For all the magic involved in Vietnamese cuisine, it's surprising how few of the country's dishes have made it abroad. Of course, you'll have no trouble finding foreigners who love phở or appreciate the occasional bánh mì, but beyond a handful of standard Vietnamese meals, there is a whole realm of local cuisine the world has yet to experience.
Which is perhaps why Vietnamese-American Youtuber Richie Le and his two friends are so enthusiastic about bánh xèo. In the video below, the trio prepare small versions of the savory pancake with the usual ingredients – pork belly, xá xíu, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung bean – and are thrilled to share with the world what we all know to be a glorious invention of Vietnamese cuisine.
As for the taco portion of the meal, this comes more in the consumption of the bánh xèo than in any Mexican-inspired twist. Rather than piecing apart the pancakes and rolling them up in fresh greens, Le and his buddies use the large lettuce leaves as an outer shell to the bánh xèo, creating a handheld, taco-like snack that can be enjoyed without utensils.
However you choose to eat your pancakes, it's clear that more people need to know about the deliciousness of Vietnamese food.
[Video via YouTube user Richie Le]
