Banh Xeo – When Sound and Flavor Become Images
In a cultural photo tour, food photography is always an essential part. Photographing banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) is not simply about capturing a static plate of food. It’s about capturing the moment the ladle of batter is poured into the hot pan, creating a resounding “sizzling” sound, and the scene of white smoke rising and mingling with the golden hue of the crispy crust.
Inspired by the Heat of the Hearth
The greatest inspiration for photographers when standing in front of a kitchen where Vietnamese savory pancakes (banh xeo) are being cooked is the vibrancy of the scene. It’s the rosy red of the shrimp, the white of the bean sprouts, the green of the fresh vegetables, and especially the flickering flames from the charcoal stove. A beautiful photograph of banh xeo is one that conveys the heat, the hustle and bustle of the chef, and the irresistible appeal of this regional specialty.
Photography Techniques: Mastering the “Sizzling Moment”
To take photos of Vietnamese savory pancakes that will make viewers crave them, you need to pay attention to the following techniques:
- Action Shot:
- Set a high shutter speed (1/200s or faster) to “freeze” the moment the turmeric powder is poured into the pan or when the chef skillfully flips the pan to turn the pancake.
- Capture the smoke (Steam & Smoke):
- The smoke gives soul to hot dishes. The secret is to use backlighting or side lighting against a dark background. The light shining through the smoke will highlight the hazy atmosphere and the heat of the food.
- Exploiting Texture:
- Use a macro lens or close-up shot to clearly see the tiny holes on the crispy crust and the glistening oil droplets. This is a highly stimulating visual experience.
- Storytelling structure:
- Don’t just photograph the cake itself. Include the background—the frail hands of the old woman making the cake, the baskets of fresh green vegetables, or the bowl of vibrant red fish sauce with garlic and chili—to create a complete story about Vietnamese rural life.
Photographing Vietnamese savory pancakes (banh xeo) is a fusion of everyday life photography and food photography. After moments of intense concentration in front of the lens, enjoying a hot pancake is the sweetest reward for any photographer.
