Bánh khọt — the mini crispy Vietnamese cup-shaped pancakes made in a special cast-iron mold — is a rare specialty in San Diego. It's more commonly found in areas with large Vietnamese populations like Orange County, but a few San Diego restaurants with central/southern Vietnamese roots offer it.
Phuong Trang top-pick
Among Phuong Trang's 200+ dishes, banh khot makes an appearance as part of their extensive Vietnamese menu. The mini pancakes come out in their characteristic cup shapes with a shrimp perched on top, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Wrap them in lettuce with herbs and dip in dipping sauce. The portion is generous, and the quality is consistent with their other specialties.
Mien Trung Restaurant best-value
Mien Trung's central Vietnamese kitchen occasionally offers banh khot, and when they do, it's worth ordering. The batter is properly crispy, the shrimp are fresh, and the pancakes have the right contrast between the crunchy shell and the tender interior. Call ahead to check availability — it's not always on the menu, but their central Vietnamese expertise means they know how to make it.
Hoài Huế Restaurant hidden-gem
Hoai Hue's Hue-focused kitchen sometimes features banh khot among their specialties. The mini pancakes are made to order in the proper cast-iron mold, yielding the correct cup shape and crispy texture. When available, they're a delightful appetizer that showcases the kitchen's skill with Vietnamese batter-based dishes.