1. Overview of grilled rice paper cake Tay Ninh
1.1. Introduction to grilled rice paper cake Tay Ninh
Thin, round, and light grilled rice paper cakes from Tay Ninh are not only a familiar dish but also a source of pride for the local people. This specialty is considered a unique symbol of Southern Vietnamese cuisine, preserved and passed down through generations as a traditional craft deeply imprinted with the homeland's identity. When grilled, the cakes emit a characteristic aroma, a light nutty flavor, and an appealing crispness that makes everyone who tries them unforgettable.
Tay Ninh grilled rice paper cake is a popular snack, which can be eaten directly or flexibly combined in many other dishes such as salads, stir-fries, or transformed into mixed rice paper rolls, a "childhood specialty" dish for many generations. It is this creativity and familiarity that has helped Tay Ninh rice paper cake become a familiar flavor, closely associated with the culinary life of the Southern people.
Grilled rice paper is a familiar snack for many young people. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Reasons why this dish has become a culinary icon of the Trang Bang region
Trang Bang benefits from a climate with abundant sunshine and heavy dew at night, very conducive to the traditional rice paper making process. Especially, the dew-drying stage helps the cake achieve a soft and chewy texture, retaining its unique characteristic flavor. This unique climatic condition creates the difference for Tay Ninh grilled rice paper that cannot be found anywhere else.
The secret of Trang Bang artisans lies in the technique of evenly coating two layers, adding a little salt, grilling over peanut shell charcoal, then drying it in the dew to make the cake puff up while maintaining its softness and preventing tears. This factor creates the unique mark for Trang Bang rice paper, making the product an icon associated with the culinary culture of Tay Ninh and Nam Bo.
2. Ingredients and process of making Tay Ninh grilled rice paper
2.1. Ingredients that create a special flavor
The important factor creating the unique flavor of Tay Ninh grilled rice paper lies in the process of selecting and mixing quality ingredients. Clean rice flour, tapioca starch, black sesame seeds, fresh shredded coconut, along with spices such as pepper, garlic, salt... are all mixed in balanced proportions, creating a distinctive and hard-to-imitate aroma. Each ingredient contributes to the harmony of flavors, helping the cake achieve a moderate aroma and crispness.
The rice used for the cake is white rice, carefully cleaned, finely ground with water to achieve the desired consistency. Sesame seeds are carefully selected, whole, fragrant, and fatty; coconut must be fresh to retain its natural sweetness and avoid the smell of old oil. Spices such as garlic, pepper, and salt are pounded or ground finely, mixed evenly to balance the subtle spicy – salty – savory flavors.
The focus on standardized ingredients not only helps Tay Ninh grilled rice paper retain its characteristic delicious flavor but also ensures food safety, meeting the increasingly high demands of the tourism and export markets.
Grilled rice paper is made from basic ingredients. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Traditional production process
The traditional process of making Tay Ninh grilled rice paper begins with the grinding stage. Rice is washed clean and ground finely with water in precise proportions, determining the chewiness and smoothness of the finished cake.
Then, the ingredients are mixed according to a specific ratio. The process of mixing rice flour with tapioca starch, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, and spices requires meticulousness and the artisan's experience, ensuring the mixture achieves a smooth consistency without lumps.
The technique of spreading the batter is a crucial step, requiring the skill of the craftsperson. The batter is poured onto a specialized steamer, spread evenly into a very thin round shape. When the cake becomes translucent and evenly cooked, it is gently removed, ensuring the surface is not torn and has a uniform thickness. The drying stage plays a decisive role in the quality of the final product. The cakes are sun-dried to achieve the desired crispiness. Some varieties are further dried under dew at night to give them a soft, chewy texture without breaking when used. Finally, the cakes are grilled over a peanut shell charcoal stove, and the baker must continuously turn them to ensure they puff up evenly, turn golden brown, and maintain an attractive color.
Banh trang nuong is fried to a perfect crisp and eaten with various other toppings. (Source: Collected)
3. Other types of rice paper famous in Tay Ninh
3.1. Banh trang bo
Banh trang bo is very popular among young people thanks to its soft and chewy texture coated with fragrant, rich avocado. The dish is also added with shrimp salt, fried shallots, quail eggs cut in half, and shredded pork floss, creating an attractive appearance. Although the preparation is simple, the diverse flavors make banh trang bo a signature snack of Tay Ninh.
Avocado rice paper brings a rich, delicious flavor. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Chili salt rice paper
Suitable for those who prefer spicy flavors, chili salt rice paper is mixed with chili salt, satay, garlic, and fresh chili, creating a rich, salty, and spicy taste that is unforgettable from the first bite. This dish is often sold at street vendor carts along various streets, attracting the attention of many young people.
Salt and chili rice paper has a mild spicy taste. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Rolled rice paper
This thin, chewy type of rice paper is used for wrapping with boiled meat, fresh vegetables, vermicelli, to create traditional spring rolls. Tay Ninh rolled rice paper has a moderate chewiness, is not easily torn when rolling, and retains the natural flavors of the ingredients inside.
Rolled rice paper is covered with many different types of sauce. (Source: Collected)
3.4. Dew-dried rice paper
As one of the famous specialties of Trang Bang, dew-dried rice paper stands out with its chewy softness and the aroma of new rice. It is often served with thinly sliced boiled pork and local wild vegetables. The overnight dew-drying process helps the cake retain moderate moisture without becoming dry or hard.
Banh trang phoi suong is often served with boiled meat. (Source: Compiled)
3.5. Deo Rice Paper
Characterized by its soft, slightly chewy texture, deo rice paper is often used to mix with various spices or served as an accompaniment to other dishes. It is a common ingredient in mixed rice paper dishes, creating an interesting sensation when combined with ingredients such as dried beef, tamarind, and peanuts.
4. Grilled Rice Paper Eateries in Tay Ninh
4.1. Ut Hue Rice Paper
As one of the long-standing brands, Ut Hue Rice Paper is renowned for preserving its traditional flavor across generations. The establishment consistently prioritizes quality through meticulous production processes. Customers can purchase directly at the workshop or place online orders to receive fresh rice paper daily.
4.2. Che Lieu Rice Paper
Widely recommended by many tourists, Che Lieu not only offers grilled rice paper but also a variety of other distinctive Tay Ninh rice papers. This establishment is often chosen by culinary tours, allowing visitors to observe the rice paper making process firsthand and enjoy hot rice paper on-site.
4.3. Hieu Buon Nhung
With the motto of serving fresh rice paper daily, Hieu Buon Nhung emphasizes the crispiness and natural aroma of its products. This facility not only supplies the domestic market but also exports to many countries, contributing to elevating the Tay Ninh rice paper brand on the international stage.
5. Other Famous Specialties in Tay Ninh
5.1. Tay Ninh Veal
Tay Ninh veal is known for its tender, naturally sweet meat. It is often prepared as grilled dishes, steamed with banana leaves, or dipped in vinegar, creating cozy feasts. This dish becomes an unforgettable highlight for tourists whenever they visit Tay Ninh.
Young Buffalo/Beef from Tay Ninh is a famous specialty of this southern land. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Trang Bang Noodle Soup
Trang Bang Noodle Soup boasts a delicious broth, a prominent dish that any tourist visiting Tay Ninh must try. The noodle strands have a characteristic chewiness, the broth is clear, with a natural sweet and refreshing taste. When served with thinly sliced boiled meat and specialty herbs like Vietnamese coriander and sawtooth herb, the dish becomes well-rounded and nutritionally balanced.
Trang Bang Noodle Soup is one of the culinary icons of Tay Ninh. (Source: Collected)
5.3. Pomelo Spring Rolls
Pomelo Spring Rolls are made from pomelo peel, roasted peanuts, toasted rice powder, and vông leaves, undergoing a moderate fermentation process. The product has a slightly sour taste, fragrant with vông leaves, suitable as an appetizer or served with white rice.
Besides the unique culinary experiences of Tay Ninh, visitors can also explore famous tourist attractions such as Ba Den Mountain, notably the highest mountain in the Southern region, associated with many beliefs and unique natural landscapes. Here, visitors can admire the scenery of Ba Den Mountain from above via the modern Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car, while also admiring the scenery and making pilgrimages to the pagodas. Not only that, but there is also Dau Tieng Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in the country, notable for its fresh air and poetic scenery. This is a suitable place for families to organize picnics and camping. In the evening, by the campfire, enjoying Tay Ninh specialties will create unforgettable memories.
Nui Ba Den shines brightly at night. (Source: Collected)
Tay Ninh grilled rice paper is not just a familiar snack but also carries deep cultural value of the South. Come to Tay Ninh to directly experience this special flavor along with famous attractions!
