and sticky rice flour.

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, mix coconut milk, sugar, and rice flour, stirring until smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into a mold and let it set at room temperature.
  3. Once it’s set, cut into small squares and sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds.

Making Vietnamese pastries at home is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to share culture with family and friends. Experiment with these recipes and add your twist to create an array of flavors that will transport you straight to Vietnam with every bite!