1. Introduction to spicy chewy rice paper
Spicy chewy rice paper is currently winning the hearts of young people whenever they visit Tay Ninh. This is a snack chosen by many young people thanks to its distinctive delicious taste and irresistible appeal. This product is the result of creativity based on traditional sun-dried rice paper, which, through the skillful hands of the people of Tay Ninh, has become an attractive variation.
The appearance of spicy chewy rice paper is quite distinct with its round or square shape and prominent light red color. On the surface of the soft and chewy cake, green onions and red chili are sprinkled evenly, creating an appealing look at first sight. This snack was created to meet the needs of vegetarians or those who do not like the smell of shrimp paste, demonstrating the characteristic innovation and creativity of local producers.
Not only is it loved by young people when gathering with friends, watching movies, or bringing it home as a gift for relatives, spicy chewy rice paper has also become a familiar symbol of street food when Tay Ninh is mentioned.
Banh trang deo cay is a popular snack among young people. (Source: Compiled)
2. Ingredients and outstanding features of banh trang deo cay
2.1. Ingredients that make up banh trang deo cay
What makes banh trang deo cay attractive lies in the delicate combination of rice flour, wheat flour, onion, chili, and garlic. The rice flour is finely ground, mixed with water in precise proportions, then thinly coated using manual techniques. The dew-dried rice paper is marinated with spices based on traditional recipes passed down through generations.
All stages of making the dish are meticulously done by hand, from grinding flour, seasoning, coating the rice paper, steaming it, to drying and the special dew-drying process. Each step requires skill and experience, contributing to a unique and unmistakable quality.
When stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, banh trang deo cay can maintain its freshness for 20 to 25 days. Some types have a shorter shelf life, about 1 month, ensuring users always enjoy the most complete flavor.
The process of making spicy chewy rice paper is extremely elaborate. (Source: Collected)
2.2. The difference between spicy chewy rice paper and other types of rice paper
The point that makes spicy chewy rice paper unique is the combination of the chewy softness of the cake and the impressive spiciness of the chili. When tasting, diners will clearly feel the spicy flavor spreading through each piece of chewy cake, bringing a novel sensation and awakening the taste buds.
The initial mild sweetness will gradually give way to the characteristic spicy and salty taste, harmoniously blended in the mouth. Scallions, garlic, and chili are mixed in moderation to provide a complete experience without causing an overly pungent sensation. Traditional dew-dried rice paper is usually opaque white, mainly used for wrapping with meat or vegetables, while spicy chewy rice paper has a very unique light red color, which can be eaten directly or served with butter. The chewiness of the cake is also slightly better than the dried type, which mainly provides a crispy sensation.
The spicy chewy rice paper has a characteristic light red color from the blended spices. (Source: Collected)
3. Other types of rice paper to try
3.1. Dew-dried rice paper
Dew-dried rice paper is considered the signature product, the origin of specialty rice paper in the land of Trang Bang. This type of bánh tráng is round, opaque white, with small bubbles clearly visible on its surface, giving it a distinctive characteristic.
The main ingredients are just rice flour, water, and salt, but the preparation process requires great effort and sophistication. The bánh tráng has a chewy texture, a mildly salty taste, and the fragrance of fresh rice. It can be eaten directly without dipping in water or grilling.
The bánh tráng is lightly grilled over a fire using peanut shells until bubbles appear and it turns opaque white. The dew-drying process in the early morning or late at night helps the bánh tráng achieve an ideal softness. When enjoyed, it is often eaten with boiled meat, young beef, shrimp, or grilled meat, served with sweet and sour fish sauce.
Dew-dried rice paper is usually eaten with boiled meat. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Mixed rice paper
Mixed rice paper is a creative variation of dew-dried rice paper combined with many different ingredients. This dish carries the strong flavor of the Southern region, popular for its diverse preparation and enjoyment methods.
Diners can mix it themselves with Vietnamese coriander, dried beef, quail eggs, shredded pork floss… according to their taste. Each variation brings a new experience, creating an interesting aspect each time it is enjoyed.
Banh trang tron has a rich flavor with many accompanying toppings. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Banh trang me cay
Banh trang me cay attracts with the combination of the refreshing sourness of tamarind and alluring spiciness. The soft and chewy rice paper is coated with sweet and sour tamarind sauce and spicy seasoning, creating an attractive multi-layered flavor. This dish is especially suited to the palate of those who love the blend of sour, spicy, and sweet flavors. Recently, banh trang me cay has been chosen by many people for its novel flavor and simple way of eating. The rice paper can be eaten directly or wrapped with aromatic herbs to enhance the fresh feeling.
Tamarind spicy rice paper rolls are a combination of rice paper and tamarind sauce. (Source: Collected)
3.4. Spicy shrimp rice paper rolls
Spicy shrimp rice paper rolls are another outstanding specialty of Tay Ninh, seasoned and dried using traditional methods. The outstanding flavor is spicy and salty, with the aroma of shrimp, combined with chewiness and a characteristic red color. Compared to spicy chewy rice paper rolls, this type has the rich flavor of finely ground dried shrimp. Both have a similar level of spiciness, but spicy shrimp rice paper rolls stand out for their richness of flavor due to the addition of shrimp.
3.5. Avocado rice paper rolls
Avocado rice paper rolls are a famous snack associated with the childhood of many Vietnamese people, especially the youth. With a soft and chewy rice paper layer, combined with rich avocado, Tay Ninh shrimp salt, fried shallots, quail eggs, and dried beef, the dish offers an unforgettable rich flavor. Not only attractive for its delicious taste, avocado rice paper rolls are also a popular street food, easily found at snack stalls, night markets, and school gates. The aroma of avocado combined with the spicy and salty taste of shrimp salt creates a perfect combination, making avocado rice paper rolls a simple yet unique specialty of Vietnamese cuisine.
The appeal of avocado rice paper rolls. (Source: Collected)
4. Famous rice paper shops in Tay Ninh
4.1. Ut Hue Rice Paper
Ut Hue Rice Paper, located at 88 Nguyen Van Rop street, Trang Bang, Tay Ninh province, is famous for its traditional secret recipe, with the quality of spicy chewy rice paper always carefully preserved through manual processes. Besides spicy chewy rice paper, Ut Hue also offers sun-dried rice paper and shrimp rice paper with stable quality. Customers often proactively order in advance to receive the freshest batches.
4.2. Che Lieu Rice Paper
Che Lieu Rice Paper establishment, located at 155 Nguyen Van Rop, Quarter 4, Tay Ninh, Vietnam, is a trusted address thanks to its closed production process, ensuring food safety and hygiene. The spicy chewy rice paper here stands out with its moderate spiciness, suitable for many customer groups. Additionally, the shop also prepares various seasonings for customers to customize the flavor according to their personal preferences.
Image of a delicious batch of banh trang. (Source: Collected)
4.3. Nhung Wholesale
Nhung Wholesale is one of the trusted addresses for tourists looking to buy Tây Ninh's chewy spicy banh trang. Located in an easy-to-find and convenient spot, the shop offers a variety of local specialties with delicious, distinctively spicy flavors and reasonable prices. Thanks to its consistent quality and friendly service, Nhung Wholesale has become a familiar stop for tourists wanting to buy Tây Ninh specialties as gifts after their trip.
5. Suggestions for combining culinary exploration and tourism in Tây Ninh
5.1. Visit Long Hoa Market
Long Hoa Market is an ideal place to explore local cuisine, choose chewy spicy banh trang, and many other Tây Ninh specialties. The market atmosphere is always lively, with many stalls selling all kinds of traditional and modern banh trang.
Here, you will have the opportunity to meet the people who make the banh trang, understand the production process, and even taste it before deciding to buy. Prices at the market are usually more favorable than in larger stores, suitable for tourists who want to buy in large quantities as gifts.
Long Hoa Market in the evening. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Visiting Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area
Ba Den Mountain is known as the “roof of the South” with a height of over 900m, and is a famous tourist and pilgrimage destination in Tay Ninh. The mountain is associated with the legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau – a sacred spiritual symbol for the local people. Visitors to Ba Den Mountain can experience the modern cable car system, worship at Ba Pagoda, admire the panoramic view of Tay Ninh from above, and enjoy the cool air amidst the majestic natural scenery.
Majestic scenery of Ba Den Mountain. (Source: Collected)
5.3. Visiting Cao Dai Holy See
Tay Ninh Cao Dai Holy See is the center of the Cao Dai religion – a religion born in Vietnam, notable for its unique architecture harmoniously combining Asian and European styles. The structure impresses with its majestic, brilliant appearance and rich symbolic meaning. Here, visitors can not only admire the exquisite architectural beauty but also have the opportunity to learn about a religion deeply imbued with national identity, embodying the spirit of solidarity and the good intentions of the Vietnamese people.
Tay Ninh's spicy chewy rice paper rolls have proven their special appeal to young people thanks to their unique flavor and flexible way of enjoying them. Visit Tay Ninh to experience this "addictive" specialty dish yourself, along with an exciting journey of street food discovery and tourism!
