Spicy rice cake is a specialty dish that has been around for 50 years in Saigon.
In Ho Chi Minh City, there’s a spicy rice cake shop that has been around for over 50 years, and it’s always bustling with customers. This shop also “created” this unique dish, captivating diners with its exotic flavor.
Hai Co Spicy Rice Cake
Nestled among the jewelry stores and grocery shops near the end of Nguyen Duy Duong Street in District 5 is a small rice cake shop called “Xoi Man An Dong.” However, longtime customers know it as “Hai Co” spicy rice cake, run by two sisters.
For almost 50 years, this modest shop has never had a quiet morning, sometimes selling up to 40kg of rice cakes in a day. With a small staff of four to five people, they are always busy. Some customers have moved far away to places like Go Vap and Bien Hoa, or even abroad, but whenever they’re in the area, they make sure to stop by for a taste of their favorite rice cakes and to catch up with the elderly owners.
The delicious flavor comes from special ingredients
At first glance, the signboard “Xoi Man An Dong” may not stand out from other street rice cake vendors. The shop consists of a small iron table laden with various spices, next to a steaming hot pot of rice cakes emitting a mouthwatering aroma.
The rice cake servings at Hai Co are always hot, generous, and topped with pate, scallion oil, Vietnamese ham, shredded pork, and crushed peanuts, along with a special spicy sauce. Except for the Vietnamese ham, which is purchased from a trusted supplier, all other ingredients are homemade.
The signature spicy sauce sets this rice cake apart
The highlight of this spicy rice cake is undoubtedly the sauce. The shop owners proudly introduce it as a secret family recipe with bird’s eye chili as the key ingredient. When cooked, the sauce is mixed with pork belly bits and various spices, resulting in a flavorful blend of spiciness and richness that tantalizes the taste buds.
Customers who aren’t used to spicy food can ask for a milder version. But most people embrace the heat, enjoying the unique experience of tears streaming down their faces as they devour the delicious rice cake, eventually becoming regulars.
The special sauce that gives it its signature spicy kick
According to the owners, the key to a perfect rice cake lies in the smallest details. For instance, the glutinous rice must be soaked for just the right amount of time to achieve the perfect texture. Scallion oil should be prepared in small batches instead of bulk, as storing it for too long can affect its color, aroma, and overall appeal.
In the past, Saigon had only one shop selling this unique specialty of the Hoa people. Over time, this “tear-jerking” dish has spread to various locations. In addition to Hai Co, food enthusiasts can also indulge in spicy rice cakes at the following places:
Ton Dan Spicy Rice Cake
Ton Dan Spicy Rice Cake is a well-known spot on Ton Dan Street. It stands out for its exceptional flavor. You can choose from various rice cakes like mung bean, corn, or sticky rice, accompanied by sides such as eggs, Vietnamese ham, or sausage. Their spicy rice cake also has a unique twist that offers a delightful experience.
The shop only opens in the evening but always attracts a crowd. Many regulars are on a first-name basis with the owner, so they serve themselves. If you ever find yourself in Saigon, don’t miss out on trying the Ton Dan spicy rice cake. The sticky rice is chewy and flavorful, and one serving can fill you up until lunch the next day. With reasonable prices, this place is a favorite among students. You’ll also notice a distinct difference in how rice cakes are prepared in the south compared to the north.
Bat Buu & Durian Rice Cake
Bat Buu & Durian Rice Cake has captivated the hearts of countless customers for over 30 years, and they now offer the spicy rice cake on their menu. The shop caters to both locals and international tourists. When you visit, you’ll not only indulge in delicious rice cakes but also enjoy a pleasant chat with the kind and amiable owner. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to sell rice cakes because she knows how many people depend on her delicious creations.
In the afternoons, the shop is bustling, sometimes with customers buying tens of boxes at once. They offer a wide range of toppings, including shredded chicken, chicken thighs, meatballs, dried shredded pork, quail eggs, pickled vegetables, and crispy fried chicken skin. The special sauce drizzled over the chicken makes each rice cake box irresistible.
Binh Tien Spicy Rice Cake
Binh Tien Spicy Rice Cake in District 6 is a modest shop offering rice cakes with distinctive flavors. Their savory rice cakes and cadé rice cakes are particularly renowned for their diverse fillings and unique tastes. The shop opens in the early afternoon, catering to both afternoon and evening diners.
With its characteristic flavors, variety, and quick service, the shop is always bustling with customers and beloved by many. During peak hours, you might even have to queue up for a taste of their delicious rice cakes. A full-topping rice cake from Binh Tien is sure to satisfy your cravings.
