Bánh Gối

Fact: Bánh gối is on the list of the top 40 Vietnamese dishes voted by CNN.

Bánh Gối: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/bahn goy/

Alternative Name(s)

Bánh xếp, bánh quai vạc

Dish Type

Dumplings, snacks

Course

Appetizer

Mealtime

Anytime

Bánh Gối: Origin and Region

Origin

Vietnam

Continent’s Region

Southeast Asia

Country’s Region

Northern Vietnam

Associated Region

Hai Phong, Hanoi

Popular Bánh Gối Variations

Bánh Gối Cà Ri

This version features a curry-flavored filling, often with a mixture of spices typical of a curry dish

Bánh Gối Ngọt

A sweet variant of bánh gối, possibly filled with mung beans, coconut, or durian meat

Bánh Gối Chay

The vegetarian option, which excludes meat and includes mung beans, glass noodles, and vegetables

Bánh gối is a Vietnamese crescent-shaped fried pastry that was first known in Hai Phong and Hanoi in 1955. Named after its pillow shape, bánh gối is a popular street snack to the locals, with the Central region calling it bánh quai vạc and the South referring to the pastry as bánh xếp.

Traditionally, this fried pastry possesses a crunchy texture while the filling is a mix of wood ear mushroom, minced pork, quail eggs, and glass noodles. Alternatively, options like potatoes and beans are also used for making bánh gối.

Aside from the savory choice, this Vietnamese fried pastry also has sweet picks when filled with sweetened mung bean, coconut, peanuts, or durian meat.

Interestingly, bánh gối is believed to be inspired by Spanish empanadas and pastels, while others see it as a version of Guangdong’s yau gok.

So come along to uncover the versions of bánh gối along with the methods of making this fried pastry.

Then, find out all the positive and negative features of eating this pastry before exploring some concerns relating to bánh gối. Also, make sure to explore some specialties that are like bánh gối.

Bánh Gối Images

Golden brown and crispy bánh gối having a flaky wrapper.

Bánh gối served on a plate accompanied by fresh vegetables

Multiple bánh gối fried to a yellow color.

Bánh gối served with a bowl of dipping sauce with pickled vegetables.

What Are the Variants of Bánh Gối?

In Vietnam, just a slight change in the filling or cooking methods of bánh gối results in many variations in the country:

Bánh Gối Cà Ri

This version features a curry-flavored filling, often with a mixture of spices typical of a curry dish

Bánh Gối Ngọt

A sweet variant of bánh gối, possibly filled with mung beans, coconut, or durian meat

Bánh Gối Chay

The vegetarian option, which excludes meat and includes mung beans, glass noodles, and vegetables

Bánh Gối Hấp

Characterized by a chewy, glutinous texture in the dough, which is achieved by steaming

When you already know about the various types of Vietnamese fried pastry, stick around to discover the process of bringing this treat to life.

How to Make Bánh Gối?

Here’s the common way that bánh gối is made by the locals using the simplest ingredients found anywhere:

• Dough preparation: Begin by making a dough that is pliable yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
• Filling preparation: Mix the filling, which typically includes a protein such as pork, mushrooms, and seasonings, until well combined.
• Assembling: Roll out the dough into small circles, place a portion of the filling onto one half along with a quail egg, and then fold the dough over to encase the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
• Sealing: Press the edges of the dough together to seal, ensuring there are no gaps for the filling to escape during frying. The edges can be crimped for a decorative touch and to help seal them.
• Frying: Deep-fry the pastries in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serving: Drain the fried bánh gối on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve while hot, often with a dipping sauce on the side.

Before eating bánh gối, you should note the benefits and drawbacks of eating this fried pastry to avoid any unwanted effects on your diet.

Pros and Cons of Eating Bánh Gối

Before eating bánh gối, it’s important that you’re aware of the effects that this street food treat has on your body:

After knowing about the good and bad of enjoying bánh gối, I suggest taking a look at some concerns that people have about these fried pastries.

Bánh Gối FAQs