Vietnamese Bánh Bò

Bánh Bò is a traditional Vietnamese steamed rice cake known for its distinctive honeycomb-like texture and sweet, coconut-infused flavor. It is made from a simple batter of rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, sugar, and yeast, then steamed until it develops a spongy, chewy interior and a slightly sticky exterior. This popular dessert or snack originates from Southern Vietnam and is often enjoyed during festivals or as a casual treat.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

As a carbohydrate-rich snack primarily made from rice flour and sugar, Bánh Bò provides quick energy but is relatively low in protein and fat. A typical serving contains roughly 150-200 calories, with the main nutrients being simple carbs and small amounts of minerals like iron from the rice flour.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	2 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	150 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Potassium	50 mg
Phosphorus	40 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.8 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Zinc	0.3 mg

Per 1 piece (approx. 80 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

What makes Bánh Bò unique is its fermentation process, which creates the signature airy, honeycomb structure without using eggs—a technique that showcases traditional Vietnamese ingenuity in texture creation. Nutritionally, it serves as a light, easily digestible energy source, making it a popular choice for a quick pick-me-up or a festive dessert.