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Hue Water Fern Cake: A Taste of Vietnamese Tradition

Hue Water Fern Cake, known as Bánh Bèo Huế in Vietnamese, is a traditional dish that originates from the ancient capital of Hue in Central Vietnam. This delicate and flavorful dish is made from a steamed rice flour batter, creating small, soft, and slightly chewy cakes that resemble the shape of a water fern leaf. The cakes are typically topped with a savory mixture of minced shrimp, crispy pork rinds, and scallions, and are served with a side of sweet and tangy fish sauce for dipping.

Bánh Bèo Huế is a popular street food and a must-try for anyone visiting Hue. It’s a dish that perfectly captures the elegance and simplicity of Hue’s royal cuisine, where every bite is a balance of texture and flavor. The soft, smooth texture of the cake contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the pork rinds and the umami of the shrimp topping, making it a delightful culinary experience.

At Viet Kitchen, we’ll guide you on how to make authentic Bánh Bèo Huế at home, so you can enjoy the taste of Hue’s culinary heritage no matter where you are.

How to Make Hue Water Fern Cake

Ingredients (Serves 4):

Rice flour: 200g
Tapioca flour: 50g
Water: 500ml
Shrimp: 200g, peeled and minced
Pork rinds (optional): 100g, crispy and crumbled
Scallions: 2 stalks, finely chopped
Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
Fish sauce: 4 tablespoons
Sugar: 2 tablespoons
Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Chili: 1, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:
- Mix the Flours: In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca flour, and water. Stir until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.
- Season: Add a pinch of salt to the batter and stir well before steaming.
Steam the Cakes:
- Prepare the Steamer: Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Lightly grease small, shallow dishes or bowls.
- Pour the Batter: Pour a thin layer of batter into each dish, just enough to cover the bottom.
- Steam: Place the dishes in the steamer and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cakes are firm and translucent. Take them out of the steamer and allow them to cool down a bit.
Prepare the Toppings:
- Cook the Shrimp: In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the minced shrimp and cook until pink and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Prepare the Scallions: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the chopped scallions until they’re softened and fragrant.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped chili. Adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and sour to your liking.
Assemble the Dish:
- Top the Cakes: Place a spoonful of cooked shrimp and crispy pork rinds (if using) on top of each steamed cake. Drizzle with sautéed scallions for added flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Dipping: Serve the cakes with the prepared fish sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delicate flavors and textures of Bánh Bèo Huế.

Additional Tips:

Texture Variation: For a chewier texture, you can add a bit more tapioca flour to the batter.
Pork Rind Alternative: If pork rinds are not available, you can substitute with fried shallots or even roasted peanuts for a crunchy topping.
Vegan Version: For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hue Water Fern Cake

Advantages: Bánh Bèo Huế is a light and flavorful dish that highlights the elegance of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different toppings and is perfect for serving as an appetizer or a light meal.

Disadvantages: The preparation of the batter and the steaming process can be time-consuming. Additionally, some ingredients, such as tapioca flour or pork rinds, may be difficult to find in certain regions.

Popular Variations of Hue Water Fern Cake

Bánh Bèo Chén: A version where the cakes are steamed in small, individual bowls, which are then served directly to diners.
Bánh Bèo Chay: A vegetarian version that replaces the shrimp and pork rinds with plant-based toppings like sautéed mushrooms or roasted peanuts.
Bánh Bèo Tôm Cháy: A version topped with dried shrimp, giving the dish a more intense seafood flavor.

5 Famous Hue Water Fern Cake Spots in Vietnam:

Bánh Bèo Bà Do – 8 Ngô Gia Tự, Huế
Bánh Bèo Hồng Mai – 110 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Huế
Bánh Bèo Quán Thủy – 19 Lê Thánh Tôn, Huế
Bánh Bèo Bà Cư – 47 Nguyễn Huệ, Huế
Bánh Bèo Bà Đỏ – 26 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Huế

Enjoying Hue Water Fern Cake in Vietnam

When visiting Hue, enjoying Bánh Bèo Huế at one of these famous spots is a must. The delicate and refined flavors of this dish reflect the culinary sophistication of the ancient capital, offering a unique taste of Vietnam’s royal heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hue Water Fern Cake

What makes Hue Water Fern Cake unique?
- The combination of soft, steamed rice cakes with savory shrimp and crispy pork rinds creates a unique blend of textures and flavors that is both light and satisfying.
Can Hue Water Fern Cake be made vegetarian?
- Yes, you can replace the shrimp and pork rinds with plant-based toppings like mushrooms and peanuts.
Is Hue Water Fern Cake difficult to make?
- Though the process has several steps, it’s quite simple to follow. The key is in getting the right texture for the cakes and preparing the toppings in advance.
What is the best way to serve Hue Water Fern Cake?
- Bánh Bèo Huế is best served warm with a side of sweet and tangy fish sauce for dipping.
Can I prepare Hue Water Fern Cake in advance?
- Yes, the cakes can be steamed ahead of time and reheated before serving. The toppings can also be prepared in advance.

Conclusion about Hue Water Fern Cake

Bánh Bèo Huế is a unique and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Hue’s royal cuisine. With its delicate texture, savory toppings, and balanced flavors, this dish is a true representation of the culinary artistry found in Central Vietnam. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Hue or recreating it at home, Bánh Bèo Huế is a must-try for anyone who appreciates authentic Vietnamese cuisine.