Bánh bèo: Huế's little steamed rice cakes
The name means ‘water fern cake’ – each one is shaped like a little floating leaf. In Huế, they arrive by the dozen.
Bánh bèo are small, soft rice cakes steamed in little saucers and topped with dried shrimp floss, crispy pork crackling and spring-onion oil, then dressed with sweet fish sauce. A tray usually costs 20,000–40,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một mâm bánh bèo”.
At a glance
How to order
“Cho tôi một mâm bánh bèo.”
One tray of bánh bèo. Many shops sell a bánh Huế thập cẩm set with bánh bèo, bánh bột lọc and bánh nậm – a good way to try them all.
How to eat it
Spoon a little fish sauce over each saucer, add chilli if you like, then run your spoon around the edge to lift the cake out in one bite.
When to go
Afternoon snack time is classic – locals meet friends over a tray of Huế cakes.
Questions travellers ask
What does bánh bèo mean?
Bánh means cake; bèo is a small water fern, which the cakes resemble.
How much is bánh bèo?
Around 20,000–40,000 VND for a tray.
How do you eat bánh bèo?
Add fish sauce and scoop each cake out of its saucer with a spoon.
Is bánh bèo vegetarian?
Not usually – the toppings include shrimp and pork. Some vegetarian shops make a version with mushroom and fried shallots.
Prices are typical ranges we’ve seen and change often; tourist areas can charge more. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Last updated 2026-09-30.
