Hue's Favourite Brunch Dishes - The origin of bánh nậm bánh lọc
A Culinary legacy Rooted in Rice
With culinary creations such as Bánh Nậm, Bánh Lọc, Bánh Canh Nam Phổ, Chả Tôm Nam Phổ, and Bánh Nếp, what we present is far from random. Each dish is a testament to the boundless love and dedication the people of Nam Phổ Village have long devoted to rice – the humble grain that forms the backbone of their cuisine. Since the 16th century, Nam Phổ Villagehas elevated this everyday ingredient into a culinary legacy, establishing itself as a renowned food village and an emblem of the ancient capital's gastronomy.
Local Specialties: Bánh Nậm and Bánh Lọc
Among these, Bánh Nậm and Bánh Lọc stand out as the most beloved one. Though made from simple, inexpensive ingredients, their preparation demands an extraordinary level of care and affection. In the old days, villagers from Nam Phổ would carry these handmade dumplings on shoulder poles, walking across Huế to bring their flavors to every street corner.
Handcraft Delights Shared Across Hue
These rice dumplings are a beloved brunch tradition in Huế. By 5 or 6 PM, the street vendors’ trays are usually empty– proof of their popularity. Despite their modest appearance, these dishes require precision: a perfect Bánh Lọc must have a chewy yet tender tapioca skin, while the filling is slow-braised twice over low heat until richly caramelized and slightly crisp. Some cooks even pan-fry the dumplings briefly before simmering to add another layer of texture.
The Essential Sauces : Completing the flavour
But no matter how well-crafted, these dumplings are incomplete without their quintessential dipping sauces. Sweet diluted fermented shrimp paste (mắm ruốc ngọt) is a must for Bánh Nậm, while spicy thick fermented shrimp sauce (mắm ruốc đặc cay) is essential for Bánh Lọc. These dishes must not be eaten with regular fish sauce – the flavor harmony would simply be lost.
Must Try Experience
If you're staying in Ancient Hue, you definitely must try the Phu Mong Craft Village Tour, where you can experience the making process of O Lé – the most famous bánh establishment in the hearts of locals, a place whose recipe has been passed down through many generations, with ancestors who once cooked in the Royal Court of Hue.
Book a table at Kim Long Dining to savor our version of rice dumplings here.
