Bánh bột lọc

Bánh bột lọc is a cherished Vietnamese delicacy known for its small, chewy tapioca dumplings that have an almost translucent appearance. Typically, these dumplings are filled with shrimp and pork belly, topped with crispy fried shallots, and served with a sweet chili fish sauce. The dish originates from Huế, a region celebrated for its simple yet refined culinary traditions. The name "bánh bột lọc" roughly translates to "clear flour cake" aptly describing the appearance of these dumplings.

There are different versions of bánh bột lọc. Some are wrapped in banana leaves (called bánh bột lọc lá), while others are left unwrapped (known as bánh bột lọc trần). The fillings can also vary, featuring anything from shrimp and pork belly to ground pork, mushrooms, and onions. Making these dumplings involves crafting a dough from tapioca starch, stuffing it with the chosen filling, and then cooking them either by boiling or steaming.