Banh Khot in Ottawa — Crispy Mini Coconut Pancakes at Vietnam Palace
Looking for banh khot in Ottawa? If you’ve typed “banh khot near me” hoping to find these irresistible mini Vietnamese pancakes, Vietnam Palace is your answer. Tucked into Ottawa’s Chinatown on Somerset Street, Vietnam Palace has been serving authentic Vietnamese classics since 1989. Banh khot — crispy little coconut cups topped with shrimp — are the ultimate two-bite treat, and we make them the traditional way.
What Is Banh Khot?
Banh khot are bite-sized savoury Vietnamese pancakes cooked in a special dimpled cast-iron pan that gives each one a crispy, golden shell and a soft, custardy centre. Think of them as the miniature cousins of banh xeo: same coconut-and-turmeric rice batter, but formed into little cups instead of one big crepe. Each one is crowned with a plump shrimp and a sprinkle of scallion oil and dried shrimp. They’re crunchy outside, tender inside, and impossible to eat just one.
Where Banh Khot Comes From
Banh khot is a specialty of Vung Tau, a seaside city in southern Vietnam famous for its fresh seafood. Because of its coastal roots, the classic topping is a whole shrimp, celebrating the region’s access to the ocean. Over time banh khot spread throughout the south of Vietnam and became a beloved street snack and appetizer. Today it’s a favourite anywhere Vietnamese food is served — including right here in Ottawa.
How Banh Khot Is Made
The magic is in the pan. A cast-iron mould with round wells is heated until very hot and brushed with oil so each pancake fries crisp. The rice-flour batter — flavoured with coconut milk and turmeric for colour — is poured into each well, topped with a shrimp, then covered so the tops steam and set. When the edges turn lacy and deep golden, the little cakes are lifted out and finished with fragrant scallion oil and a dusting of dried shrimp or mung bean. Timing is everything: too soon and they’re soft, too late and they burn. We watch every batch closely.
Key Ingredients
Banh khot relies on a short list of quality ingredients: a rice-flour batter enriched with coconut milk and coloured with turmeric, fresh shrimp on top, scallion oil for aroma, and a scatter of dried shrimp or ground mung bean. Like most Vietnamese finger foods, it’s served with a plate of lettuce and fresh herbs and a bowl of tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce.
How to Eat Banh Khot
Banh khot is a wrap-and-dip dish. Pop a mini pancake onto a leaf of lettuce, add a few sprigs of mint or perilla, fold it into a little parcel, and dunk it into nuoc cham. The crisp shell, the soft centre, the sweet shrimp and the fresh herbs come together in one perfect bite. They’re fantastic shared as a starter for the table — order a plate and watch them disappear.
Flavor Profile
Every banh khot delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, slightly sweet coconut interior. The shrimp adds brininess, the scallion oil brings savoury aroma, and the herbs and nuoc cham keep things bright and balanced. They’re rich but never heavy — a little addictive, honestly.
Why Vietnam Palace’s Banh Khot Stands Out
Making proper banh khot takes the right pan, the right batter and a cook who knows exactly when to lift each cake. At Vietnam Palace we make ours the traditional way — crispy-edged, coconut-rich and topped with real shrimp — served with a full plate of fresh herbs, lettuce and house nuoc cham. They’re the perfect start to a meal alongside our spring rolls and a bowl of bun bo hue or pho.
Serving Ottawa’s Chinatown Since 1989
For more than 30 years, Vietnam Palace has been a cornerstone of Ottawa’s Chinatown. Our home at 623 Somerset St W sits in the city’s Vietnamese dining hub, minutes from downtown, Little Italy and the ByWard Market. Whether you’re a longtime regular or discovering banh khot for the first time, we welcome you with the same family recipes we’ve served since 1989. Explore how we rank among the top Vietnamese restaurants in Ottawa.
Banh Khot vs. Banh Xeo
| Feature | Banh Khot | Banh Xeo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Bite-sized mini cups | One large folded crepe |
| Pan | Dimpled cast-iron mould | Wide skillet or wok |
| Topping/Filling | Whole shrimp on top | Shrimp, pork & bean sprouts inside |
| Texture | Crispy shell, custardy centre | Lacy-crisp, tender middle |
| Served with | Lettuce, herbs, nuoc cham | Lettuce, herbs, nuoc cham |
Perfect Pairings for Banh Khot
Banh khot make a fantastic starter before a bowl of pho or bun bo hue. Part of the joy of eating at Vietnam Palace is building a spread. Start with a shareable appetizer, add banh khot, and round things out with a steaming bowl of noodle soup. Vietnamese meals are meant to be communal, colourful and balanced — a mix of textures, temperatures and flavours across the table. Our servers are always happy to suggest combinations, whether you’re dining with a big group or just treating yourself to a solo feast. Wash it all down with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee or a refreshing herbal drink for the full experience.
Dine In, Take Out, or Order for a Group
However you like to eat, Vietnam Palace makes it easy. Dine in and enjoy banh khot fresh from the kitchen in our welcoming Chinatown dining room, or call ahead for takeout when you’re on the move. Planning a family gathering, office lunch or celebration? We regularly cater to larger groups and can help you put together an order that feeds everyone. To order or reserve, call us at (613) 232-8666 or book a table online. You can always browse the full lineup on our menu page before you decide.
Why Ottawa Keeps Coming Back for Banh Khot
Ottawa’s Vietnamese food scene is centred on Somerset Street, and Vietnam Palace has been at its heart for over 35 years. Diners return again and again because we stay true to authentic recipes and fresh ingredients rather than chasing shortcuts. Students from nearby campuses, downtown professionals, families and food lovers from across the National Capital Region all find their way to our tables. When people search for “banh khot near me” in Ottawa, they’re looking for the real thing — and that’s exactly what we’ve served since 1989. Come taste the difference that decades of experience and genuine Vietnamese hospitality make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get banh khot near me in Ottawa?
Vietnam Palace at 623 Somerset St W serves authentic banh khot in Ottawa’s Chinatown. If you’re searching “banh khot near me,” we’re easy to reach from downtown, Centretown and Little Italy.
What is banh khot?
Banh khot are crispy mini Vietnamese coconut pancakes cooked in a dimpled cast-iron pan, topped with shrimp and scallion oil, and eaten wrapped in lettuce and herbs with nuoc cham dipping sauce.
What’s the difference between banh khot and banh xeo?
Both use the same coconut-turmeric rice batter, but banh khot are small individual cups topped with shrimp, while banh xeo is one big folded crepe filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts.
Are banh khot gluten-free?
The pancake batter is rice-flour based and naturally gluten-free, but the dipping sauce and shared cooking equipment may contain gluten. Let our staff know about allergies and we’ll help you order safely.
How many banh khot come in an order?
Banh khot are served as a shareable plate of several mini pancakes — perfect as an appetizer for the table. Call (613) 232-8666 for current portion sizes and availability.
Can I order banh khot for takeout?
Yes, banh khot is available for takeout. They’re crispiest fresh, so we suggest enjoying them soon after pickup for the best crunch.
Do banh khot have shrimp?
Traditional banh khot are topped with a whole shrimp. If you have a shellfish allergy or dietary preference, please ask our staff about options before ordering.
Order or Reserve at Vietnam Palace
Ready to taste the real thing? View our full menu, call us at (613) 232-8666, or book a table online. Vietnam Palace has been serving Ottawa’s Chinatown from 623 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K5 since 1989 — walk in, take out, or reserve for your group.