Buzz
A bánh bèo spot near Búng market, once a favored retreat for renowned traditional Vietnamese opera artists and wealthy elites from Chợ Lớn (Ho Chi Minh City).
Unearth the century-old treasure - bánh bèo bì in Bình Dương.
When exploring Lái Thiêu (Bình Dương), tourists often come across a culinary gem that has been a part of the region for over a century - Mỹ Liên's bánh bèo bì.
Delicate, tiny pieces of pure white bánh bèo, generously topped with mung beans, layered with a mix of lean pork strips, adorned with vibrant green vegetables and shredded cucumber. Before indulging, drizzle the sweet and tangy dipping sauce featuring grated radishes and carrots, accompanied by spicy minced chili, creating an irresistible spectacle.
The visionary behind this unique bánh bèo bì is none other than the venerable Đỗ Thị Kiểng. Over a century ago, Cụ Kiểng roamed the streets, carrying her bánh bèo for sale. The dish gained popularity due to its delicious and distinctive combination. While bánh bèo in other regions is enjoyed with mung beans, shrimp, or meat, the Southern-style version here embraces the blend of pork skin and lean meat, a key element of the local broken rice dish. Seeing the growing demand, Cụ Kiểng decided to establish her own eatery, starting from her own home and passing the legacy to her daughter and subsequent generations.
A few decades ago, Mỹ Liên's bánh bèo bì near Búng market, now situated in An Thạnh town, Thuận An district, Bình Dương province, was a popular retreat for renowned traditional Vietnamese opera artists like Út Bạch Lan, Bạch Tuyết, and wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs from Chợ Lớn. Presently, continuing the legacy of Cụ Kiểng is Mrs. Thái Thị Tuyết, the fourth generation in the family.
Mrs. Tuyết shared that the family meticulously selects sticky rice to ensure the bánh is soft and feels like it melts in your mouth. The pork skin chosen comes from the back, boiled until tender, cleaned, and finely sliced. After boiling the lean pork, it's cut into strips, mixed with garlic and spices for fragrance, and then combined in a ratio of two parts lean meat, one part skin, one part fat, with a touch of thính.
The allure of bánh bèo bì from Mỹ Liên also lies in the preparation of the dipping sauce. The proprietress revealed using pure fish sauce, adding sugar and vinegar, simmering over a low flame without allowing it to bubble for a clear sauce. Following this, she adds garlic, chili, and pickled vegetables.
When eating, patrons simply pour the dipping sauce over the plate of bánh bèo, immediately experiencing its unique flavor. While this dish might seem easy to replicate, it's not available in Saigon. That's why people prefer to come to Bình Dương to savor it, especially those who have had the pleasure before.
A plate of bánh bèo bì is currently priced at 30,000 VND, but once you've experienced it, you'll forever remember the culinary artistry of a woman who created this dish.
Diners here can also opt for additional delights like bún bì, bì cuốn, chả giò, and nem chua, all equally enticing.
If you plan a day trip to Bình Dương, make a stop at the Phú An bamboo village for some picturesque moments or indulge in pottery shopping. Don't forget to swing by Mỹ Liên 1 and 2's bánh bèo bì (both descendants of Cụ Kiểng) to savor a dish that has been around for a century.
According to Thảo Mộc/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
MytourApril 12, 2019
