Bánh căn Lệ

A very popular local joint selling grilled rice cakes. Long queue outside. Fairly big seating capacity inside. Choice of different fillings from egg to squid. We choose the mixed to get a sample of everything. You need to order the drip and mango salad separately too. No English menu. Got help from a helpful local at the next table. One serving is 10 pieces. Meant for one person.

Eating Bánh Căn in Đà Lạt was a truly eye-opening experience for me. Over the past few months, I’ve been exploring all kinds of Vietnamese food — and everywhere I go, the flavours just keep getting better and better. During our time in Đà Lạt, my girlfriend brought me to Bánh Căn Lệ — a small, celebrated spot that’s recently gone viral on TikTok and other social platforms. Located at 27/44 Yersin (in a little alley) in Đà Lạt, this place is famous locally and loved by visitors.  Here’s how the dish worked for me: • The pancake-like cakes are made from rice flour (and in Đà Lạt often egg is added) and cooked in individual moulds or clay pots over charcoal until they get a thin crispy crust and a soft, creamy inside.  • At Bánh Căn Lệ, the toppings vary: you’ll find versions with minced beef, quail eggs or chicken eggs, even seafood.  • The cakes are served hot, stacked or in groups, and come with a dipping sauce which — in Đà Lạt — is commonly a fish-sauce base with chopped onions and sometimes a hint of sour mango or chilli for extra kick.  • The dish is often paired with little meatballs (sometimes called xíu mại) and served with sausage (chả) on the side.  I found the contrast of textures and flavours especially memorable — the crisp-edged pancake, then the gooey (or creamy) interior with egg, then dipping it into a richly seasoned sauce… it all made for a very satisfying breakfast or light meal. The shop at Bánh Căn Lệ is modest but filled with character. The kind of place where you might have to wait 10-15 minutes as fresh batches are cooked, but it’s well worth it.  If you’re visiting Đà Lạt, I definitely recommend you stop by Bánh Căn Lệ — and here are a few tips to make the most of it: • Go earlier in the morning, as the pancake batches are freshest then (and Đà Lạt’s cool air makes a hot treat even more enjoyable). • Ask for a variety of toppings — the beef, egg and seafood choices each bring something different. • Don’t skip the sauce: the fish sauce (or sometimes mắm nêm) base with chilli/onion is what elevates the pancakes. • Pair with a simple side (they often offer small sausages or meatballs) and maybe a warm drink — it’s a cozy local breakfast.

A must visit when in Da Lat! This is one of the most famous Bánh Căn Lệ spots and it truly feels local you can watch them making the bánh căn fresh right in front of you The smoky flavour and perfect texture were so good, and portions are quite big. Even during Tết, the staff managed to find us a table. A great local brunch spot I highly recommend!

Must have! Food was so good. We sat in the front so it was extra smoky and hot but the food made up for it. I tried both dipping sauce and thought they were both good. Price was reasonable as well.

Hot food w dipping sauce Free hot tea Animal friendly Not recommend soy drink for 25/each