Best Dumplings in Hoi An – Banh Bao, Banh Vac or White Rose Dumpling
Not only does Hoi An attracts tourists thanks to the old town and romantic, ancient beauty but also the dominant presence of the best dumplings in Hoi An. Dumpling or the white rose case is the local specialty that both domestic and overseas foodies are fond of. Let’s discover this outstanding culinary option!
White Rose Dumplings in Hoi An
Hoi An cuisine is diverse with several delicacies, but it’s most known for Cao Lau, and besides that is the white rose cake, a great kind of dumplings. Even the name of the cake sounds attractive and appealing to the new guests. And, the first bites can convince them of its delicious taste. Known as the “unique” food of the ancient Hoi An, it’s impossible to find the white rose cakes elsewhere across the country. Anybody that has eaten this food finds it hard to forget its name as well as the eye-catching and elegant look of this specialty.
Dumplings or “Banh Bao, Banh Vac” or white rose dumpling Hoi An are often placed together on a plate. Its major ingredient is the rice starch, of which the rice must be a new, fragrant, grind, and filtered several times through water (taken from the local Ba Le well) to make the sweet, white, and smooth cake surface. That said, the water should be filtered and purified 15-20 times before being mixed with the rice to create the airy dough. Absolutely, the rice starch does not include bleach and borax. Then, the dough is rolled thin and cut into dumpling-sized with the lovely thin crust.
The fillings are mainly made of fresh shrimp or ground pork mixed with pepper, onion, salt, mushroom, and fish sauce. There also adds a secretive seasoning of the Hoi An people, which is the reason making it unique and delicious only in its hometown. The key also lies in the skillful hands of the cooks who shape the Hoi An dumpling with the thin crust. If the crust is too thick, the cake might not taste well and the filling will not be cooked. It will be steamed for 10 – 15 minutes. And, the result is the hot, sweet, and aromatic cake.
Whenever you travel to the Old Town, make sure to try this specialty that is very delicate and delectable as the traditional icon of the land. The ideal address to have it is the White Rose Restaurant at 533 Hai Ba Trung Street, in which this kind of dumpling is always present on the menu. In this restaurant, not only you can enjoy the authentic cakes but also witness how they are made by the professional chefs. Appreciate the opportunities to enjoy a plate of “white roses” served with crunchy bits of shallot and sweet dipping sauce.
Hoi An Food Tours to Eat White Rose Dumpling
Oftentimes, Hoi An Food Tour offers a culinary experience in eating the local specialty, and the white rose cake is the must-eat. This kind of shrimp dumpling bunched up like a rose looks so attractive that every foodie wants to taste it at first sight. Typically, there are around 15 “roses” on a plate, which costs about USD$4, and some individuals even eat more than one plate.
There are instructions on how to cook Hoi An white rose dumpling, but they are just general, and the real secrets are kept by a family that runs White Rose Restaurant and supplies it to the other places. The secret keeping of the traditional white rose recipe makes it more and more curious. Therefore, make sure you savor the beautiful white dumplings and say how they taste.
Knowledge sharing about Vietnam food culture and traditional recipes.