Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice Balls (Banh Ran)

Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice Balls (Banh Ran) are a beloved and widely loved Vietnamese snack, famous for their interesting combination of textures and flavors. This tasty treat consists of glutinous rice flour balls, typically filled with sweet red bean paste, creating a burst of sweetness in every bite. The magic happens when these morsels are deep-fried in hot oil, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy meat inside.

A distinctive touch to the filling is the use of jasmine flower essence, a traditional flavoring that imparts a fragrant and aromatic quality to the snack. To add an extra layer of goodness, the fried balls are rolled in sesame seeds, enhancing both the flavor and texture. Beyond the sweet version, Banh Ran also comes in savory varieties. These oval-shaped delicacies are often served with a dipping sauce made from a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, chili, and garlic. The savory provides a balance, with the dipping sauce providing the perfect blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors to enhance the overall flavor experience.

Banh Ran is a delicious snack that embodies Vietnamese culture, whether you're enjoying the sweet version with its fragrant jasmine scent and crunchy sesame seeds or the savory version with a delicious dipping sauce. Popular street cuisine that attracts locals and tourists highlights the wide and delectable variety of Vietnamese cuisine.

Main ingredients: rice flour, red bean paste, sugar, Jasmine flower essence, sesame seeds; or pork, vermicelli, green papaya, carrot, lettuce, herbs, wood ear mushroom

Recommended places: Hai Ba Trung Street in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Price range: under $1