Central Vietnam SpecialtyRiver FoodSeafood

    Smashed Rice Paper with River Clams

    Bánh Đập Hến Xào

    4.5₫15k-50kDaytime only — most Cẩm Nam spots close by late afternoon. Perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
    Chirido Lai
    Overview

    Hoi An's beloved river-snack: smashed layered rice paper eaten with stir-fried baby clams from the Thu Bon River

    Bánh đập hến xào is a quintessential Hoi An street snack that perfectly captures the ancient town's relationship with the Thu Bồn River. Bánh đập (smashed cake) consists of three layers pressed together: two sheets of crispy grilled rice paper sandwiching a soft, chewy layer of fresh rice noodle sheet in the middle. You literally smash (dập) it on the table before eating — breaking the crispy outer layers while the soft center holds everything together. It is always paired with hến xào — tiny baby basket clams from the Thu Bồn River stir-fried with lemongrass, chili, ginger, spring onions, peanuts, and sesame. The combination of textures is addictive: crunch, chew, and the intensely savory, slightly briny punch of river clams. The dish is served with mắm nêm (fermented anchovy dipping sauce) and is a signature of Cẩm Nam island, just across the bridge from the Old Town.
    Gallery

    Photos

    What's in it

    • grilled rice paper
    • fresh rice noodle sheet
    • baby river clams
    • lemongrass
    • chili
    • ginger
    • spring onions
    • roasted peanuts
    • sesame
    • fermented anchovy sauce
    When to eat

    Best moments to enjoy it

    LunchAfternoon Snack

    Daytime only — most Cẩm Nam spots close by late afternoon. Perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon snack.

    The story

    Origin & history

    Bánh đập hến xào is deeply tied to Cẩm Nam island and the Thu Bồn River, which has sustained Hoi An's fishing and farming communities for centuries. The tiny hến (baby basket clams) are a seasonal river harvest unique to the Thu Bồn ecosystem. Local families on Cẩm Nam island have served this combination for generations as an affordable daytime snack. The dish is rarely found outside Hoi An, and the hến from this specific river are considered to have a sweeter, more delicate flavor than marine clams.

    At the stall

    How to order & pay

    Ordering

    Smash the bánh đập firmly on the table before eating — this is part of the ritual. Scoop hến xào onto broken pieces. Dip in mắm nêm for full flavor. Often served with chè bắp (sweet corn pudding) as a set at Cẩm Nam stalls.

    Paying

    Very cheap — ₫15k-30k per serving. Cash only. Bring small bills.

    Good to know

    Allergens, nutrition & health

    Allergens

    Contains shellfish (clams); contains peanuts and sesame; fish sauce / fermented anchovy sauce

    Nutrition & benefits

    Low-calorie snack; clams are rich in iron, zinc, and B12; minimal oil in rice paper

    Health notes

    Clams must be very fresh — go to high-turnover stalls. Avoid if shellfish allergy.

    Where to eat it

    Best spots in Hoi An

    • Bánh đập Ni Bà Già

      4.7

      34 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam

      Hours
      6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
      View on map

    • Quán Phúc Bánh đập, hến trộn

      4.3

      88 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Hội An, Đà Nẵng 560000, Vietnam

      Hours
      9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
      View on map

    • CẨM NAM RESTAURANT

      4.9

      99 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Hội An, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam

      Hours
      9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
      View on map
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