Buzz
At first glance, Bánh Mướt resembles the Northern bánh cuốn and the Southern bánh ướt.
Uncover the essence of Nghệ An through its lesser-known specialty, Bánh Mướt.
Apart from the renowned eel dishes, Bánh Mướt stands out as another delicacy in Nghệ An. Locals often head to the coastal district of Diễn Châu, where generations of families have mastered the art of making this traditional dish. For them, it's a familiar breakfast before embarking on a new day.
As the sun has yet to rise, the village paths lead through fields still imbued with the scent of earth. In Diễn Châu, the kitchen fires are already ablaze.
To craft the perfect Bánh Mướt, the key lies in selecting the finest rice. Previously, the people of Diễn Châu preferred Vê rice from Quỳnh Lưu district, Nghệ An. Nowadays, few households still favor this variety, opting instead for tẻ rice. The rice must soak for at least 3 hours before being finely ground, then soaked for an additional 3 to 6 hours to achieve the perfect texture.
After preparing the kitchen and boiling water, locals extract the essence of soaked rice batter from the previous day to spread over the bánh. The steaming pot, covered with a smooth cloth, sits atop a roaring fire as chefs expertly sprinkle thin layers of batter, allowing them to cook before rolling and stacking them neatly in banana leaf-lined baskets.
The thickness of each bánh is meticulously determined by the chef's skill. Once cooked, the hot steam-cooked pieces are swiftly rolled and placed into prepared baskets.
Bánh mướt can be enjoyed dipped in citrusy fish sauce or paired with pickled mustard greens or banana blossoms. For a heartier meal, indulge in bánh mướt accompanied by duck, chicken, beef stew, or offal soup (made from pork organs such as heart, liver, lungs, intestines, stomach, and blood).
To make flavorful offal soup, ensure all ingredients are fresh. After preparation, sauté everything in fragrant preheated oil, adding a blend of spices to taste. The final step involves adding water and simmering until ready to serve.
Bánh mướt typically measures the length of a forefinger, boasting a soft, non-sticky texture thanks to a layer of oil spread during rolling. Serving the bánh hot releases a tantalizing aroma.
When enjoying, dip each piece of bánh into a bowl of fish sauce, then savor it slowly with a bite of offal soup for a rich and satisfying flavor experience.
Nowadays, many eateries serve bánh mướt with a side of fresh raw vegetables. Some places even offer additional chả to enhance the flavor. However you choose to enjoy it, bánh mướt remains a traditional, rustic, and distinctive dish of the Nghệ countryside that you simply can't miss when you visit.
According to Di Vỹ/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMay 21, 2019
