Rainy Season Treat: Cricket-Filled Banh Xeo in Da Nang

The rainy season in central Vietnam brings a unique tradition that has been cherished for generations: cricket-filled banh xeo (sizzling Vietnamese pancakes). Living in Da Nang, I’ve experienced firsthand how this flood season transforms into a culinary adventure, filled with nostalgia and family bonding.

During the downpours, children follow their fathers into the flooded rice fields to catch crickets. The icy water makes the task both challenging and exhilarating. The crickets, which live underground and feed on grass and leaves, are forced to the surface when the floodwaters rise, making them easier to catch.

Once back home, the family works together to prepare the crickets, a process that involves removing wings, trimming legs, cleaning out the insides, and soaking them. This year, due to early flooding, there are fewer crickets, making the catch a bit trickier but no less special.

Cricket-filled banh xeo is not just a dish; it’s a tradition that connects expats and digital nomads like me to the local culture, offering a taste of home amidst the rains.