Bánh Bèo

Bánh Bèo Also: Water Fern Cake, Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes
Shellfish: Likely contains restriction
Fish: Likely contains restriction
Vegetarian: Likely contains restriction

Small steamed rice flour cakes served in individual dishes, topped with dried shrimp, pork rinds, scallion oil, and fish sauce. A specialty of Hue central Vietnamese cuisine.

Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.

Your dietary restrictions

The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.

Full allergen breakdown

Ingredients

  • rice flour
  • tapioca starch
  • dried shrimp (Shellfish)
  • pork rinds
  • scallion oil
  • fish sauce (Fish)
  • crispy shallots

Hidden Ingredients

These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.

  • dried shrimp throughout (shellfish)
  • fish sauce dressing (fish)
  • pork rinds (from pig fat)

Allergen Breakdown

Dairy-Free

Likely OK

No dairy in bánh bèo.

Gluten-Free

Likely OK

Made from rice flour and tapioca starch only. No wheat.

Peanut-Free

Likely OK

No peanuts in standard bánh bèo.

Tree Nut-Free

Likely OK

No tree nuts in bánh bèo.

Shellfish-Free

Likely contains restriction

Dried shrimp is a primary topping.

Egg-Free

Likely OK

No eggs in bánh bèo.

Fish-Free

Likely contains restriction

Fish sauce is the standard dressing.

Soy-Free

Likely OK

No soy in bánh bèo.

Sesame-Free

Likely OK

No sesame in traditional bánh bèo.

Vegetarian

Likely contains restriction

Contains dried shrimp and pork rinds.

Key risk: Bánh bèo is made from plain rice and tapioca (naturally gluten-free and dairy-free) but the toppings introduce shellfish (dried shrimp), fish (fish sauce), and pork. It is one of the clearer Vietnamese dishes for gluten-avoiders but not safe for shellfish or fish allergies.

Checking dishes one at a time? Menu Decoder scans the whole menu at once.

Scan a menu now

Other Vietnamese dishes to check

At the restaurant, the menu will have dozens of dishes you haven't checked.

Menu Decoder scans the actual menu in front of you and checks every dish against your dietary profile in seconds.

Scan a menu now

Important: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.