“Banh Gio” in Hanoi is a simple dish that has deeply embedded itself into the daily lives of the city’s residents. It serves as both a quick breakfast, a light afternoon snack, or a comforting meal for late nights. Despite its simplicity in preparation and consumption, “Banh Gio” has won the hearts of diners and, alongside dishes like “Bun Thang,” “Pho Bo,” and “Com,” has become a culinary symbol of the capital.
Throughout the day and night, numerous “Banh Gio” stalls can be found across Hanoi’s streets, and their popularity and authenticity vary. Among the notable ones are “Banh Gio Thuy Khue,” “Banh Gio Dong Cac,” “Banh Gio Dao Duy Tu,” and “Banh Gio Nguyen Cong Chu.” Let’s explore more about them with Dulich3mien!
Insights into “Banh Gio” in Hanoi – the Capital’s Specialty
Unlike seasonal specialties such as “Com” in autumn or “Sau” in summer, Hanoians can enjoy “Banh Gio” all year round. Shaped like a pyramid, wrapped in banana leaves, the outer layer is made of soft rice flour enveloping a flavorful filling of minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, pepper, and a hint of aromatic dried shallots.
The best way to enjoy “Banh Gio” in Hanoi is when it’s hot, with steam rising and the softness of the rice flour gradually melting in your mouth. Exploring the soft yet crunchy and sweet filling adds a memorable adventure to your taste buds. To enhance the flavor, diners can accompany it with chili sauce and pickled radishes. The spiciness of the chili and the crunchiness of the pickles complement the hot “Banh Gio” perfectly.
This simple dish can be easily customized with various accompaniments, ensuring a harmonious and delicious experience. Some options include enjoying it with Vietnamese pork sausage, Vietnamese ham, sausages, grilled meat, or crispy fried shallots, all paired with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Top 4 Best “Banh Gio” Places in Hanoi
1/ Banh Gio Thuy Khue, Hanoi
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- Address: 5 Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Price: VND 12,000/piece, VND 24,000/full serving
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM daily
2/ Banh Gio Dong Cac, Hanoi
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- Address: 33 Dong Cac Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
- Price: VND 32,000/serving
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Daily
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3/ Banh Gio Nguyen Cong Tru (Banh Gio Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi)
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- Address: Nguyen Cong Tru Market, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
- Price: VND 10,000 – 16,000/serving
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM daily
4/ Banh Gio Dao Duy Tu, Hanoi
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- Address: 16 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Price: VND 12,000/piece
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
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Making Delicious and Authentic Hanoi “Banh Gio” at Home
The most crucial aspect of making “Banh Gio” lies in the kneading and cooking of the dough; whether the cake turns out soft, fragrant, and delightful depends greatly on the cook’s skills. Diners can easily prepare these delicious “Banh Gio” at home with a straightforward recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Outer Layer:
- 200g rice flour and cornstarch
- 650ml chicken broth (0.5kg chicken bones simmered with 1.5l water and salt)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
For the Filling:
- 160g ground pork shoulder
- 100g wood ear mushrooms
- 40g yam
- 50g shallots
- 3 dried onions
- 1 tablespoon fried shallot oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Cooking Steps for Hanoi “Banh Gio”:
Step 1: Prepare the Outer Layer
- Mix the 40o chicken broth thoroughly with sifted rice flour and strain it. Let it rest for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
- Slice wood ear mushrooms, shallots, dried onions, and yam finely.
- Sauté the dried onions until fragrant, then add yam and stir for 1 minute. Add ground pork and wood ear mushrooms, then stir evenly for about 2 minutes.
- Season the mixture to taste and add fried shallot oil. Stir well and turn off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare Banana Leaf Wrappers
- Clean banana leaves, remove the stems, and briefly immerse them in boiling water for about 10-15 seconds. Dry them with a cloth to prepare for wrapping.
Step 4: Wrap the Hanoi “Banh Gio”
- Stir the dough with a non-stick pan over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer until the dough starts to appear lumpy. Stir continuously until it thickens and no longer sticks to the pan.
- Place two tablespoons of dough on a banana leaf, spread it evenly, then add two tablespoons of the pork mixture. Spread the dough to cover the filling, then use the banana leaf to wrap it into a cone shape and secure it tightly.
Step 5: Steam the Cakes
- Steam the cakes over medium heat for about 30 minutes until they are thoroughly cooked.
Enjoy your homemade Hanoi “Banh Gio” with its delightful flavors!
Among the diverse culinary offerings in Hanoi, “Banh Gio” holds a special place, showcasing the city’s unique culinary identity. It is undoubtedly a must-try when visiting this vibrant capital.
