The Best Vietnamese Pastry Recipes You Can Make at Home

Vietnamese pastries are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them some of the most sought-after treats worldwide. From flaky bites to sweet delights, these recipes are perfect for home cooking. Below are some of the best Vietnamese pastry recipes that you can easily make in your own kitchen.

Bánh Pía (Mung Bean and Durian Puff Pastry)

Bánh Pía, a popular pastry in Vietnam, features a flaky outer shell filled with a delicious mixture of mung beans and durian. This treat is perfect for those who enjoy unique flavors.

Ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, coconut oil, mung bean paste, durian puree, and water.
Instructions: Start by preparing the dough by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and coconut oil. Gradually add water until you form a soft dough. Let it rest, then roll it out thinly. Fill with mung bean and durian mixture, wrap, and bake until golden brown.

Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes)

Bánh Bèo is a delightful steamed rice cake topped with savory ingredients like shrimp and mung beans. These little cakes are often served with fish sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or snack.

Ingredients: rice flour, tapioca flour, water, minced shrimp, mung bean paste, and fish sauce.
Instructions: Mix rice flour and tapioca flour with water to create a batter. Pour the batter into small cups and top with minced shrimp. Steam for about 10-15 minutes. Serve with fish sauce and herbs.

Bánh Đúc (Savory Steamed Rice Cake)

Bánh Đúc is a unique Vietnamese pastry made from rice flour and typically served with a flavorful sauce and meats. It's a versatile dish you can customize as per your liking.

Ingredients: rice flour, water, chicken or pork, dried shrimp, fish sauce, and scallions.
Instructions: Mix rice flour with water to make a smooth batter. Pour into a steaming dish, then add cooked meats and dried shrimp. Steam until set, then serve with a drizzle of fish sauce and chopped scallions.

Bánh Tét (Glutinous Rice Cake)

Bánh Tét is a traditional Vietnamese pastry made with glutinous rice and typically filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. It's especially popular during the Lunar New Year.

Ingredients: glutinous rice, mung beans, pork belly, banana leaves, and salt.
Instructions: Soak glutinous rice and mung beans overnight. Prepare the filling by mixing mung beans and seasoned pork. Layer the rice and filling onto banana leaves, wrap tightly, and boil for several hours until cooked through.

Bánh Kem (Vietnamese Cream Cake)

Bánh Kem is a light and fluffy cream cake that's a favorite for celebrations and family gatherings. This dessert can be flavored in various ways, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and whipped cream.
Instructions: Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy, then add melted butter and milk. Gradually mix in flour until combined. Bake until golden, then cool and frost with whipped cream. Add fruits or decorations as desired.

These Vietnamese pastry recipes offer a wonderful way to explore the vibrant culinary heritage of Vietnam. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, these treats are both enjoyable to make and delicious to eat. Grab your ingredients and start whipping up these delectable pastries at home!