Bánh khọt — mini savory coconut crepes — are like a bite-sized version of bánh xèo, made in special cast-iron molds that give them a crispy, lacy edge and a tender center. The batter includes coconut milk for richness and turmeric for color, and each mini crepe is topped with a whole shrimp. In Boston, they're a specialty item at a few Dorchester spots.
Ánh Hồng Restaurant top-pick
Anh Hong's banh khot are among the best in Boston. The mini crepes come out of the kitchen with perfectly crispy, lacy edges that shatter when you bite into them, giving way to a tender, custardy center. Each one is topped with a whole sweet shrimp, and they're served with a generous herb platter and dipping sauce. The portion is generous — usually a dozen or more per order.
Pho Le Restaurant best-value
Pho Le offers a solid version of banh khot. Their crepes are slightly thicker than Anh Hong's, with a more substantial texture. The coconut milk in the batter is pronounced, giving them a rich, almost creamy flavor. The shrimp on top are plump and well-seasoned.
Pho Basil hidden-gem
Pho Basil's banh khot are a reliable option. The crepes are consistently crispy and fresh, with good shrimp-to-batter ratio. They're served with a well-balanced dipping sauce and all the usual accompaniments.