Sandwich Shop Goodies 6 – bánh dừa (coconut sticky rice stick)
If anything can be called the Vietnamese granola bar, it’s bánh dừa.
Coconut bánh. The simple name lends room for innocent confusions with the French Coco au Miel, the Malaysian kuih binka gandum, the coconut cookies, and a whole flock of other Vietnamese coconut treats also known as bánh dừa (with some additives like “grilled”, “honeyed”, or “lemon”). People of the deep south don’t get too fancy with names: when the bánh has coconut milk mixed with sticky rice and is wrapped in coconut leaves, it has every right to be call a coconut bánh. Besides, children identify it by the unique look.
A stiff, almost cylindrical case, as long as a palm and almost two fingers wide, is made from wrapping one single young coconut leaf around hours of training, to protect the glutinous rice and bean paste core for days in the tropics’ heat. The one I bought stays good for two weeks in the fridge, unwrapped.
Such longevity expectedly costs a good deal of skill and time. Wax sticky rice, a special cultivar in Vĩnh Long known for its gumminess and fragrance, is soaked in water at midnight. The banh makers wake up at 4am to wash the sticky rice as carefully as six to seven times to get rid of bran and dirt, the first step to delay spoilage. Washed sticky rice is then air dried, while the banh makers squeeze coconut milk out of grated coconut and wrap up the leafy tubes, which could turn an ugly wilting purple unless put in the shade. Dried sticky rice is mixed with coconut milk, salt and sugar, sometimes black beans, into a gooey mess to be portioned into the tubes. The first one third of the tube is sticky rice, then comes mung bean paste or half a ripe banana, and more sticky rice to fill up the tube. I will forever be puzzled by how to make the sweet filling perfectly in the middle of the sticky rice layer. There is also no clear instruction on how to tie up the banh with a string, but rest assured that there are many ways to get it wrong. If the string is too tight, sticky rice can’t rise and your bánh dừa is one dry stick. If the string is too loose, water vapor seeps in while steaming, your bánh dừa becomes half-porridge and spoils fast.
By 7am all wrapping is done, banh makers throw their sticks, now strung together in small bundles, into the boiling steamer for a solid 5 hours. The steam water is often mixed with alum to keep the case’s healthy yellow color, but too much alum can make the banh turn sour. At noon, fresh bánh dừa is ready for the markets.
Holding the light and compact banh in hand, I picture country kids of the Mekong Delta stick these coconut sticky rice sticks in their pockets and school bags for an early morning in the rice paddies, an afterlunch snack, a quick filler while running around with the kites. The coconut leaf unwraps swiftly with no effort, reveal a firm and chewy, fatty and nutty, salty and earthy treat that requires no reheating or refrigerating. Some may see it as merely a miniature bánh tét, but the coconut leaf gives bánh dừa its signature fragrance and a deserving separation from the banana leaf wrappers.
Bánh dừa is cheap. Ten years ago the Southern Vietnamese villagers sold them for 500VND a stick. Inflation brings it up to 2000VND these days, roughly 11 US cents. The ones in San Jose banh mi stores cost one wild buck each, but they often lie on the counter unnoticed for who knows how long. “Posh” customers don’t go for the leafy wrapped treats when plastic and styrofoam and colorful packaging look more sanitized. City kids are not attracted to these because they don’t scream chocolate and sugar. Like the old country ham of North Carolina, bánh dừa has fallen out of the trend, and most of their makers have long put away the steamers for something more profitable.
I had a bánh dừa for dinner today. How much longer will its kind stay in the market to compete against the Western sweets? I don’t know.
————————–
Got it from: Kim’s Sandwiches
(in the Lion Supermarket area)
1816 Tully Rd 182, San Jose, CA 95111
(408) 270-8903
—————————
Previously on Sandwich Shop Goodies: bánh khảo/bánh in
Next on Sandwich Shop Goodies: bắp hầm (Vietnamese whole kernel grits)
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
1Thanks for any other excellent post. Where else may just anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect approach of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.
2I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i am happy to exhibit that I have an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most indubitably will make certain to don’t put out of your mind this web site and give it a glance on a constant basis.
3I am extremely inspired along with your writing skills as well as with the layout for your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to peer a great weblog like this one today..
4I wish to express appreciation to the writer just for bailing me out of this trouble. As a result of scouting through the world-wide-web and coming across basics which are not powerful, I assumed my entire life was gone. Living devoid of the approaches to the problems you’ve solved all through this blog post is a critical case, as well as the ones which could have adversely damaged my career if I hadn’t come across your web page. Your own personal knowledge and kindness in touching all the details was crucial. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not come across such a step like this. It’s possible to at this moment look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time so much for the impressive and results-oriented help. I won’t think twice to recommend the website to anybody who needs to have care on this problem.
5Very interesting subject, appreciate it for posting.
6I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
7Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!
8I was very happy to seek out this web-site.I wanted to thanks on your time for this wonderful learn!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
9I’ve read some good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you put to make any such great informative web site.
10There are definitely a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to convey up. I supply the ideas above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where an important factor will probably be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around issues like that, however I am sure that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each boys and girls feel the influence of only a second’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
11Perfectly written content, thankyou for entropy.
12Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips for newbie blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
13I have to show my thanks to you just for rescuing me from this matter. Right after looking through the the web and seeing advice that were not powerful, I believed my entire life was over. Existing devoid of the approaches to the difficulties you’ve solved as a result of your guide is a critical case, as well as ones which could have in a negative way damaged my career if I hadn’t encountered your blog. The competence and kindness in touching every aspect was very useful. I am not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t come upon such a thing like this. I’m able to at this time look forward to my future. Thank you very much for this professional and effective guide. I won’t hesitate to suggest your web blog to anyone who would like direction about this subject matter.
14I like this weblog very much, Its a very nice position to read and incur info . “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.” by Ernest Hemingway.
15여기여 주소모음 | 링크모음·최신주소 확인 가이드 여기여 주소모음과 링크모음의 의미부터 분야별 사이트 바로가기, 최신주소 확인 방법까지 안내합니다. 접속 오류 점검, 모바일 이용법, 자주 묻는 질문을 확인하고 필요한 서비스를 찾아보세요.
16Somebody essentially assist to make seriously articles I would state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular submit amazing. Excellent job!
17I’ve recently started a site, the information you provide on this website has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
18I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks a lot
19Thanks – Enjoyed this update, is there any way I can get an update sent in an email every time you write a new update?
20Super-Duper blog! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also
21Well I truly enjoyed studying it. This subject offered by you is very constructive for correct planning.
22Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have truly loved browsing your weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing for your feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!
23Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
24whoah this blog is great i love reading your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.
25Hi, Neat post. There is an issue along with your site in internet explorer, could check thisK IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large component of people will miss your fantastic writing due to this problem.
26My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on various websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
27Excellent site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get feed-back from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Cheers!
28Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
29An interesting discussion is value comment. I feel that you should write extra on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers
30Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the internet. Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this publish higher! Come on over and seek advice from my site . Thank you =)
31I am writing to make you understand of the great experience my child obtained viewing your blog. She noticed some details, which included how it is like to have an incredible coaching heart to let a number of people really easily know just exactly some impossible subject matter. You really exceeded our own expectations. Many thanks for presenting the interesting, safe, explanatory and fun tips on the topic to Mary.
32Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in reality was once a entertainment account it. Look advanced to more brought agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
33I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
34포항오피를 검색하며 포항 지역 일반 마사지·스파를 알아보는 분들을 위한 안내입니다. 프로그램 선택, 관리 시간과 비용, 시설·위생, 주차, 예약 전 확인사항과 자주 묻는 질문을 정리했습니다.
35I like the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great articles.
36경기도 성남출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 자택·호텔 방문 상담, 선입금 없는 예약 및 현장 결제 기준을 확인하세요. 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간은 주소와
37Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
38강남출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 예약 방법을 확인하세요. 서울 강남구 역삼동·삼성동·논현동·신사동·압구정동·청담동·대치동·도곡동·개포동·수서동 등 주소별
39강남출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 예약 방법을 확인하세요. 서울 강남구 역삼동·삼성동·논현동·신사동·압구정동·청담동·대치동·도곡동·개포동·수서동 등 주소별
40경기도 김포출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 자택·호텔 방문 상담, 선입금 없는 예약 및 현장 결제 기준을 확인하세요. 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간은 주소와
41경기도 김포출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 자택·호텔 방문 상담, 선입금 없는 예약 및 현장 결제 기준을 확인하세요. 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간은 주소와
42Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
43경기도 구리출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 자택·호텔 방문 상담, 선입금 없는 예약 및 현장 결제 기준을 확인하세요. 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간은 주소와
44I will right away grab your rss feed as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
45경기도 구리출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 자택·호텔 방문 상담, 선입금 없는 예약 및 현장 결제 기준을 확인하세요. 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간은 주소와
46It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
47I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?
48he blog was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Thanks
49After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any method you may remove me from that service? Thanks!
50