B�nh B� H?p

B�nh b� h?p
White Center Supermarket, $1.25 

 B�nh b�, or "cow cakes", are the Vietnamese version of a steamed rice cake that originated in China.  B�nh b� batter includes rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and a leavener--traditionally yeast, but baking powder is sometimes used as a shortcut--which causes the batter to bubble dramatically when cooked.  The resulting texture is as spongy as beef liver, earning these cakes their unexpected name.  

Baked b�nh b� nu?ng has a thin golden crust and is usually cut into wedges before serving.  Steamed b�nh b� h?p are usually smaller, round, and colorful; natural extracts of pandanus or magenta plant produce pastel green or purple, whereas the neon hues of the banh bo pictured hint at artificial food coloring.  As sold in Seattle's Asian groceries, b�nh b� h?p come snuggled onto a deli tray along with a tiny cup of creamy dipping sauce (coconut milk thickened with tapioca flour). 

White Center Supermarket
9828 15th Ave SW
Seattle, WA
206/768-8087