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Is Xoi Khuc the Same as Banh Khuc?

Bách Kuch, or Sticky Rice Kuch, is a renowned delicacy in Northern Vietnam, although some refer to it as 'Xoi Kuch'. But is 'Xoi Kuch' the same as 'Banh Kuch'? Let's delve into this culinary conundrum and unravel the truth behind these seemingly similar names.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Bánh khúc is a famous dish in Northern Vietnam, but some people also refer to it as xôi khúc. So, is xôi khúc the same as bánh khúc? Let’s find out.

1 What is Bánh Khúc?

What is Bánh Khúc?

The cake is named Bánh Khúc because it is made from Khúc leaves, a type of herb commonly found in provinces like Hà Giang, Ninh Bình, Thái Nguyên, and Phú Thọ in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.

Bánh khúc is made from simple and easily accessible ingredients such as glutinous rice, rice flour, Khúc leaves, pork belly, mung beans, and basic spices like salt, pepper, and scallions. These ingredients come together to create a delicious and fragrant cake.

2 Is Xôi Khúc the Same as Bánh Khúc?

Is Bánh Khúc the same as Xôi Khúc?

Xôi khúc is another name for bánh khúc. In different regions, this cake is also known as xôi cúc.

Depending on the locality, bánh khúc may have different names. In Northern Vietnam, it is commonly referred to as bánh khúc or xôi khúc.

In Hanoi and other northern provinces, it is a familiar sight to see street vendors selling xôi khúc, calling out the legendary and well-known phrases: “Xôi nóng bánh khúc để, xôi nóng bánh khúc nào… ” or “Ai bánh khúc nóng đây…”

In Central Vietnam and the southern provinces, xôi khúc is a popular delicacy, and locations selling xôi khúc in Ho Chi Minh City are always in high demand.

3 Delicious Dishes Made with Bánh Khúc

Traditional Hot Bánh Khúc

Traditional hot bánh khúc is a delicious dish made from glutinous rice, rice flour, Khúc leaves, pork belly, and mung beans. These ingredients are easily sourced and can be used to prepare this tasty treat for your family.

The combination of these ingredients creates a cake that is chewy on the outside and fatty on the inside, with the savory taste of pork belly and the nutty flavor of mung beans.

Brown Rice Bánh Khúc

Brown rice bánh khúc is a popular choice among the Eat Clean community. It is not only delicious but also offers health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and weight loss.

This dish is made with familiar ingredients like brown rice, glutinous rice, Khúc leaves, pork belly, and mung beans, resulting in a nutritious and tasty treat.

Pandan Leaf Bánh Khúc

If you’re a fan of pandan leaves, then this variation of bánh khúc is perfect for you. In addition to its delicious taste, it also has the distinctive fragrance of pandan leaves.

The cake is simple to make and primarily consists of glutinous rice, pork belly, and mung beans. The fatty and nutty flavors of the cake blend beautifully with the aroma of pandan leaves, creating an irresistible treat.

Salted Egg Bánh Khúc

While bánh khúc with mung bean or pork belly fillings are traditional, you can also experiment with a salted egg filling for a unique and tasty twist.

The salted egg bánh khúc is made with the same ingredients as the traditional version, but the filling includes salted eggs, adding a fatty texture and a distinctive flavor to the cake.

Butterfly Pea Flower Bánh Khúc

If you don’t have access to Khúc leaves, you can substitute them with butterfly pea flowers to create a colorful and tasty alternative.

This version of bánh khúc is made with glutinous rice, butterfly pea flowers, and mung beans. Using peeled mung beans can save time in the preparation process.

We hope that this article has provided a clear answer to the question, “Is xôi khúc the same as bánh khúc?” and has given you a deeper understanding of this delicious cake. Thank you for reading.

Frequently asked questions

Xôi Khúc and Bánh Khúc are two distinct Vietnamese dishes that share some similarities. Xôi Khúc is a sticky rice dish with mung bean and pork belly, while Bánh Khúc is a cake made from glutinous rice flour and filled with mung bean paste.

No, Xôi Khúc and Bánh Khúc are not the same. While they share some common ingredients, the preparation and final product are different. Xôi Khúc is a savory dish, while Bánh Khúc is a sweet treat.

Both Xôi Khúc and Bánh Khúc have a long history in Vietnamese cuisine. They are believed to have originated in the Red River Delta region of Northern Vietnam and are considered a specialty of Hanoi.

The main ingredients in Xôi Khúc are sticky rice, mung beans, and pork belly. For Bánh Khúc, the key ingredients are glutinous rice flour, mung bean paste, and lard.

Xôi Khúc is often served as a main course, accompanied by side dishes such as pickled vegetables and fish sauce. Bánh Khúc, on the other hand, is typically enjoyed as a dessert or snack, and can be served warm or at room temperature.