Bánh căn: Nha Trang's clay-pot mini pancakes
Look for the smoke rising from a tray of clay moulds on a charcoal stove – that’s bánh căn cooking, a dozen at a time.
Bánh căn are small rice-flour cakes cooked in clay moulds with lids, topped with quail egg, shrimp or squid, and eaten with fish sauce, spring-onion oil and green mango. A plate usually costs 20,000–40,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một đĩa bánh căn”.
At a glance
How to order
“Cho tôi một đĩa bánh căn.”
One plate of bánh căn. Say bánh căn trứng for egg, tôm for shrimp or mực for squid.
How to eat it
Dunk the cakes in the bowl of fish sauce with spring-onion oil, add shredded green mango and herbs, and eat them while the edges are still crisp. Some shops also serve a meatball broth for dipping.
When to go
Late afternoon and evening, when the charcoal stoves are lit along Nha Trang’s side streets.
Questions travellers ask
What is the difference between bánh căn and bánh khọt?
Bánh căn is thicker and cooked in covered clay moulds; bánh khọt from the south is smaller, crispier and cooked in an oiled metal pan.
How much does bánh căn cost?
Around 20,000–40,000 VND a plate.
Where can I eat bánh căn in Nha Trang?
At small local stalls around the city, mostly from late afternoon.
Is bánh căn gluten-free?
The cakes are made from rice flour, but sauces vary – ask if you have a strict allergy.
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 Spotted something out of date?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.
