Bánh lỗ tai or ear-shaped cookies are one of The Astronomer’s and my favorite Vietnamese snacks. Although they contain sesame seeds, their flavor is not purely sesame. They are a bit sweet, a smidgen salty and very addictive. Trust me. There are two types of bánh lỗ tai on the market—the thick variety and the thin kind. I’ve tasted both and there’s no question in my mind that the thick one is much tastier. Unlike chips and other cookie counterparts, bánh lỗ tai’s texture is hearty and satisfying.
I bought the batch above from the cookie dealer on wheels in District 4 who sells 100 grams for 7,000 VND. And just like everything else in Saigon, these cookies taste extra delicious after they’ve chilled in the fridge.
oh those are adorable and sound so good. I’m up for anything addictive! I think I’ve seen something similar in Chinatown, but don’t recall sesame seeds in them.
I call this banh lo tai heo bc it resembles the cartilage in cut pig’s ears.