How to make rice cake?
Banh dap originated from the Central region of Vietnam, the main ingredient to make banh dap is rice flour mixed with a sufficient amount of water, then stirred and covered with a thin layer of cloth, steamed on a pot of boiling water. Although banh dap looks similar to banh cuon popular in the North, the difference is that banh dap is usually eaten with grilled rice paper and a separate dipping sauce.
The process of making banh dap is quite simple, after making the wet cake layer, while the cake is still hot, the maker quickly wraps it in a thin layer of rice paper that has been grilled crispy. Then, the cake can be folded or left as is, creating a delicious cake.
Banh dap usually consists of two parts: the outer layer is crispy grilled rice paper and the inner layer is soft wet rice paper. It is explained that the name "dap" comes from the fact that the rice paper layer is often warped, and the wet rice paper layer is difficult to reach into the gaps, so diners often use their hands to "dap dap" to make the two layers stick together again. At this time, the broken piece of cake will become neater and more delicious.
Banh dap, also known as banh trang dap or banh dap dam, is a dish associated with the history and tradition of the people of the Central region.
Although it is a rustic dish, the preparation of Banh Dap requires skill and artistry. To have a delicious Banh Dap, the wet cake needs to be made from fragrant rice flour, gently stirred with water in the right proportion, so that the cake when cooked is not too hard or too soft. The coating of the cake also needs to be done carefully so that the wet cake layer becomes soft and supple.
Although it is a rustic dish, banh dap is very elaborate and time-consuming to prepare.
After spreading, the wet rice paper layer will be placed on the hot grilled rice paper, along with a little shrimp, scallion oil and minced meat, then folded. When the rice paper layer cools, it will become crispy and more attractive. Depending on the region, people can also use different types of fillings such as minced pork, stir-fried mussels, or even spread the cake with eggs to create a new flavor.
HOW TO EAT BANH DAP
Usually, banh dap will be enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce. The main fish sauce is made from anchovies and shallots. The onions are thinly sliced, fried until golden brown, then placed in a bowl. When enjoying, visitors will add their own onions to the fish sauce to dip the cake. For those who love spicy food, you can add a little chili to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy hot cakes, crispy, soft and slightly fatty and delicious
When you receive the rice paper from the seller, you can use your hand to press the middle of the crispy rice paper until it breaks into pieces. Then, divide each piece and dip it in the sauce. If you do not want to use your hands, you can use a spoon to scoop the fish sauce and pour it over the rice paper before eating.
Banh dap is a symbol of creativity in choosing ingredients and combining flavors.
For banh dap, the dipping fish sauce plays an important role. To have a delicious fish sauce, you need to pound it with a lot of chili and Ly Son garlic. The aroma of the baked cake, the stickiness of the wet cake, the aftertaste of the chives, the spicy and salty taste of the fish sauce pounded with chili and garlic combine to create an attractive harmony, making every time you remember it, it evokes a feeling of craving.
Almost all diners when enjoying banh dap cannot help but take a deep breath, mouth full of spicy taste but still do not forget to grab the cake and put it in their mouth. One hand still holds the cup of tea to cool down, while the other hand continues to eat the cake. This process is long, not only enjoying, but also a time of lively conversation, without ever remembering how many pieces have been eaten because of endless craving.
Enjoying Banh Dap, one cannot help but remember the simple, rustic, yet rich and passionate Central region.
Each portion of cake is quite cheap, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 VND. While waiting to enjoy the hot and delicious cakes, you can also enjoy the delicate cake making process of the baker, an extremely interesting experience.
If you have the opportunity to travel to the coastal provinces of Central Vietnam, in addition to visiting the beautiful scenery and enjoying the rich seafood here, do not forget to find and taste the rustic, simple but unforgettable banh dap of the local people.
