Bánh khọt — the mini crispy Vietnamese cups — are a specialty dish that's harder to find than their larger cousin bánh xèo. Sacramento has a handful of spots that do them right, with Saigon Oi leading the charge. These bite-sized treats require specialized pans and careful technique, so restaurants that offer them tend to take pride in the execution.
Saigon Oi top-pick
Saigon Oi is Sacramento's banh khot champion. Their mini savory cups come perfectly crisp on the outside, with a tender rice flour center topped with shrimp and scallions. The plate arrives with fresh greens and herbs for wrapping, plus a well-balanced dipping sauce for dipping. If you're ordering just one dish here, make it the banh khot or the banh xeo.
Quán Nem Ninh Hòa best-value
Quan Nem Ninh Hoa offers banh khot as part of their specialty Vietnamese dishes menu. The cups are properly crispy with good shrimp, and the herb plate is generous. Not quite as dialed in as Saigon Oi's version, but a solid choice when you're already there for the grilled spring rolls.
Hanoi 36 Streets hidden-gem
As a Northern Vietnamese specialist, Hanoi 36 Streets offers banh khot with a slightly different take — leaner and less coconut-heavy than the Southern style. The shrimp is fresh and the accompanying herbs and pickled vegetables are authentic. Worth trying if you want a version that leans closer to the Vung Tau original.nnSacramento's banh khot scene is small but mighty — Saigon Oi alone is worth the trip, and the other two round out a solid trio of options.