Vietnamese Pizza (Dalat Pizza/Banh Trang Nuong)
Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza, Dalat Pizza) is a popular street food originating from Vietnam. It features a thin rice paper base topped with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, meat, vegetables, and cheese, then grilled to perfection. This dish is especially popular in the southern regions, particularly around Dalat. Often referred to as ""pizza"" due to its unique preparation method and texture, Bánh Tráng Nướng is widely enjoyed by people of all ages across Vietnam, thanks to its convenience and the wide range of flavor variations available at street stalls and in urban areas.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Dong
- Meal Date
- 4/30/2022
- Food Travel Log
- I think I like Paris
My encounter in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese-style pizza "Dalat Pizza," also known as Banh Trang Nuong. Topping rice paper with ingredients like eggs and meat, then baking it crisp. The fragrant rice aroma. The crisp sound with each bite soothes my heart. I think I like Paris. Let’s live crisply.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Bánh Tráng Nướng is a street food beloved throughout southern Vietnam and the entire country, also known by nicknames such as "Vietnamese Pizza" or "Dalat Pizza." Originating mainly from the Dalat region, it has gained huge popularity among locals and tourists alike due to its texture and preparation, which are reminiscent of Italian pizza. The main ingredient is Vietnamese rice paper (bánh tráng), and a variety of toppings such as egg, pork, chicken, sausage, dried shrimp, green onion, and cheese are added before grilling. In Ho Chi Minh City, it is commonly sold from street stalls in the evenings and at night, appreciated for its convenience, affordability, and popularity among both locals and travelers.
Name and Origin
The meaning of bánh tráng nướng is "grilled rice paper." Its origin is believed to be in the Dalat region, hence the alternative name "Dalat Pizza." Originally, it spread among local students in the 2000s as a street food well suited to the region’s cool climate, and gradually gained popularity in urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. While the "pizza" nickname in Vietnam is partly a promotional term for tourists, the dish is actually a modern adaptation of a traditional Vietnamese homemade snack.
Ingredients and Preparation
The key feature of Bánh Tráng Nướng is the use of thin rice paper (bánh tráng) made from rice as its base. The following are common ingredients and the standard preparation method.
| Main Toppings | Details |
|---|---|
| Egg | Beaten egg spread across the whole base |
| Minced pork, sausage | Pork, beef, or chicken can also be used as meat options |
| Dried shrimp | Adds the flavor of seafood |
| Green onion, scallion oil | For aroma |
| Cheese (such as mozzarella) | Pizza-like flavors have become more popular in recent times |
| Mayonnaise, chili sauce | Added according to personal taste |
During preparation, the rice paper is grilled directly over a hot plate or charcoal grill at street stalls, with toppings added in sequence. Spreading the egg helps create a crispy texture once cooked and also binds the ingredients together. It is typically served cut with a pizza cutter at street stalls, making it easy to eat on-the-go.
Variations
The standard type features egg, meat, and vegetables, but local variants have developed, such as those below.
- Seafood Bánh Tráng Nướng: Includes squid, crab, shrimp, and other seafood
- Vegetarian option: Uses tofu and vegetables instead of meat
- Extra cheese/pizza-style: Generous amounts of mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Social Significance and Cultural Background
Bánh Tráng Nướng has become deeply ingrained as a uniquely Vietnamese fast food, particularly among young people and students in urban areas. In recent years, it has also grown in popularity among tourists, with English and multilingual menus increasingly available. As a representative of street stall culture, it also embodies the neighborhood vibrancy and community connections of Vietnamese cities.
Especially in central Ho Chi Minh City, numerous stalls appear in the evenings, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy this "Vietnamese pizza" together. Affordable yet nutritionally balanced, it contributes not only to the culinary culture but also enriches urban lifestyles and the tourist experience.