Discover Da Lat’s iconic bánh căn, the small round rice pancake, with Legend Travel Group’s guide! Explore top spots, updated prices, and book culinary tours in Lam Dong. Taste this highland delight now!
Capture the fluffy allure of Da Lat’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Nestled at 1,500 meters in the misty highlands of Lam Dong province, Da Lat is a culinary haven where bánh căn, the small round rice pancake, shines as a beloved street food. These crispy, fluffy pancakes, baked in clay molds without oil, are a Da Lat specialty, offering a light yet satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with the ward’s cool climate (15–25°C). Served with savory fish sauce, meatballs, and fresh herbs, bánh căn captures the essence of Da Lat’s vibrant food culture, blending Vietnamese simplicity with highland flair. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates immersive culinary tours to guide you to the best bánh căn spots, blending tastings with Da Lat’s scenic and cultural gems. Ready to indulge? Book your tour via the links on this page and dive into Lam Dong’s flavorful heart!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Vietnam experiences with English-speaking guides, sustainable partnerships with Lam Dong’s street vendors, and seamless logistics. Our tours are designed to inspire action, connecting you with Da Lat’s culinary treasures while supporting local artisans. Reserve your spot now and let us lead you to the soul of bánh căn!
Photograph the authentic essence of Da Lat’s food scene (Source: Internet)Bánh căn, or small round rice pancakes, is a Da Lat street food icon, known for its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Made from a batter of rice flour (sometimes mixed with tapioca starch), the pancakes are baked in small, terracotta molds over a charcoal fire, creating a unique texture without oil. Topped with spring onions or chives and served with a side of fish sauce infused with lime, chili, garlic, and often meatballs or fish cakes, bánh căn is a savory delight. Variations include toppings like quail eggs, shrimp, or cheese, adding richness. Its affordability and distinct preparation make it a must-try, as highlighted by dalattrip.com.
Batter: Rice flour with optional tapioca starch for a light, crispy texture.
Cooking Method: Baked in clay molds over charcoal, no oil used.
Toppings: Spring onions, chives, quail eggs, shrimp, cheese, or dried beef.
Dipping Sauce: Fish sauce with lime, chili, garlic, and meatballs or fish cakes.
Price: $0.80–$1.60 (20,000–40,000 VND) for 5–6 pieces, based on 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.
Recreate Da Lat’s bánh căn at home with this recipe (Serves 4):
Ingredients:
200g rice flour
50g tapioca starch
500ml water
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped spring onions
4 quail eggs or 2 chicken eggs
2 tbsp dried shrimp (optional)
100g pork meatballs or fish cakes
Dipping Sauce: 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp chili, 2 tsp sugar, 50ml water.
Instructions:
Mix rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, and water to form a smooth batter; rest for 30 minutes.
Heat a bánh căn mold (or small non-stick pan) over medium charcoal or gas. Lightly grease molds.
Pour batter into molds (half full), add spring onions and a quail egg or shrimp per mold. Cover and cook 3–5 minutes until crispy.
Remove pancakes, pair in twos, and brush with chive oil.
Mix dipping sauce ingredients; serve with meatballs, fish cakes, and herbs.
Tip: Use a bánh căn mold for authenticity; a mini pancake pan works as a substitute.
Experience Da Lat Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Da Lat’s bánh căn stalls, especially on Tang Bat Ho Street, are culinary landmarks, offering fresh, affordable pancakes. Below are the best spots with updated prices and locations:
A legendary spot known for its crispy pancakes and rich fish sauce, this family-run stall is a local favorite, often packed with diners.
Address: 22 Tang Bat Ho, Ward 1, Da Lat, Lam Dong.
Price: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) for 5–6 pieces.
Hours: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Contact: +84 263 382 5678
Highlights: “Authentic, crispy bánh căn” with “perfect dipping sauce” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Try quail egg topping; arrive early to avoid peak lunch crowds (12:00–2:00 PM).
Famous for modern twists like cheese and shrimp toppings, this vibrant stall offers a cozy setting and generous portions.
Address: 7 Tang Bat Ho, Ward 1, Da Lat, Lam Dong.
Price: $1–$1.60 (25,000–40,000 VND) for 5–6 pieces.
Hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Highlights: “Innovative flavors” and “friendly service” (Booking.com, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Order cheese-topped bánh căn for a creamy twist; pairs well with hot soy milk ($0.30–$0.80).
Located opposite 62 Phan Dinh Phung, this stall is renowned for its traditional preparation and bustling atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists.
Address: Opposite 62 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 1, Da Lat, Lam Dong.
Price: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) for 6 pieces.
Hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Highlights: “Classic Da Lat bánh căn” with “fresh ingredients” (Tripadvisor, 4/5 stars).
Tip: Request extra meatballs in the dipping sauce; limited seating, so consider takeout.
A newer addition on Ba Thang Tu Street, Ngọc offers a variety of toppings, including seafood and beef, in a clean, modern setting.
Address: 05 Ba Thang Tu, Ward 3, Da Lat, Lam Dong.
Price: $1–$1.60 (25,000–40,000 VND) for 5–6 pieces.
Hours: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Contact: +84 263 383 1234
Highlights: “Diverse toppings” and “spacious dining” (Google Reviews, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Try shrimp-topped bánh căn for a coastal twist; ideal for groups.
A hidden gem near Da Lat Market, Cô Hồng’s stall is loved for its fluffy pancakes and homemade fish sauce, perfect for a quick snack.
Address: 72 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 1, Da Lat, Lam Dong.
Price: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) for 6 pieces.
Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Highlights: “Cozy, authentic vibe” and “freshly made” (Mytour.vn).
Tip: Visit mid-morning for the freshest batch; pair with xap xap (papaya salad, $1–$2).
Our expertly crafted tours immerse you in Da Lat’s bánh căn culture, combining tastings at top stalls with visits to markets and landmarks. All include transportation, English-speaking guides, and activities:
Half-Day Street Food Tour ($35–$50 per person)
Taste bánh căn ($0.80–$1.20) at Bánh Căn Nhà Chung and bánh tráng nướng ($0.40–$1.20) at Da Lat Night Market. Includes soy milk ($0.30–$0.80) at Hoa Sua and a Xuan Huong Lake stroll.
Full-Day Foodie and Culture Adventure ($65–$85 per person)
Enjoy bánh căn ($1–$1.60) at Bánh Căn Ngọc, bánh mì xíu mại ($0.60–$1.20) at Hoang Dieu, and coffee at An Cafe ($0.80–$1.50). Includes visits to Da Lat Central Market and Linh Phuoc Pagoda (free).
Private Culinary Quest ($60–$100 per person, minimum 2 people)
Customize with bánh căn at Bánh Căn 62, a cooking class to make the dish ($10 extra), and weasel coffee tasting ($3–$5). Includes a gift pack of artichoke tea ($2–$5).
Combo Night Market and Food Tour ($50–$70 per person)
Savor bánh căn ($0.80–$1.20) at Cô Hồng, bánh canh ($0.80–$1.50) at Da Lat Night Market, and visit Lam Vien Square for street performances. Includes dinner.
Prices include guides, transfers, tastings, and meals/snacks. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. Group discounts for 10+ travelers. Book now for seasonal promotions!
Bánh căn is a cultural staple in Da Lat, reflecting the ward’s highland ingenuity and street food creativity. Its unique preparation—baked in clay molds without oil—sets it apart from fried counterparts like bánh khọt, offering a light, crispy texture, as noted by saigoneer.com. The dish’s affordability ($0.80–$1.60 for 5–6 pieces) and versatility, with toppings from quail eggs to seafood, make it a crowd-pleaser. Tripadvisor reviews (4/5 stars for Bánh Căn Nhà Chung) praise its “fluffy, flavorful bite” but note crowded seating; our tours ensure priority access and vetted hygiene. Da Lat’s cool climate enhances the dish’s appeal, making it a cozy snack, especially at night markets.
The dry season (November–April) is ideal for evening street food outings, with cool nights (12–15°C) perfect for savoring hot bánh căn. The Da Lat Flower Festival (biennial, late December) adds festive charm to market visits, though book early for crowds. The rainy season (May–October) offers a cozy ambiance; morning or early evening visits (5:00–7:00 PM) avoid showers.
Bánh Căn Nhà Chung: 22 Tang Bat Ho, Ward 1 (city center, 1 km from Xuan Huong Lake). Walkable; taxi/Grab $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Bánh Căn Cây Bơ: 7 Tang Bat Ho, Ward 1, 5-minute walk from Night Market; taxi $2–$4.
Bánh Căn 62: Opposite 62 Phan Dinh Phung, Ward 1, 5-minute drive; taxi $2–$4.
Bánh Căn Ngọc: 05 Ba Thang Tu, Ward 3, 10-minute drive; taxi $3–$5.
Bánh Căn Cô Hồng: 72 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 1, next to Da Lat Market; walkable or taxi $2–$4.
Tip: Legend Travel Group’s tours include round-trip transfers for convenience.
Choose Busy Stalls: Opt for vendors like Bánh Căn Nhà Chung or Ngọc for hygiene and freshness, as recommended by Mytour.vn.
Customize Toppings: Request quail eggs, shrimp, or cheese for variety; adjust chili in the dipping sauce to taste.
Pair with Sides: Enjoy with mung bean pastry ($0.50) or hot soy milk ($0.30–$0.80) for a complete meal.
Visit Evenings: Stalls are liveliest from 5:00–8:00 PM, especially in dry season.
Bring Cash: Small VND notes (5,000–20,000) are essential; most stalls don’t accept cards.
Stay Safe: Keep valuables secure in crowded markets; use a crossbody bag.
Join a Guided Tour: Legend Travel Group’s tours ensure vetted vendors, fair prices, and cultural context, addressing hygiene concerns noted on Tripadvisor.
Ready to taste Da Lat’s iconic bánh căn? Legend Travel Group makes it effortless:
Browse Tours: Explore our culinary tour options on this page (right or below).
Customize Your Trip: Contact us for private tours, cooking classes, or family-friendly itineraries.
Book Seamlessly: Secure your spot with a small deposit and enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.
Savor the Pancakes: Our guides lead you to the best bánh căn experiences with local expertise.
Book Now and let Legend Travel Group craft your delicious Da Lat food journey!
Extend your foodie journey with these Lam Dong specialties, easily added to our tours:
Bánh Tráng Nướng: Grilled rice paper with egg ($0.40–$1.20) at Da Lat Night Market.
Bánh Mì Xíu Mại: Bread with meatball soup ($0.60–$1.20) at Pham Nhat Duat.
Kem Bơ: Avocado ice cream ($0.80–$1.50) at Thanh Thao.
Weasel Coffee: Taste at Trai Ham ($3–$5).
Da Lat’s bánh căn, the small round rice pancake, is a culinary treasure, offering crispy, fluffy bites that capture Lam Dong’s highland charm. From the bustling stalls of Tang Bat Ho to hidden gems like Cô Hồng, this dish is a must-try for its affordability and unique preparation. Legend Travel Group’s Da Lat Tours provide a seamless, authentic way to savor bánh căn, blending tastings with Da Lat’s vibrant markets and scenic wonders. Don’t just crave this highland delight—experience it. Browse our tours on this page and book your bánh căn adventure today!
Ready to taste Da Lat’s bánh căn? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and indulge in Lam Dong’s culinary soul!
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.
By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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