Only 10 Cents! Discover Vietnam’s Unique and Delicious Fried Banana Street Food in Vietnam

Have You Ever Tried This Unique and Delicious Vietnamese Street Food for Only 10 Cents?

Hi friends, it’s Ben from Saigon Taste Tours again! Today was one of those perfect Saigon afternoons, the sun was shining, the streets were alive with the usual buzz of scooters, and my stomach was rumbling for something tasty. As I was riding through a small alley, the delicious aroma of fried snacks caught my attention. That’s when I discovered a humble little street food stall owned by the lovely Ms. Thu.

It was around 2:00 pm, just the right time for a snack break, so I pulled over my scooter without hesitation. What I found was pure street food magic: crispy fried banana cakes and fried sweet potato fritters, a classic Vietnamese treat that costs only 2,500 VND per piece, that’s about 10 cents in US dollars! Can you believe it?

The Charm of Ms. Thu’s Stall

One of the things I love most about Vietnamese street food is not just the food itself, but the people behind it. Ms. Thu has been running her little stall for over 6 years, and her friendliness and easygoing personality instantly made me feel at home. When I asked if I could film the cooking process, she smiled and happily agreed.

She shared that on her busiest days, she sells around 1,000 pieces of fried banana cakes. That’s a lot of bananas! If you look carefully, you’ll notice that each banana is sliced into three thin pieces, so one banana becomes three little golden cakes.

The Secret Behind the Crispy Goodness

Watching Ms. Thu prepare the banana cakes was truly fascinating. First, she peels the banana and slices it into three thin pieces. Then, using the flat side of her knife, she gently presses each piece to flatten it slightly.

Next comes the fun part, the batter. She dips the banana slices into a bowl of white flour mixture, giving them a smooth coating. I asked her what the batter was made of, and with a mischievous smile, she said: “This is a secret, I can’t reveal it.” We both laughed, and I couldn’t help but admire how she kept her recipe a mystery.

After the batter step, she dunks the banana slices into a thick flour mixture that coats them completely, almost like dipping ice cream into chocolate! Then, into the hot oil they go. She fries each piece for about 2 minutes per side, flipping them carefully until they’re golden and crispy. In total, it takes around 5 minutes to transform a fresh banana into a crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-and-sweet-on-the-inside treat.

Don’t Forget the Fried Sweet Potatoes

As if fried bananas weren’t tempting enough, Ms. Thu also makes fried sweet potatoes using the same method. She peels and slices the sweet potatoes into thin strips, coats them in the batter, and fries them until they’re golden brown. The result is irresistible—crispy, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

Between the fried bananas and the fried sweet potatoes, I couldn’t decide which one I loved more. Both were amazing in their way, and honestly, at just 10 cents each, why not have both?

Why You Should Try This Dish in Vietnam

Street food in Vietnam is not just about eating—it’s about experiencing the culture, the people, and the everyday life of the city. Simple stalls like Ms. Thu’s are where you’ll find some of the most authentic flavors. These small snacks may seem humble, but they carry with them years of tradition, love, and hard work.

If you ever find yourself in Saigon, don’t miss the chance to try fried banana cakes and sweet potato fritters. Not only are they delicious, but they also give you a taste of how creative and resourceful Vietnamese street food vendors are.

Final Thoughts

I left Ms. Thu’s stall with a full stomach, a happy heart, and a new appreciation for one of Vietnam’s simplest yet most delightful street foods. It’s amazing how something so small and affordable can bring so much joy.

👉 If you enjoyed this story and video, please give it a like and share it with your friends and family. And of course, if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and want to explore more hidden gems like this, join me on one of my tours at Saigon Taste Tours, I’d love to show you around like a local friend.

📍 Ms. Thu’s stall is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, so if you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and grab a snack

If you have more time, you can watch my video here: