Bèo cake (literally “water fern cake”)

Bèo cake (literally “water fern cake”) looks like water ferns floating on the waves; just a look is enough for you to remind of Hue with water ferns drifting across romantic rivers..

It is merely a thin steamed rice cake with its top stuffed with minced shrimp mingled with scallions, green bean paste, and crispy fried shallots. But with addictive sour and spicy sauce, an eye catching color mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chili and fresh small shrimps, watery grease, the cake is certain to whet appetite of anyone. The cake is not wrapped in leaves but served in “chen” ( a small condiment size bowl) or stacked on a “dia” (a plate).
Photo: nhabup.vn

It is not surprised when guests smile with satisfaction after leaving a pile of more than 10 empty bowls but still crave for more. After a day of sightseeing, sitting in a small vendor stall, savoring sweet, spicy and refined flavor of Bèo cakes is really a great experience.