Banh Cong (Crispy Shrimp Fritters)

Post on : 05 August, 2025

This Can Tho specialty is a golden fried delight made from rice flour, mung beans, and whole shrimp. It’s deep-fried in a special mold, giving it a crispy outside and tender inside.
The fritter is best enjoyed with a platter of lettuce, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. Its rustic flavor is addictive and well-loved by locals.
It reflects the Mekong spirit – hearty, homey, and full of charm.

Banh Cong is a signature street food of Can Tho, made by deep-frying a thick batter of rice flour, mung beans, and whole shrimp in a round mold. The result is a golden, crispy fritter that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a humble dish rooted in the daily life of the Mekong Delta.

The taste of Banh Cong is both rustic and rich. The mung beans provide a nutty layer, while the shrimp on top adds savory depth. Each fritter is served with pickled papaya, fresh herbs, and sweet fish sauce, balancing the richness with tangy and fresh notes.

Banh Cong is often enjoyed as a midday snack or casual dinner. You’ll find locals gathering around small plastic tables, dipping the hot fritters into sauce and wrapping them with lettuce. It’s more than just food — it’s a slice of life in Can Tho.