Ban Xeo & Bhan Khat... Vietnamese pancakes

Ban Xeo & Banh Khat.. Vietnamese Pancakes.
By Aly Abaquin

Childhood memories of how my Mom do the Pancakes every Sunday morning in our household as an alternative, from the regular breakfast “sinanag” (fried rice), fried eggs & “tuyo” (anchovies)as Asians we are hearty breakfast eaters.

The Pancakes are welcome respite for us since we can experiment on this , I remember we chopped & mashed bananas or peanut butter to be included in the hotcake batter or as toppings with maple syrup or with the sugary water my Mom always prepare with butter. The makings of Comfort food indeed the pancakes brings us closer to our loved ones and makes one not afraid of the kitchen.

As kids we used to fight over who would do the mixing as if we are in baking mode. We always over beat the batter until no bubbles appear…..as we ready the pan.. as bubbles begins to pop in the pan the pancake is ready to be turned…. I could smell the egg yolks & buttery smell of the pancake…..

while the Vietnamese pancakes is a different kind of pancakes which is popularly known as Ban Xeo & Banh khat.
They also have a similar ingredients as your regular hotcake batter minus the eggs. But with a lot of asian flavor put into it. The pancake that I grew up is sweet and sugary but the Ban Xeo is salty & spicy with side greens in the side.
The Ban Xeo batter is composed of rice flour, coconut milk, tumeric, water , pinch of salt & sugar. Then cooked over oiled pan. Then filled with sliced onions, cooked shrimps, pork & mushrooms. With a dipping sauce of fish sauce with fresh lime and some pickled carrots thinly sliced and spiced with chili..

Now that’s how to BREAK YOUR FAST… we tried the Ban Xeo Resto… where they evoke provincial flare through the use the bamboo chairs, tables and no fuss three stoves heated by stone and bricks.
The salad of greens are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine with mint & basil to break the spice. While you bit and swallow the ban xeo piece by piece.
While the Ban khat are widely know in the South this are their version of the mini pancakes which is totally different to what we grew up of mini choco, peanut or plain mini pancakes …Then take coffee or tea as you read your dailies.
They might say “Same Same but Different” a slogan popularly used by the locals here.

Ban Khat are more tasty rather the “crepe” like pancake of Ban Xeo kind. This one I like better due to easy to eat and wrap it with greens presto dip over fish sauce w/ soaked chilis….while topped with freshly cooked shrimps.
Of course drown your self with Cha Da… the Green tea for that healthy breakfast….for cleansing anyone…

These treats are more of a snack to give you a headstart…… This is another memorable experience here in Saigon as I make my own Ban Xeo & Bhan khat thanks to the resto which shared its ingredients… pancakes or not they still are fun to eat…. Adding to your Memorable moments here in HCMC… indeed its is a comfort food in the making.