Hoi Krok: A Half Fried Oyster and Kanom Krok Hybrid in Phan Rang, Vietnam

Hoi Krok: A Half Fried Oyster and Kanom Krok Hybrid from Phan Rang city, Ninh Thuận province, Vietnam

When it comes to Vietnamese food that impressed me, mr.hotsia, the most on this trip, it has to be “Bánh Xèo,” also known to many asBanh Xeoor “Vietnamese savory crepes,” which I seriously tasted in Phan Rang city, Ninh Thuận province, southern Vietnam. This is a small town that feels like a hidden gem for travelers who love authentic local flavors. But I must say, the taste is far from ordinary!

Phan Rang, the capital city of Ninh Thuận province, is located about 350 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and is also near coastal cities like Nha Trang and Da Lat. This area is notable for its natural beauty and the ancient culture of the Cham people, still visible in ancient tombs and mountain structures. I, mr.hotsia, stayed here for 3 nights at the end of 2013. Despite some rain and storms, I had the chance to stroll around and taste local dishes that are hard to find elsewhere.

Bánh Xèo – An Extraordinary Savory Crepe

Bánh Xèo is a dish that looks like our local kanom krok or savory crepes, but its uniqueness lies in the thin, crispy batter and fully loaded fillings including pork, shrimp, squid, or some places add plenty of bean sprouts. It is served with a variety of fresh vegetables on the side, unlimited for dipping. It is one of the most popular dishes that locals in Phan Rang eat at every meal. I, mr.hotsia, saw Bánh Xèo shops lined up from morning till evening. Here I learned that you should order only a few pieces at a time to enjoy them hot, crispy, and fresh.

Interestingly, “Hoi Krok,” or Vietnamese kanom krok that I tried in Phan Rang, is a perfect blend of fried oyster and kanom krok. The difference is they use a special mold for the kanom krok and don’t add meat inside, but the flavor remains delicious with dipping sauce and fresh vegetables served alongside. I, mr.hotsia, can say the crispiness of the batter combined with the sweetness of the sauce and freshness of the vegetables made me forget our local kanom krok entirely.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere at Phan Rang Market

Walking through the local market in Phan Rang was another experience that impressed me, mr.hotsia, greatly. The market is full of cheerful local vendors selling fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, and all the ingredients needed to make Bánh Xèo and Hoi Krok. I saw fresh cooking right in front of the stove, both the thin, crispy Bánh Xèo and the sizzling crispy Hoi Krok.

I wandered through the market accompanied by the fragrant aroma of spices and herbs used in Vietnamese cuisine. Some stalls had fresh grilled button squid that I previously featured in my personal YouTube clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJlKOOOIIis), or Vietnamese-style chicken biryani with perfectly balanced spices (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV_blTlVn9k). This atmosphere made me feel that the food here is not just something to eat but a story of the lifestyle and culture of the locals in every bite.

Food Here Is Not Just to Eat, But an Experience

When talking about Vietnamese food, many might think of nem nuong or pho, but in Phan Rang, Ninh Thuận province, I, mr.hotsia, recommend opening your mind to try Bánh Xèo and Vietnamese Hoi Krok here. They are a perfect blend of crispy, sweet, rich, and salty flavors, and importantly, eaten with a variety of fresh vegetables that prevent any greasiness.

If anyone is interested in tasting local dishes and exploring the ancient culture of the Cham people, along with relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Ninh Thuận province, I, mr.hotsia, recommend planning a trip to Phan Rang city, Ninh Thuận province.I have already written detailed stories about this province.I guarantee you will get both a full stomach and an unforgettable impression that is hard to find elsewhere.

Additional Information for Travelers

Phan Rang is about 60 kilometers from Cam Ranh airport and is located between Nha Trang and Da Lat, making travel convenient. Although I encountered some unfavorable weather during my visit, the city’s atmosphere and the food I ate made all the fatigue disappear.

For those who enjoy ancient culture, Ninh Thuận also has ancient Cham tombs buried with stones over 2,500 years old, which are very interesting conservation sites. And if you want to see beautiful beaches and clear seas, there are places here to stroll and relax comfortably as well.

In summary, “Bánh Xèo” and “Vietnamese Hoi Krok” in Phan Rang city, Ninh Thuận province, are dishes that I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to experience for themselves because they are not just food but symbols of local culture that have been well preserved in this modern era.