Bánh tráng trộn explained

Bánh tráng trộn (meaning mixed rice paper or rice paper salad^[1] in Vietnamese), is a popular Vietnamese street food made of rice paper mixing with a varieties of other ingredients. Originated as a snack for school students, bánh tráng trộn has since gained popularity in all over Vietnam and with oversea Vietnamese communities.^{[2] [3] [4] [5]}

Ingredients and variations

Ingredients of bánh tráng trộn are varied regions by regions, but the core ingredients typically include rice paper strips/cuts, seasoned salt, chili powder, dried shrimp, flavoring oils and seasoned fried onions.^{[6] [7]} Other popular ingredients are dried beef jerky strips, minced green mango, peanuts, fresh mint, basil, soft quail eggs and many kinds of sauces.^{[8] [6] [9] [1]}

Bánh tráng trộn is known as a satisfying and enjoyable snack due to its many unique regional combinations of textures.^{[10] [11] [9] [6] [12]} The chewy rice paper mix is a combination of sour, sweet, nutty, spicy and richness and can be further enhanced by the addition of fresh herbs and dressings.^{[13] [12]} Some chefs even offer prepackaged Vietnamese rice paper salad kits, which include most of the necessary ingredients for the dish.^[14] In Vietnam, the dish is often served by street vendors in plastic bags or box, along with a set of chopsticks for easy consumption.^{[15] [16]}

In Vietnam culture

Bánh tráng trộn is often considered as one of symbols of Vietnamese street food culture, particularly in Southern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.^[12] The dish gains international exposure and can now be found in various countries around the world, such as Australia and the United States.^[17] In 2021, Miss Grand winner Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien chose bánh tráng trộn as the representative food of Vietnam during her Miss Grand International pageant audition.^[18] Andrew Zimmern, a celebrity chef, has called bánh tráng trộn "Vietnam in a bag".^[1]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Where Is The Best Street Food In Saigon? Here's 12 Of Our Favorites And Where To Eat Them Downtown. David. Kaye. April 7, 2023. The Dot Magazine | Your Insider Guide To Saigon And Beyond.
2. Web site: Rice paper salad – A popular street food in Vietnam. Vietnam Investment Review-. VIR. December 24, 2018. Vietnam Investment Review – VIR.
3. Web site: Following in the footsteps of foreign tourists eating in Hanoi: All the familiar dishes of Hanoi's youth. Breaking News, Latest World News Updates – VietReader Viet Nam.
4. Web site: Pancakes – famous delicious snacks of Da Nang. Breaking News, Latest World News Updates – VietReader Viet Nam.
5. Web site: Saigon street food in Boston: Not your typical Vietnamese meals. Ha. Ta.
6. Web site: Lonely Planet: The Best and Delicious Street Food You Can Find In Vietnam. Vietnam. Times. November 13, 2021. Vietnam Times.
7. Web site: Your Definitive Guide to Saigon Street Snacks. www.airasia.com.
8. Web site: Vietnamese street food: Best guide for your culinary journey. vinpearl.com.
9. Web site: Cake mix – Recipe Unilever Food Solutions.
10. Web site: Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad Bánh Tráng Trộn. Vy. Tran. June 9, 2021.
11. Web site: Food Guide: What Can You Eat In Saigon In 24 Hours. Josee. Ng. January 10, 2022.
12. Web site: Rice paper salad a signature street food in HCM City. vietnamnews.vn.
13. Web site: 5 cách làm bánh tráng trộn ngon tại nhà với công thức pha nước sốt đơn giản. September 3, 2022. Việt Times Australia.
14. Web site: Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad (Bánh Tráng Trộn). January 15, 2023. Vicky Pham.
15. Web site: Vietnamese Mixed Rice Paper Street Food (Banh Trang Tron). www.vietnamtourism.org.vn.
16. Web site: Bánh tráng trộn or Vietnamese mixed rice paper, a famous Hanoi street food. May 28, 2018.
17. Web site: Nữ doanh nhân bán bánh tráng trộn cho người Mỹ. cafebiz.vn.
18. Web site: Hoa hậu chọn bánh tráng trộn giới thiệu với bạn bè quốc tế. November 9, 2021. nld.com.vn.