CNN ranks Vietnam's banh bot loc among the world's tastiest dumplings. Discover this Hue specialty filled with pork and shrimp, served with fish sauce.
CNN has ranked banh bot loc, a traditional Vietnamese tapioca dumpling from Hue, among the world’s 35 tastiest dumplings. This chewy delicacy, made from tapioca flour and filled with pork and shrimp, stands out for its unique texture and flavor. The dumpling is steamed in banana leaves and served hot, often accompanied by a dipping sauce of fish sauce, garlic, and chili.
While banh bot loc originates from Vietnam’s former imperial capital, it is widely available throughout the country, with regional variations offering slight twists to the recipe. In some food stalls, the dish is paired with cha, a pork sausage, providing an even heartier meal. A portion typically costs between VND15,000 and 20,000 ($0.6–0.8), making it an affordable and popular street food.
Other dumplings featured on CNN's list include Chinese xiaolongbao, Indonesian siomay, Hong Kong-style shrimp wonton, German kartoffelknoedel (potato dumplings), and Japanese gyoza. Banh bot loc’s inclusion alongside these global favorites highlights Vietnam's rich culinary heritage on the international stage.
