Banh Xeo: Bac Lieu’s Crispy Pancake Delight in the Mekong Delta

A Culinary Highlight of the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a culinary haven in the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its bold and fresh flavors. With a 56 km coastline and a population of 1.3 million, including 20% Khmer residents, Bac Lieu attracts 18,000 travelers annually. Banh Xeo, a crispy rice pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, is a signature dish that embodies the region’s vibrant food culture, known for its thin, crunchy crust and seafood-rich fillings. Dining costs range from $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Bac Lieu’s cuisine, influenced by Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa traditions, offers a delicious glimpse into the Mekong Delta’s soul.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours to Bac Lieu, pairing Banh Xeo with local experiences like market visits and cooking classes, using sustainable practices to support the community. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta culinary adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Bac Lieu’s bustling markets, homestays, and eateries, within 1–15 km of the center, make it an ideal destination for food lovers exploring the Mekong Delta’s authentic flavors.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local vendors to preserve Mekong Delta culinary traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible culinary journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

What is Banh Xeo?

Banh Xeo, meaning “sizzling pancake” for the sound it makes when batter hits a hot pan, is a Mekong Delta staple, with Bac Lieu’s version standing out for its thin, crispy crust and generous seafood fillings. Made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, the batter forms a golden, crunchy pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. It’s served with fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, lettuce), wrapped in rice paper, and dipped in a sweet-sour fish sauce (nuoc cham) with garlic and chili, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Bac Lieu’s coastal bounty ensures fresh shrimp and fish, making its Banh Xeo a seafood lover’s delight.

• Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per pancake.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Seek vendors using locally sourced seafood and herbs to support sustainable fisheries and farms.

How is Banh Xeo Prepared?

The preparation of Banh Xeo is a culinary art, showcasing Bac Lieu’s fresh ingredients and traditional techniques:

1. Batter: Rice flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt are mixed to create a thin, vibrant yellow batter, ensuring a crispy texture.

2. Fillings: Fresh shrimp, pork belly, bean sprouts, and green onions are added to a hot skillet, where the batter is poured to form a thin, sizzling pancake.

3. Cooking: The pancake is cooked until crispy on the edges yet tender in the center, folded, and served hot.

4. Serving: Wrap pieces of Banh Xeo in rice paper with lettuce, mint, and cilantro, then dip in nuoc cham with garlic, chili, and lime for a burst of flavor.

5. Dining Tip: Enjoy hot for maximum crispiness; add extra chili for spice or pickled carrots for crunch. Pair with a cold coconut ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a refreshing contrast.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support eateries using biodegradable plates; bring reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reduce waste.

Bac Lieu’s vibrant food scene offers numerous spots to savor Banh Xeo, updated to replace outdated venues like Banh Xeo A Mat restaurant (closed or relocated) with current recommendations. Below are the top locations, all accessible and committed to local sourcing:

1. Bac Lieu Night Market

• Description: A lively hub in Ward 1, open 5:00–9:00 PM, offering Banh Xeo with fresh shrimp and pork, alongside street foods like Banh Cong ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Vendors cook over sizzling woks, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

• Details:

  • Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per pancake.

  • Location: Ward 1, Bac Lieu center, near Tran Phu St.

  • Access: Walk or cycle ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND); book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) for a guided street food crawl.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using local seafood; bring reusable containers for takeout.

• Tip: Visit evenings for the liveliest vibe; try stalls near the market’s central area for the freshest pancakes.

2. Quan Banh Xeo Hai Nam

• Description: A renowned eatery in Ward 2, famous for its oversized Banh Xeo Mien Tay, packed with shrimp, squid, and bean sprouts. The open-air setting reflects Bac Lieu’s rustic charm.

• Details:

  • Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per pancake.

  • Location: 89 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Ward 2, 2 km from Bac Lieu center.

  • Access: Walk, cycle, or take a Xanh SM electric taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses locally sourced ingredients; minimizes plastic packaging.

• Tip: Arrive for lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) or dinner (5:00–8:00 PM); pair with a Vietnamese iced coffee ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

3. Mekong Breeze Homestay

• Description: A sustainable homestay in Hiep Thanh Ward offering Banh Xeo dining experiences, often paired with cooking classes to learn the dish’s preparation. The setting blends eco-conscious practices with Mekong Delta hospitality.

• Details:

  • Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) for dining; $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) with cooking class.

  • Location: Hiep Thanh Ward, 10 km from Bac Lieu center.

  • Access: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($80–$120) or Eco Adventure ($160–$220).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses solar power and local ingredients; supports family-run businesses.

• Tip: Book cooking classes in advance; combine with a Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary visit (12 km).

Enhance your Banh Xeo experience with these complementary dishes:

• Lau Mam: Fish sauce hotpot ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) at Lau Mam Thanh Tam (123 Tran Phu St., Ward 1).

• Bun Xao Nem Nuong: Stir-fried noodles with grilled sausage ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND) at Bac Lieu Night Market.

• Ba Khia: Three-striped crab in tamarind sauce ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) at coastal stalls in Vinh Trach Dong Ward.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with sustainable sourcing; bring reusable containers for leftovers.

• From Ho Chi Minh City (280 km, 5–6 hours): Bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) from Mien Tay Bus Station; Xanh SM electric taxi ($150–$180 or 3,750,000–4,500,000 VND); private car ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND).

• From Hanoi (1,800 km, 5–6 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$150 or 1,750,000–3,750,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); flight to Ho Chi Minh City ($60–$120 or 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND) + bus ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).

• From Ca Mau City (60 km, 1–1.5 hours): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); bus ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Bicycles: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1 eateries.

• Xanh SM Electric Taxis: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), great for coastal stalls.

• Motorbike Taxis (Xe Om): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) for 1–5 km; use Grab or Xanh SM apps.

• Walking: Free, suitable for Bac Lieu Night Market.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize bicycles or electric taxis; book through Legend Travel Group.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Bac Lieu Market.

• Best Time: November–April for dry weather and vibrant markets (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for fresh seafood but expect rain. Book festival dining (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Budget: Meals $1.50–$5 (37,500–125,000 VND); daily costs $18–$35 (budget), $40–$70 (mid-range), $90–$130 (luxury).

• Sustainability: Support vendors using local, sustainable seafood; carry reusable cutlery ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Safety: Check for fresh ingredients; avoid street food during heavy rain. Carry hand sanitizer ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Navigation: Eateries are within 1–20 km of Bac Lieu center; use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Vietmap.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; tip 10% at sit-down restaurants for excellent service.

Discover Banh Xeo and more with our sustainable tour packages:

• Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Visit Bac Lieu Night Market for Banh Xeo, cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, and taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Savor Banh Xeo at homestays, visit Quan Cong Pagoda, and explore coastal stalls for Ba Khia. Includes meals, guide, eco-transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Explore Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with foodie and eco-tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Banh Xeo, Bac Lieu’s crispy pancake, is a culinary delight that captures the Mekong Delta’s vibrant flavors with its seafood-packed fillings and crunchy crust. From bustling night markets to sustainable homestays, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, offers a rich food scene that delights every palate. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours let you savor this iconic dish while exploring attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, ensuring a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience that supports local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary tour today to taste the heart of Bac Lieu!
Ready to savor Banh Xeo in Bac Lieu? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group