Banh Chao, or Cambodian Turmeric Pancakes
by Sreyneang Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Banh Chao are a type of thin pancake or crepe colored bright yellow with turmeric. It's a common snack in Cambodia and is related to some dishes that you might find in nearby southern Vietnam such as
Bánh Khoái. The pancakes are stuffed with minced pork and other rich, savory ingredients, and are served alongside a big plate of fresh Cambodian herbs.
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| Banh Xeo, or Cambodian Turmeric Pancakes in Phnom Penh |
The outside of the paper-thin pancakes are very light and extremely crispy. The inside is filled with minced pork, shrimp, and sauteed onions. I was surprised to find that this was a savory dish, because when I hear the word "pancake", I immediately think of the sweet breakfast food.
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turmeric pancakes for sale in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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You can break off parts of the crispy outer bits of the pancake and eat them directly, but the soft interior part has a specific way to be enjoyed.
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| Cambodian turmeric pancakes filled with minced pork, shrimp, and sauteed onion and carrot |
Ban chao is always served with a huge plate of local Cambodian herbs including sweet basil, holy basil, mint, and tons of others that I did not recognize. Some of the herbs were bitter, others were peppery. Others still were grassy or even sweet.
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lots of fresh Cambodian herbs and vegetables
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To make a bite of banh chao. first you take a lettuce leaf, then scoop out a portion of the pancake and its filling with a spoon. Finally, roll the pancake and the herbs of your choice (I like a little bit of everything for a super complex flavor) in the lettuce making a sort of wrap.
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turmeric pancake with vegetables
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You can eat the wrapped herbs and pancake as is, or dip it in the provided sauce, which is a sweet and savory dipping sauce made with fish sauce, palm sugar, and garlic.
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| turmeric pancake and dipping sauce, Phmom Penh, Cambodia |
This was one of my favorite Cambodian dishes that I tried when I was traveling to Phnom Penh. It's filling, tasty, and fun to eat as well (although I found it to be a little messy... maybe I'm just not so good at wrapping everything together properly!).
Location
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| inside Sreyneang Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
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the busy kitchen at a turmeric pancake restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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See the map below for the exact location.
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