Hue’s Rice Dumpling Cake: A Taste of Central Vietnamese Tradition

When it comes to the Central region of Vietnam and its diverse culinary legacy, one cannot overlook Hue’s famous rice dumpling cake, called “bánh bột lọc” by locals. The residents cherish this exquisite delicacy, featuring a see-through texture and delicious stuffing. Serving as a symbol of Hue’s cuisine, it encapsulates the culinary customs of the area and provides a distinct flavor that tourists exploring the historic capital should definitely try.

Rice Dumpling Cake Overview:

Hue cuisine’s signature dish is the rice dumpling cake, known as bánh bột lọc, a highly regarded gourmet treat. This delicacy consists of a thin, chewy outer layer made from finely sifted tapioca starch, enveloping a savory filling of shrimp and marinated pork. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Rice dumpling cake can be served in two popular ways: wrapped in banana leaves, which adds a touch of elegance and a subtle fragrance, or as a simple, translucent dumpling called “bánh lọc trần”. Both presentations highlight the refined culinary traditions of Hue and offer a remarkable taste experience.

Rice dumpling cake is unique because of its delicate, translucent appearance, showcasing the vibrant filling within. Achieving the perfect balance between the thin, smooth wrapper and the richly seasoned filling demands skilled craftsmanship. Once prepared, the dumplings are steam-cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful, chewy texture.

How to Make Rice Dumpling Cake?

To make Hue’s rice dumpling cake, or bánh bột lọc, you will need to follow a series of steps to prepare both the dough and the filling. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this traditional dish:

Ingredients:

Dough:

Tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour)
Water

Filling:

Fresh shrimp
Pork belly or pork shoulder
Seasoning: fish sauce, sugar, salt, pepper

Dipping sauce:

Fish sauce
Sugar
Water
Minced garlic
Sliced chili (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the filling:
- Clean and peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on for aesthetics if desired. Develop the shrimp.
- Cut the pork into small cubes.
- Season the shrimp and pork with fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, sauté the marinated shrimp and pork until fully cooked. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine tapioca starch and boiling water. The ratio is usually about 1 part starch to 1 part water, but you may need to adjust to achieve the right consistency.
- Mix until a smooth dough forms. Let it cool slightly so it can be handled.
Assemble the dumplings:
- Pinch off a small portion of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten the ball into a thin circle and place a small amount of the cooked filling in the center.
- Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling.
- If desired, wrap the dumpling in a small piece of banana leaf for additional flavor.
Cook the dumplings:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Drop the dumplings into the boiling water.
- When the dumplings float to the surface, they are cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to a plate.
Prepare the dipping sauce:
- In a bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, and water. Adjust the amounts to achieve the desired balance of flavors (sweet, salty, and tangy).
- Add minced garlic and sliced chili if desired.
Serve the dumplings:
- Serve the dumplings warm with the dipping sauce on the side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or crispy fried shallots for extra flavor and texture.

How to Enjoy Hue’s Rice Dumpling Cake?

Hue’s rice dumpling cake, or bánh bột lọc, is a culinary delight best enjoyed with a flavorful dipping sauce. This sauce, made from fish sauce, sugar, water, minced garlic, and sliced chili, complements the cake’s taste and enhances its overall flavor.

To enjoy Rice dumpling cake, you should begin by dipping the dumpling in the sauce, ensuring each bite is coated with just the right amount for a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. The combination of the dumpling’s soft, chewy texture with the savory filling of shrimp and pork and the vibrant taste of the dipping sauce makes for a truly satisfying experience.

Hue’s rice dumpling cake is often served alongside fresh herbs and crispy fried shallots for added texture and taste.

The right place to eat Rice dumpling cake

In Hue, Rice dumpling cake is an essential daily dish. Therefore, customers can often find Rice dumpling cake at many locations, from high-end restaurants to small street-side eateries and food stalls. The price for a plate of 10 pieces of Rice dumpling cake ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 VND. Here are some of the top locations to experience this culinary delight:

Mrs. Do’s Restaurant

Mrs. Do’s restaurant is renowned for its traditional Hue-style rice dumpling cakes. The spacious seating area and convenient parking make it an ideal spot for tourists arriving by car. The restaurant has earned a reputation for its high-quality dishes and friendly service.

Address: 08 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Phú Hiệp, Hue City, Thừa Thiên Huế.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM.

109 Restaurant

This restaurant is known for its affordable prices and exceptional taste. Despite its popularity, the cozy space can get crowded, leading many patrons to opt for takeout. The restaurant serves a wide range of Hue-style cakes, including rice dumpling cakes.

Address: 109 Lê Huân, Hue City, Thừa Thiên Huế.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Me Le Restaurant

Features: Located in an alley, Me Le Restaurant offers a serene garden-like setting with traditional-style seating. The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists for its exceptional dumplings, which feature generous shrimp and meat fillings.

Address: 104/17/9 Kim Long, Hue City, Thừa Thiên Huế.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM.

Trung Bo Restaurant

Trung Bo is known for its fresh, hot rice dumpling cakes, served immediately after being steamed. The restaurant prides itself on the flavorful fillings, which include a savory mix of shrimp and pork.

Address: 16 Tô Hiến Thành, Phú Cát, Hue City, Thừa Thiên Huế.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM.

Hue’s rice dumpling cake combines the perfect chewiness of the outer layer with the delightful flavors of shrimp and pork. It is a must-try delicacy when exploring Hue’s culinary offerings and one of Vietnam’s most delicious traditional cakes. Whether making it yourself or enjoying it at a local eatery, rice dumpling cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Happy cooking and savoring this iconic dish!