Bánh xèo — the crispy, turmeric-yellow Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts — is a dish that requires skill to execute properly. The batter must be thin and crispy, not soggy, and the fillings must be balanced. San Diego has a few restaurants that do this well, though it's not on every menu.
Phuong Trang top-pick
Phuong Trang's banh xeo is a reliable order on their massive menu. The crepe comes out properly crispy with a golden turmeric color, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. You wrap pieces in lettuce and herbs before dipping in dipping sauce — and they provide a generous herb plate. The high turnover in the kitchen means the oil is fresh, which makes a big difference in the crispiness.
Mien Trung Restaurant best-value
Mien Trung's central Vietnamese focus means their banh xeo leans toward the Thinner, crispier style of central Vietnam rather than the thicker southern version. The crepe is well-executed with a good ratio of filling to batter, and the herb plate is generous. Pair it with their beef noodle soup for a complete central Vietnamese feast.
Hoài Huế Restaurant hidden-gem
Hoai Hue brings Hue-style sensibility to their banh xeo, which comes out crispy and properly st￭. The fillings are well-distributed, and the accompanying dipping sauce has the right balance of sweet, sour, and salty. The cozy restaurant atmosphere makes this a good sit-down choice for a banh xeo lunch.