Authentic Vietnamese Rice Rolls (Bánh Cuốn) in Houston’s Chinatown: Chez Beignet

There’s something special about a dish that feels like home. For us, that’s Bánh Cuốn—delicate Vietnamese silky rice crepes filled with savory meat and veggies. It’s a breakfast staple that brings back all the nostalgia! Chez Beignet in Houston’s Chinatown and their fresh, made-to-order Bánh Cuốn had been on our radar for a while, but we finally made the trip and couldn’t be more impressed!

From the very first bite, it was clear why this concept has been around for over a century. The rice rolls were perfectly thin and smooth, with just the right amount of chew, wrapped around the filling of your choice and topped with crispy shallots. Each bite was packed with layers of flavor, especially when paired with fresh herbs and their tangy, umami-packed fish sauce. The balance of textures and flavors made this dish incredibly satisfying.

You know a place is the real deal when they bring out an entire pitcher of fish sauce! Instead of a tiny dipping bowl, each table gets its own, and we took full advantage—drenching every plate in liquid gold!

While we originally came for the Bánh Cuốn, we quickly realized that Chez Beignet has even more to offer. Their menu also features a variety of Vietnamese and New Orleans-inspired treats, including their famous beignets, which they’ve spent the last 20 years perfecting. We were too full to try them this time, but you can bet we’ll be back soon for a fresh, hot order dusted in powdered sugar.