
Banh Cuon: The Journey from Vietnamese Countryside to International Banquets
Banh cuon, with a 700-year history from Northern Vietnam, is a rustic dish with deep cultural meaning, once served at a state banquet for Barack Obama in 2013. This article analyzes the origins, social significance, culinary artistry, and variations of banh cuon, from traditional techniques to modern innovations like insect essential oil in the dipping sauce. It is not only a cuisine but also a symbol of Vietnamese ingenuity and adaptability.