No. 13 of my 100 things in Cabramatta.

Have you ever found it difficult to accurately describe something? Maybe a flavour you’ve tasted (how do you describe rainbow paddle pop? if you can, please comment below because I’ve been baffled for years) or a perfume you’ve smelt or a bánh xèo….

I’m a little annoyed that I cannot express in English the precise translation for it. Google suggests Vietnamese pancake, calzone or savoury crepe, but these don’t really convey the dish correctly. I guess of the three, crepe comes closest (if you prefer your banh xeo boring and soft…or with eggs and flour…*shakes head*).  Therefore, throughout my post I will refer to it simply as ‘bánh xèo’ (and as I do, I do it with affection).

The best  bánh xèos are (hands down) are at Que Huong. This shop is hidden down an old open air arcade known as “Belvedere Arcade”. Entering from John St, Que Huong is at the end of the arcade, almost where it opens up to Cabramatta road.

I love visiting Que Huong for my Banh Xeos. Half the charm is seeing the “Boss”. The Boss is a lean happy vietnamese man who is the NICEST person in all of Cabramatta. Apart from bánh xèos, Boss makes the meanest Vietnamese iced coffees (not recommended if you have a heart condition, but that’s for another post!). His original store was further west down John St (in another alleyway) but high rents meant that he had to  move to his current location.

Boss on the left with his blue Que Huong polo shirt. Random happy patron on the right.

Bánh xèos are his specialty and looking around the restaurant, that’s all I see on every table. These bánh xèos are not the small ones you see in Vietnam, oh no, they overflow on dinner plate! Many other restaurants serve bánh xèos that are doughy and/or oily. However, these are not in the lest bit oily. In fact, they have an unbelievably crispy skin, so thin, you have to wonder how it even bears it’s own weight without breaking!

Hello Yellow! Bright yellow from the tumeric.

I’ve opened one up for the photo.

Best eaten piping hot (the skin softens into a soggy lump when cold) you can break off a matchbox size portion and wrap it up with herbs and lettuce. Fish sauce dipping sauce is provided.

Best of all, its gluten free! The batter is made with rice flour, coconut milk and tumeric powder.

My banh xeo lettuce wrap

Other ladies chatting whilst wrapping up a banh xeo

Where? Que Huong, Belvedere Arcade (look for Subway) Shop 16/70 John St, Cabramatta (9723 9916)

How much? $10 for a bánh xèo