Where is the best banh xeo in Can Tho?

Banh xeo is a Vietnamese crispy pancake — but the Mekong Delta version is distinct from Saigon or central Vietnam styles. Smaller, crispier, and served with local herbs and fermented fish sauce, it is a Can Tho specialty worth seeking out.

Top banh xeo restaurants

Banh Xeo Nam O (15 Nguyen Van Cu)

• Price: 40k-60k VND per plate (3-4 pancakes)
• Hours: 10am-9pm
• Style: Mekong Delta (small, crispy, golden)
• Setup: Sit-down restaurant, ceiling fans
• Atmosphere: Busy local spot, families, consistent quality
• Best for: Authentic taste, reliable texture

Pros:

• Crispy exterior (made to order)
• Generous filling (pork + shrimp)
• Good herb selection
• Fast service

Cons:

• Cash only
• Can be smoky
• Crowded dinner time
• Limited English

Ba Duong (27 Ly Thuong Kiet)

• Price: 35k-50k VND per plate
• Hours: 3pm-10pm
• Style: Traditional family recipe
• Setup: Small shop, street-facing
• Atmosphere: Neighborhood favorite, older owner
• Best for: Authentic recipe, lower price

Pros:

• Family recipe (30+ years)
• Slightly cheaper than Nam O
• Friendly service
• Good nuoc mam

Cons:

• Opens later (3pm)
• Limited seating
• Harder to find
• Vietnamese only

Ninh Kieu Evening Stalls (near wharf)

• Price: 40k-60k VND per plate
• Hours: 6pm-10pm
• Style: Street food version
• Setup: Mobile carts, plastic stools
• Atmosphere: Riverside, casual, tourists welcome
• Best for: Combining with evening walk

Pros:

• Scenic location
• Multiple vendors
• No reservation needed
• Fresh batter (high turnover)

Cons:

• Quality varies
• Weather-dependent
• Slightly higher prices
• Confirm filling before ordering

What is banh xeo

Batter: Rice flour + coconut milk + turmeric (golden color) + water Filling: Pork belly (thin slices), shrimp (whole or halved), beansprouts, sometimes mushrooms Cooking: Pan-fried in small amounts of oil, swirled to create thin crispy shell Texture: Crispy exterior, soft filling, slightly chewy from coconut milk Serving: 3-4 pancakes per plate, with herb platter and nuoc mam

How it is made

1. Batter prep: Rice flour + coconut milk + turmeric + salt (rest 30 minutes)
2. Heat pan: Add small amount of oil, swirl to coat
3. Add batter: Ladle and swirl to create thin layer
4. Add filling: Pork, shrimp, beansprouts on one half
5. Cook: 2-3 minutes until edges lift and bottom is crispy
6. Fold: Pancake in half over filling
7. Serve: Immediately (crispy for only 5-10 minutes)

How to eat banh xeo

1. Tear piece: Use hands or chopsticks to break off section
2. Wrap: In lettuce, rice paper, or herbs
3. Add herbs: Rau ram, ngo gai, tía to, lettuce
4. Dip: In nuoc mam chua ngot (sweet-sour fish sauce)
5. Eat: In one bite if possible
6. Repeat: Banh xeo is best eaten hot and fresh

Regional differences

Mekong Delta style (Can Tho):

• Small (10-15cm diameter)
• Very crispy (more oil, thinner)
• Golden color (turmeric)
• Served with mam nem sometimes

Saigon style:

• Larger (15-20cm)
• Softer (less oil, thicker)
• More filling
• Always nuoc mam

Central Vietnam (Hue):

• Very small (5-8cm, bite-sized)
• Called banh xeo thap
• Different filling (quail egg, meat)
• Sweeter sauce

What to order

Standard plate (35k-60k VND):

• 3-4 pancakes
• Pork + shrimp filling
• Herbs included
• Nuoc mam on side

Special plate (70k-100k VND):

• Extra filling
• Larger portions
• Sometimes includes egg

Side orders:

• Extra herbs (10k VND)
• Pickled vegetables (10k VND)
• Nem lui (grilled pork skewers, 15k-20k VND)

Drinks:

• Tra da (iced tea, often free)
• Bia Saigon (15k-20k VND)
• Fresh water (10k VND)

Best time to eat

Lunch (11am-2pm):

• Less crowded
• Fresh batter
• Quick service

Dinner (6pm-9pm):

• Lively atmosphere
• All stalls open
• Combine with evening activities
• May wait in line

Avoid:

• Late night (after 10pm, most close)
• Mid-afternoon (2pm-4pm, some shops closed)

Dietary notes

Vegetarian: Not suitable (contains pork, shrimp). Ask for chay version at larger restaurants. Gluten-free: Rice flour is GF, but verify no wheat in batter Allergies: Shellfish (shrimp), pork

The verdict

For first-timers: Banh Xeo Nam O. It is the most reliable, with consistent crispy texture and good filling. Order 1-2 plates per person, add extra herbs, and eat immediately.

For authentic recipe: Ba Duong. Family recipe, lower prices, and neighborhood atmosphere. Go 4-6pm for afternoon snack vibe.

For atmosphere: Ninh Kieu stalls. Riverside dining, casual, and you can walk it off afterward. Choose stalls with active cooking (fresh batter, high turnover).

Banh xeo is best shared — order multiple plates, gather around, and eat while hot. The crispy texture lasts only minutes, so eat fast and order more.