The batter used is a mixture of rice flour, water, chopped scallion, and tumeric powder, which gives it its yellow appearance. Depending on the cook, sometimes coconut milk is added.

shrimps and bean sprouts are visible

Xeo is the sizzling sound made when the batter is poured into the hot pan. The thin layer of batter quickly forms a crispy “tortilla.” Then a stir fried combination of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and sometimes squid is added to its centre. The crepe is then folded in half to be served. It is best to eat banh xeo immediately out of the pan while it’s still crispy and warm. Allow it time to cool down and it becomes soggy.

crispy yellow, healthy greens

Banh xeo is served with a plate of fresh veggies including lettuce leafs, cucumber, herbs, and mints. Traditionally, one would tear a small piece of the crepe and place it inside a lettuce leaf and fold the leaf into a wrap to be dipped in the fish sauce based dip. Despite it being a messy method, this is the preferred way to enjoy this dish. If you’re not comfortable eating it as finger food, then a fork and knife would be just as effective.

there's only one way to find out..

If you plan on ordering this at a restaurant, check the beverage menu to see if they have soda sua hot ga, or egg yolk in soda water, mixed with sweet condensed milk. Despite its odd combination of ingredients, this beverage is refreshingly tasty, and very satisfying. Oh, and wear a yellow shirt, too. : )

Photo credit: Andrew Lam