Bánh cuốn—steamed rice crepes filled with ground pork—is a delicate Northern Vietnamese breakfast specialty. Boston offers this at select establishments.
Pho Le Restaurant Top Pick
One of the most reliable banh cuon in Boston. The rice rolls are made fresh throughout the day, giving them that signature thin, almost translucent quality. The filling of seasoned pork and wood ear mushrooms is savory and aromatic, with the mushrooms providing a subtle crunch. Comes with the full accompaniment: fried shallots on top, Vietnamese sausage on the side, fresh cucumber slices, bean sprouts, and a bowl of dipping sauce for dipping. The herb plate includes mint and perilla.
Ánh Hồng Restaurant
Offers banh cuon with notably thinner, more delicate rice rolls. The skill required to make them this thin without tearing is considerable, and the kitchen here has clearly mastered it. The pork filling is well-seasoned with a hint of black pepper, and the fried shallots on top are always fresh and fragrant. The accompanying herbs and vegetables are generous — a hallmark of Anh Hong's Vietnamese authenticity.
Pho Basil
A solid banh cuon option when the other spots are crowded. The rolls are consistently fresh, and the filling-to-wrapper ratio is well-balanced. They offer it as a full meal with all the sides, and the dipping sauce has a slightly heavier garlic punch that some diners prefer. A reliable choice on Dorchester Avenue.