1. Overview and Distinctive Features
Bánh Hỏi An Nhứt is a traditional delicacy originating from the An Nhứt commune in Long Điền District, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. This dish features fine, woven rice vermicelli sheets that resemble lacework, known for their soft texture and elegant presentation. Unlike typical noodles, bánh hỏi is steamed and served in thin, flat layers, often infused with scallion oil and paired with grilled meats, especially pork or boiled pig intestines. What makes Bánh Hỏi An Nhứt special is its artisanal preparation, unique regional style, and the harmony between flavors and textures.

2. Key Ingredients
The star ingredient is high-quality rice, which is finely ground and processed into rice vermicelli through a meticulous traditional method. Other components include scallion oil (mỡ hành), fresh herbs, pickled vegetables (usually carrots and daikon), and your choice of protein – commonly grilled pork, pork belly, or pork intestines. It’s also served with a flavorful dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, chili, and sugar.

3. How It’s Cooked
The process begins by soaking and grinding rice into a smooth batter, then steaming it into thin sheets before cutting it into fine, hair-thin noodles. These noodles are delicately woven into thin mats or bundles. A drizzle of fragrant scallion oil adds richness and aroma. The accompanying pork is either grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor or simmered until tender. The dipping sauce is prepared fresh to ensure a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes.

4. Serving and Enjoying
Bánh Hỏi is typically served on a large platter with layers of rice vermicelli, topped with scallion oil and fried shallots, alongside grilled or boiled meat, herbs, pickles, and rice paper for wrapping. Diners wrap the ingredients together, dip them into the sauce, and enjoy the explosion of textures – soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, tender meat, and the refreshing contrast from herbs. It’s often eaten as a breakfast or brunch dish and is perfect for sharing.

5. Cultural Significance
Bánh Hỏi An Nhứt is more than just a dish – it’s a cultural pride of Vũng Tàu’s rural area. Passed down through generations, it represents the meticulous craftsmanship and traditional food values of the region. Families often prepare it during celebrations or ancestral worship ceremonies. Today, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Vũng Tàu who wants to experience authentic local flavors with historical roots.