Banh beo chen — steamed rice cakes in small saucers — is a Central Vietnamese specialty that Dallas's Vietnamese restaurants serve as part of their appetizer menus. The dish requires proper steaming equipment and a commitment to the full garnish spread of dried shrimp, scallion oil, and fried shallots.
Bep Nha (Viet Kitchen) top-pick
Bep Nha's banh beo chen is the most complete version in Dallas, served in proper small ceramic dishes with the traditional garnishes: scallion oil, dried shrimp, fried shallots, and a side of nuoc cham for drizzling. The rice cakes are properly steamed — slightly dimpled in the center, tender but not gummy, and with a subtle rice fragrance that comes from good quality batter.
Bistro B best-value
Bistro B's banh beo chen is a competent, traditional version that comes with all the expected garnishes. The rice cakes are slightly firmer than Bep Nha's, which some diners prefer for the textural contrast with the soft scallion oil and crunchy shallots. It is a reliable order at one of Dallas's most consistent Vietnamese restaurants.
La Me hidden-gem
La Me offers a solid banh beo chen that is slightly more rustic in presentation but generous in portion. The dried shrimp topping is more abundant than at the other Walnut Street spots, and the scallion oil is particularly fragrant. It is a good option for banh beo lovers who want more of everything.nnFor banh beo chen in Dallas, Bep Nha delivers the most complete and properly executed version of this Central Vietnamese classic.