Tips

Tasty Shrimp Rolls – A Humble Hue Specialty

In the vast treasure trove of Vietnamese cuisine, Banh Cuon Tom Chua stands out as a true cultural gem of Hue. This delicate dish, a harmonious blend of soft rice noodles, tangy shrimp, and a unique sour broth, encapsulates the very essence of Hue's culinary heritage. Its intricate flavors and textures have earned it a revered place in the hearts of locals and a must-try status for anyone exploring the rich tapestry of Vietnamese food.

Administrator

1 September, 2024

Banh cuon tom chua is a perfect example of how the simplest ingredients can come together to create a delicious and culturally rich dish. This humble dish from Hue, Vietnam, is a unique blend of soft rice rolls, tangy fermented shrimp, boiled meat, and fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a true taste of Hue’s royal and rustic culinary heritage.

1 Banh Cuon Tom Chua – A Humble Hue Specialty

Have you ever indulged in the refreshing flavors of banh cuon tom chua, a unique delicacy from the ancient capital of Hue? This dish is a beautiful fusion of royal and rustic Vietnamese cuisine and was once a source of pride for the people of Hue. Today, however, it has been overshadowed by modern eateries, surviving only in the fond memories of the elderly.

Banh cuon tom chua is a harmonious combination of soft and delicate rice rolls, crispy fermented shrimp, tender boiled meat, and refreshing fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s not just a tasty dish but also a cultural icon of Hue. Each roll is carefully wrapped, cut into bite-sized pieces, and topped with fresh, vibrant herbs and reddish-orange fermented shrimp. The tangy-sweet flavors of the shrimp blend perfectly with the rich, fatty taste of the boiled meat, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

To truly appreciate this dish, one must venture into the heart of Hue, seeking out small eateries and street vendors hidden in the maze of alleys. Even then, finding a place that serves this traditional dish is becoming increasingly challenging due to the fast-paced modern lifestyle that leaves little room for such culinary delights.

Banh Cuon Tom Chua – A Humble Hue Specialty

2 How to Make Banh Cuon Tom Chua

Ingredients for Banh Cuon Tom Chua Hue

1 jar fermented shrimp
1 package rice rolls
500g boiled meat (preferably pork belly)
1 medium-sized onion
1 medium-sized carrot
½ cucumber
300g fresh herbs (such as perilla, mint, and basil)
1 stalk green onion
1-2 shallots
Other vegetables: lettuce, bean sprouts
Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, chili peppers, garlic

Ingredients for Banh Cuon Tom Chua Hue

Preparation Method

Step 1 Boil the Pork Belly

Start by rinsing the pork belly with diluted salt water and removing any remaining hard hairs. Then, rinse it again with cold water and set it aside to dry. Take 1-2 shallots, peel and rinse them, and then crush them lightly. Boil a pot of water with the crushed shallots and a teaspoon of salt. When the water boils, add the pork belly, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the meat continue cooking in the residual heat. Finally, remove the meat and soak it in ice water before slicing it. This method ensures the meat stays moist and tender.

Step 2 Prepare the Other Ingredients

Peel the fermented shrimp and set them aside. Peel and rinse the carrot, then cut off the ends of the cucumber. You can choose to peel the cucumber or not, depending on your preference. Rinse it and split it in half, scooping out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the carrot and cucumber into thin, finger-length strips or shred them finely, and arrange them on a plate.

For the banana blossom, give it a quick rinse in cold water and then finely chop a small portion to add to the dipping sauce. Cut the remaining blossom into thin strips for wrapping. Wash the lettuce and herbs, soak them in diluted salt water for about 10 minutes, and then rinse them again in cold water. You can chop them into smaller pieces if you prefer.

Step 3 Make the Dipping Sauce

In a pan, sauté the garlic and chili peppers with a little bit of the chopped banana blossom. Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 5 teaspoons of sugar, and 100ml of water to the pan and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes. Let it cool down, and then blend it to create a smooth, flavorful dipping sauce.

Step 4 Assemble and Serve

Arrange the boiled meat, banana blossom strips, carrot and cucumber strips, fermented shrimp, fresh herbs, and rice rolls on a plate. To eat, take a rice roll and dampen it with a moist cloth to make it softer and easier to roll. Add the vegetables, meat, and shrimp, and roll it up. Dip the roll into the banana blossom dipping sauce and enjoy!

How to Make Banh Cuon Tom Chua Hue

Reference: Authentic Banh Cuon Tom Chua Recipe

3 Where to Find the Best Banh Cuon Tom Chua in Hue

One of the most famous spots to enjoy this delicacy in Hue is at Mệ Hạnh’s stall, located at the foot of Kho Rèn Bridge.

As the sun sets, the distinctive aroma of banh cuon tom chua fills the air around the bridge. It’s a scent that evokes childhood memories and captures the essence of Hue’s culinary heritage. The tangy fermented shrimp, rich meat, and sweet potato come together in perfect harmony, wrapped in a delicate rice roll.

Mệ Hạnh’s stall may be small, but it has a big reputation among locals and tourists alike. Each roll is meticulously crafted, with careful attention to both ingredients and presentation. The rice rolls are thin and delicate, wrapped tightly with thin slices of pork belly, crispy fermented shrimp, and fresh herbs. Dipped into a sweet and sour sauce with a hint of chili, it’s an explosion of flavors and textures.

The aroma of the baking rolls mingles with the laughter and chatter of satisfied diners, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sitting by the small stall, savoring the warm rolls and watching the world go by, you’ll feel the peaceful rhythm of life in Hue.

Where to Find the Best Banh Cuon Tom Chua in Hue

Address: Foot of Kho Rèn Bridge, Phan Đình Phùng Street, Hue City.

Price Range: Approximately 25,000 VND per serving

Banh cuon tom chua is a delightful fusion of humble ingredients and refined cooking techniques. If you ever find yourself in Hue, don’t miss the chance to try this unique dish!

Frequently asked questions

A shrimp roll is a traditional dish in Hue, Vietnam, consisting of a rice paper roll filled with a mixture of shrimp, pork, and vegetables. What sets it apart and makes it a specialty of Hue is the unique combination of fresh ingredients and the delicate balance of flavors. The shrimp used are typically small and sweet, and the addition of pork and local herbs and spices creates a distinct taste that is both savory and slightly spicy.

To make delicious shrimp rolls, start by preparing the filling. Mix ground shrimp with pork, and add in shallots, garlic, and a blend of spices including five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. You can also include carrots and beans for added texture and flavor. Wrap this filling in rice paper, and don’t forget the herbs! Hue locals typically use perilla, mint, and basil, adding a fresh and fragrant touch to the rolls.

These shrimp rolls are best enjoyed fresh and can be served as a snack or appetizer. Dip them in a tangy and spicy sauce made with fish sauce, garlic, chili, and lemon juice. You can also serve them with a sweet and sour dipping sauce on the side. Pair them with some local beer, and you’ve got yourself a delicious Vietnamese treat!

Yes, while the traditional Hue shrimp rolls use a combination of shrimp and pork, you can create variations by using other types of meat or seafood. For example, you could try making them with ground chicken or crab meat. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add your unique twist to this classic Vietnamese dish.

A truly exceptional shrimp roll starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The shrimp should be firm and sweet, and the herbs vibrant and fragrant. Taking the time to balance the flavors and create a harmonious blend of spices will also elevate your shrimp rolls. Finally, don’t skimp on the dipping sauce! A well-crafted sauce can truly make your shrimp rolls shine.