(Bánh Tráng Nướng)

If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of Saigon or wandered around night markets in Da Lat, chances are you’ve seen (and definitely smelled!) the sizzling goodness of Bánh Tráng Nướng. Crispy, golden, eggy goodness sizzling away on a small charcoal grill. This beloved Vietnamese rice paper pizza is the street food hero you didn’t know you needed until now.

In Vietnam, this snack is a must-try for both locals and tourists. It’s crunchy, savoury, and endlessly customisable. It’s also quick to make and incredibly fun to eat, especially when folded up like a taco and devoured hot off the pan!

Whether you’re looking for a new snack to spice up your weekday lunch or want to impress friends at your next get-together, this rice paper pizza recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What is Vietnamese Rice Paper Pizza (Bánh Tráng Nướng)?

Literally translated as “grilled rice paper,” Bánh Tráng Nướng is often dubbed the “Vietnamese pizza”, but don’t expect mozzarella and tomato sauce here! This version is lighter, crispier, and uniquely Vietnamese.

A sheet of thin, crispy rice paper forms the base. It’s then topped with a beaten egg, scallions, or red onion, and your choice of savoury toppings, such as dried meat floss, crushed peanuts, prawns, bacon, or cheese. To finish, drizzle it with creamy Kewpie mayo or fiery chilli oil, fold it in half, and take a bite. It’s crunchy, rich, and deeply satisfying.

Fun fact: This dish gained popularity in Da Lat, a cool mountainous city in Central Vietnam, and quickly became a national street food staple. It’s commonly eaten in the late afternoon or evening, often enjoyed while sitting on tiny plastic stools with a cold drink in hand. Iconic, right?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for one tasty Vietnamese-style rice paper pizza:

  • 1 sheet of rice paper
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp spring onions or red onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toppings (see suggestions below!)
  • 2 tsp Kewpie mayo or to taste (optional but recommended)
  • BP Chilli Oil, to taste

Suggested Toppings for Vietnamese Rice Paper Pizza

The beauty of Bánh Tráng Nướng lies in its customisability. Mix and match your faves:

  • Crushed peanuts
  • Meat floss (also called pork floss or “ruốc”)
  • Cooked prawns
  • Cooked bacon bits
  • Slices of pork belly
  • Vietnamese sausages (chả lụa or lạp xưởng)
  • Spinach or baby greens
  • Cheese

How to Make Vietnamese Rice Paper Pizza

Step-by-step Instructions:

  1. Whisk the Egg
    Lightly beat one egg in a small bowl. You can use two eggs if you’re feeling extra hungry, but traditionally, one does the trick.
  2. Prep Your Pan
    Place a single sheet of rice paper onto a dry, non-stick pan over medium heat. No oil is needed!
  3. Add the Egg
    Once the edges of the rice paper start to curl slightly, gently pour your beaten egg into the centre. Use a spoon or brush to spread the egg evenly, right to the edges, but be careful not to let it spill over.
  4. Top It Off
    Sprinkle your sliced onions and chosen toppings over the egg while it’s still wet. Go wild or keep it classic; your pizza, your rules.
  5. Cook Evenly
    Continuously move the rice paper around the pan to avoid burning and to ensure an even cook. The rice paper will crisp up, and the egg will set in just a couple of minutes.
  6. Sauce It Up
    Once the egg is cooked, drizzle over your Kewpie mayo and that glorious Boat People Chilli Oil. This is where the flavour magic happens!
  7. Serve it Like a Local
    In Vietnam, these are often folded in half for easy, on-the-go munching. But hey, feel free to serve it flat and slice it like a Western pizza if you’re feeling fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, eggy, and loaded with umami
  • Perfect as a snack, appetiser, or light meal
  • Super quick, ready in under 10 minutes
  • Great way to use up leftovers and fridge bits
  • Gluten-free and customisable for all diets

Pro Tips For Perfect Vietnamese Rice Paper Pizza

  • If your rice paper starts to burn before the egg sets, reduce the heat.
  • Try pre-cooking ingredients like bacon or prawns before adding them. The egg cooks fast, so you don’t want raw meat in there!
  •  Don’t oversaturate your rice paper. Less is more when it comes to wet toppings and sauces.
  • This is a great kid-friendly (with adult supervision!) recipe, too; leave out the chilli oil and let them add their own toppings!

A Taste of Vietnam in Every Bite

Whether you’re missing the flavours of Vietnam or just starting to explore Southeast Asian street food, this Vietnamese rice paper pizza brings the spirit of Bánh Tráng Nướng straight to your kitchen. It’s fast, fun, and incredibly satisfying, with no passport required.

So, grab your rice paper, whisk up that egg, and create your own street food masterpiece. You’ll be amazed at just how easy and delicious it is.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Have your own topping combos or fun memories of eating Bánh Tráng Nướng on the streets of Vietnam? Drop them in the comments below; we love hearing your foodie stories!