The process of kneading the dough for making 'bánh hỏi'.

The dough is pressed into fine vermicelli and then it is arranged into small buns on a bamboo tray. VNA/VNS Photos Khánh Hoà

Bánh hỏi (fine woven rice vermicelli) is a speciality dish in Việt Nam, commonly found in provinces such as Lâm Đồng, Đắk Lắk and Bến Tre. Phú Long bánh hỏi, from the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng, is especially popular for its meticulous, entirely manual production process.

Fresh bánh hỏi is packaged and shipped daily to restaurants for same-day use.

Rice and water are the main ingredients used to make bánh hỏi. The rice vermicelli is notable for the traditional techniques involved in its preparation and for how harmoniously it pairs with a wide variety of toppings.

To produce high-quality vermicelli, the rice must be carefully selected, thoroughly washed and soaked overnight. It is then finely ground with water into a thick rice batter, which is steamed, kneaded and continuously stirred until it forms a smooth, elastic dough.

After being shaped into thin sheets, the vermicelli is steamed for a second time to preserve its softness.

The dough is pressed through a mould to form delicate sheets, which are then laid on a flat surface. Once shaped, the sheets are steamed again to maintain their soft texture. They are then carefully arranged on banana leaves placed atop bamboo trays.

Rice flour will be mixed with water to become big dough which is then shaped into tiny bundles.

This traditional dish is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Despite its popularity, the exact origins of bánh hỏi and its name remain somewhat mysterious. Some suggest that the name derives from the many inquiries about the dish when it first appeared – hỏi means “question” in Vietnamese.

Rice flour is mixed with water to form a large dough, which is then shaped into small portions before pressing.

In the past, bánh hỏi was made fresh for ceremonial occasions or for sale at local markets, and would last only about one hour at room temperature. Today, packaged instant bánh hỏi is widely available, ready to serve after a simple steaming of around 10 minutes. VNS

Once shaped, the sheets are then carefully arranged atop bamboo trays.

The dough is pressed through a mould to form delicate sheets, which are then laid on a flat surface.

Bánh hỏi is typically served with sweet and sour fish sauce with minced garlic and chillies.