Banh Ran (Vietnamese donut)

“Bánh rán” remains a popular and delicious finger food for breakfast in Vietnam as of 2025.

There are two primary varieties of bánh rán: the savory cake and the sweet version, with the latter being far more common across the country. The filling for the sweet cake consists of sweetened mashed mung beans, while the savory option features a mixture of minced meat, shrimp, glass noodles, and vegetables, similar to the filling used in pillow cakes.
Photo: camnanghaiphong.vn

Additionally, among the various types of sweet cakes, the version coated with sesame seeds stands out as the top choice. This specific style is highly favored for its balanced sweetness, crispy outer layer, and delicate fragrance.

The dough is created from a mixture of glutinous rice flour, regular rice flour, mashed potatoes, and sugar. The filling of sweetened mung beans is shaped into balls, wrapped in the dough, and then rolled in sesame seeds to form a coating. Once deep-fried, these cakes attain a golden-brown hue, along with a crispy texture and enticing aroma. Beneath the crunchy exterior lies a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors from the potato, rice, and mung beans. Indulge in this treat and discover just how tasty it truly is!