Crispy Vietnamese Pancake – The Signature Flavor of Ninh Thuan

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its diversity and balance of flavors, and one of the most beloved street foods is the Crispy Vietnamese Pancake. While you may find this dish across the country, the version in Ninh Thuan stands out with its seafood-rich filling, golden crispy edges, and fresh local herbs.

If you’re traveling to Ninh Thuan, this dish is a must-try for food lovers, offering a delightful mix of crunchiness, freshness, and savory goodness.

1. What Makes Crispy Pancake in Ninh Thuan Special?

Unlike the southern-style Crispy Vietnamese Pancake, which is often large and folded in half, the Ninh Thuan version is smaller, thinner, and crispier. It is cooked in small, round molds over charcoal, giving it a super crispy texture with a slightly smoky flavor.

✨ Key Features of Ninh Thuan’s Crispy Vietnamese Pancake:

Mini pancake size – Cooked in small molds for maximum crispiness.
Rich seafood filling – Usually made with fresh shrimp, squid, or fish from the coastal waters.
Crispy and light batter – Made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk for an extra fragrant taste.
Aromatic dipping sauce – A blend of fish sauce, garlic, chili, and sugar, creating the perfect sweet-salty balance.
Served with fresh herbs & rice paper – To roll up the pancake with mint, lettuce, and pickled vegetables.

This dish captures the essence of Ninh Thuan’s coastal flavors, combining seafood freshness with the crunch of crispy batter.

2. How Crispy Pancake is Made?

Making the perfect Crispy Vietnamese Pancake requires the right balance of batter, heat, and fillings to achieve the signature crispy edges.

🍽️ Ingredients:

Rice flour batter – Mixed with turmeric and coconut milk for color and flavor.
Fresh seafood – Shrimp, squid, or small fish from Ninh Thuan’s coastline.
Mung beans – Adds a soft, creamy contrast to the crispy texture.
Bean sprouts – Provides a fresh, crunchy bite inside the pancake.
Herbs & lettuce – Mint, basil, and lettuce for wrapping.
Dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham) – A mix of fish sauce, lime, garlic, chili, and sugar.

👨‍🍳 Cooking Process:

1️⃣ Preparing the Batter – Rice flour is mixed with turmeric powder, coconut milk, and water until smooth.
2️⃣ Heating the Molds – Small round molds are heated over charcoal to create the signature crispiness.
3️⃣ Cooking the Pancake – A ladle of batter is poured into the mold, followed by shrimp, squid, and mung beans.
4️⃣ Flipping & Crisping – The pancake is cooked until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
5️⃣ Serving – The pancakes are placed on banana leaves and served with fresh herbs, dipping sauce, and optional rice paper for wrapping.

💡 Pro Tip: Eat the pancakes as soon as they’re served for the best crispiness!

3. How to Eat Crispy Pancake Like a Local?

There are two ways to enjoy Crispy Vietnamese Pancake in Ninh Thuan:

🍽️ 1. Eat it as is: Just dip the pancake into Nuoc Cham dipping sauce and enjoy the crunch!

🌯 2. Wrap & Roll Style:

Place a Crispy Vietnamese Pancake on a sheet of rice paper.
Add lettuce, herbs, and pickled carrots inside.
Roll it up like a spring roll, dip it into the sauce, and enjoy!

Both styles allow you to experience the perfect combination of crispy, fresh, and tangy flavors.

4. Where to Try the Best Crispy Vietnamese Pancake in Ninh Thuan?

If you’re visiting Ninh Thuan, here are the best places to try authentic Crispy Vietnamese Pancake:

448 Restaurant – 448, 21 Thang 8 Street, Ward 6, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan (thin, crispy, and loaded with seafood).
Restaurant on Quang Trung Street – 22 Quang Trung, Ward 2, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan (famous for its shrimp & squid version).
Co Chi Restaurant – 31 Tran Anh Tong, Khanh Hai Town, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Ninh Thuan
Hai Restaurant – Corner of Yen Ninh street, Ninh Chu beach, Ninh Chu, Ninh Hai, Ninh Thuan

These places serve some of the best, freshest, and crispiest pancakes you’ll find in Vietnam!

5. Why You Should Try Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes in Ninh Thuan?

A unique version of Vietnam’s famous street food, different from other regions.
Fresh seafood filling, making it perfect for coastal food lovers.
Crispy, fragrant, and well-balanced with herbs & dipping sauce.
A fun eating experience, where you can eat it plain or wrap it with fresh veggies.

Crispy Vietnamese Pancake is not just a snack—it’s a reflection of Ninh Thuan’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a fan of crispy textures, seafood, or Vietnamese street food, this dish is an absolute must-try!

💬 Have you ever tried Crispy Vietnamese Pancake? Which filling would you choose—shrimp, squid, or fish? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🥢