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Monday, May 19, 2025, 14:35 GMT+7

A tasty experience: ‘Banh xeo’ with wild greens at ‘Forbidden’ Mountain in southern Vietnam

Nestled in the heart of An Giang Province in southern Vietnam, Cam Mountain—literally translated as ‘Forbidden’ Mountain—is a serene haven where nature and tradition intertwine.

A tasty experience: ‘Banh xeo’ with wild greens at ‘Forbidden’ Mountain in southern Vietnam

Banh xeo—sizzling Vietnamese pancakes—is served with wild greens on Cam Mountain in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre

Standing at 715 meters above sea level, it is the tallest mountain in the Mekong Delta region and serves as the highest peak in the Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) range.

Approximately 255 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, it offers a tranquil escape into nature.

As the first rains of the season grace the region, the mountain’s wild greens flourish, offering a fresh bounty to both locals and visitors.

Among the culinary treasures of Cam Mountain, banh xeo—sizzling Vietnamese pancakes—stand out, not just for their flavor but for the unique twist they offer.

A tasty experience: ‘Banh xeo’ with wild greens at ‘Forbidden’ Mountain in southern Vietnam - Ảnh 1.

Shelves are laden with fresh wild greens at a banh xeo eatery on Cam Mountain in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre

Here, the golden, cripsy crepes are paired with an array of wild greens, freshly sprouted after the seasonal rains.

These greens, tender and vibrant, are more than just accompaniments; they are the essence of the dish.

Visitors to the area are often drawn to the humble eateries that line the paths leading to the mountain’s summit.

These establishments, often modest in appearance, boast a vibrant display of wild greens at their entrances.

A tasty experience: ‘Banh xeo’ with wild greens at ‘Forbidden’ Mountain in southern Vietnam - Ảnh 2.

Diners choose fresh wild greens at a banh xeo eatery on Cam Mountain in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre

Shelves laden with fresh leaves, misted to retain their crispness, invite guests to partake in the tradition of selecting their preferred greens.

From the familiar—perilla and mango leaves—to the more obscure, known only to locals, each leaf offers a distinct flavor profile, contributing to the dish's complexity.

Enjoying banh xeo here is not just about dining. It is an immersive journey of the senses.

A tasty experience: ‘Banh xeo’ with wild greens at ‘Forbidden’ Mountain in southern Vietnam - Ảnh 3.

Banh xeo—sizzling Vietnamese pancakes—is served with wild greens on Cam Mountain in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre

Patrons cherry-pick fresh leaves, stacking them from large to small, then place the pancake on top before rolling it all into a wrap—a bite of texture and flavor dipped in tangy fish sauce.

The act of assembling the wrap, the aroma of the herbs, and the crunch of the pancake create a symphony of textures and tastes.

For those seeking this authentic experience, the area surrounding the Great Buddha Pagoda and Thuy Liem Lake offers numerous eateries where this dish is served with pride.

As the rainy season breathes new life into the mountain, there is no better time to savor the flavors of Cam Mountain.

Bao Anh - Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre News

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