Banh Ran![]() Banh ran is one of a wide variety kind of Vietnamese cake with a thin crust made from glutinous rice flour, normal rice flour, added pureed potatoes, stuffed with sugared green peas (sweet Banh ran) or salty Banh ran serving with dipping sauce. Two main kinds of Banh ran having one common is both deep fried to have yellow brown color and so crunchy. It is considered to be more complicated on making salty Banh ran because of sophistication of the fillings inside. The ingredients to make stuff mixture are minced pork, minced carrot, vermicelli, wood ear, dried onions, spring onions, peppers. These are mixed before putting into dough. It really needs a skillful hand to put this mixture into dough and shape donut with shape of egg or round. After that, salt donut will be deep fried in cooking oil with low heat to make the crust crunchy and have eye - catching color of yellow brown but the insides fillings remain soft and keep the natural flavor of all ingredients. The dipping sauce plays an important role in deciding the quality and formular is the secret of each restaurant. The dipping sauce is made with fish sauce, sugar, vinergar or lime juice, boiled water, peppers, hot chili, garlic which all work together in creating a subtle blend of salty, sweet, sour and spicy tastes. The bowl of dipping sauce is decorated with red color from chili slices, orange carrots, a little bit of white color of green papaya or kohlrabi. Dipping crispy salty Banh ran in the bowl of sauce and it is said that all ingredients combine harmoniously; apparently, salty Banh ran is more delicious when eaten with dipping sauce. Banh ran, a simple dish but is a memory of Hanoi. Let’s try Banh ran and you will understand why it is a popular dish not only in Hanoi but also everywhere in Vietnam and you will never forget its unique and special flavor. Other Vietnamese Foods |