Banh Tam Bi - Traditional Bac Lieu Specialty

Banh tam bi, also known as banh tam bi to distinguish it from the sweet banh tam made from soft cassava, originated in Bac Lieu. This name comes from the elongated shape of the noodles, resembling silkworms, made from rice flour and water. Instead of combining it with chicken curry like the famous spicy banh tam ga in Ca Mau, Bac Lieu people have created another equally delicious dish: banh tam bi.

The Popularity and Specialty of Banh Tam Bi

One of the famous types of banh tam and considered a specialty of Bac Lieu is Ngan Dua banh tam in Hong Dan district. However, this dish has existed for a long time and is present in many other localities in Bac Lieu region, not just Ngan Dua banh tam.

Process of Making Handcrafted Rice Noodles

According to those who have culinary experience, handmade rice noodles will taste better than molded rice noodles. The process of selecting rice, soaking rice, grinding into flour and stirring all require skill to create soft, chewy noodles that are not dry or broken. However, you do not need to worry too much about this, because handmade rice noodles can be easily purchased at most central markets. This allows you to show off your ability to make rice noodles with pork skin for your family without having to go to Bac Lieu.

Prepare the Side Dish

In addition to making banh tam, preparing the accompanying skin also requires sophistication. After being boiled, the pork skin will be sliced to remove the fat, then cut into small, even strands. Depending on the restaurant, some places will mix the skin with boiled lean pork, or braised it in a salty, sweet way. The pork is also cut into small strands. The meat and skin will be mixed with "thánh" (finely ground roasted rice), the spices are added just enough, not too strong because there will be sweet and sour fish sauce and coconut milk to eat with.

How to Enjoy Banh Tam Bi

The steamed rice noodles are put into a bowl with bean sprouts, chopped cucumber, chopped raw vegetables and pork skin. Then, pour the thick caramelized coconut milk and chili fish sauce on top. You can eat it with some pickles. The rice noodles have a chewy texture combined with the salty, sweet and fragrant taste of pork fat, along with the delicious and sweet pork skin, creating a memorable culinary experience.

Places to Enjoy Banh Tam Bi in Bac Lieu

Although there are not many banh tam bi restaurants like other dishes such as hu tieu mi or pho, if you want to enjoy banh tam bi, there are still some places you can refer to such as: Cong Tu Bac Lieu Hotel - Restaurant, Ms. Nhan's banh tam restaurant on Le Duan Street, Que Noi's banh tam restaurant on Tran Huynh Street, and Ms. Mai's on Ly Tu Trong Street. Thank you for choosing iGuide to be your companion on this wonderful culinary journey!