Ingredient appreciation — what makes Banh Xeo special

What sets Banh Xeo apart is the handling of lemongrass. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the fresh with citrus and mint result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Vietnamese cuisine shows French colonial influence alongside traditional Southeast Asian techniques. The a street banh mi counter atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had bia hoi draught beer as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Banh Xeo is the place to start.