Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, these Super Tender Sesame Donuts — also known as Bánh Tiêu — are a beloved Vietnamese street snack. They’re coated in golden sesame seeds and puff up beautifully during frying, forming a delightful hollow center that’s perfect for stuffing or enjoying plain.
Whether you enjoy them fresh and warm or filled with your favorite sweet spread, Bánh Tiêu is a treat that brings texture and flavor together in harmony. They’re incredibly simple to make and require only a few pantry staples. A little bit of patience during the resting time is the secret to that balloon-like puff that makes them so unique!
Full Recipe:
-
2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
-
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
-
3/4 tsp instant yeast
-
3/4 tsp baking powder
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
10 tbsp (150 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup (35 g) white sesame seeds
-
1 1/2 cups (355 ml) oil for frying
Directions:
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, instant yeast, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add almond milk and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.
-
Knead the dough by hand for 5–7 minutes, until it’s soft and smooth. If too sticky, add flour. If too dry, add a little more milk.
-
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
-
Deflate the dough and divide it into 6 equal balls.
-
Roll each ball in sesame seeds, gently pressing to make them stick.
-
Flatten each ball into a 3–4 mm thick disc using a rolling pin.
-
Let the discs rest for 10 minutes while heating oil in a saucepan.
-
Deep-fry each disc, flipping every 5–7 seconds, until golden and puffed like a balloon.
-
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Kcal: 342 kcal | Servings: 6
Introduction to Vietnamese Sesame Donuts (Bánh Tiêu)
Bánh Tiêu, often referred to as Vietnamese sesame donuts, are a beloved street snack in Vietnam and an iconic part of the country’s rich culinary heritage. These puffy, hollow-centered donuts are known for their incredibly light and airy texture, golden sesame seed coating, and subtle sweetness. While they resemble a traditional Western-style donut in shape and cooking method, Bánh Tiêu brings something completely unique to the table: a hollow interior that offers endless possibilities for fillings or can be enjoyed simply on its own.
The beauty of Bánh Tiêu lies in its simplicity. Despite being deep-fried, they remain surprisingly light due to the airy nature of the dough, which is gently leavened and proofed before frying. The donuts puff up like balloons in hot oil, thanks to both yeast and baking powder in the dough, creating that signature hollow inside. This makes them not only a satisfying treat to bite into but also a visual delight to watch as they expand in the frying pan.
A Cultural Staple in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Bánh Tiêu is a snack you’ll find across all regions, from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the quiet alleys of Hanoi. Street vendors often fry them fresh on the spot, offering warm, crispy donuts to eager passersby. They’re sold from morning through evening and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Traditionally, Bánh Tiêu is eaten on its own as a light breakfast or midday snack. It’s one of those nostalgic foods that many Vietnamese people grow up with, reminiscent of school mornings and family outings. The donut’s delicate sweetness and satisfying chew make it comforting and crave-worthy, and for many, biting into one brings back fond memories of childhood.
The Unique Texture of Bánh Tiêu
What makes Bánh Tiêu stand out from typical donuts is its texture. The outside is thin and crispy, thanks to a generous coating of sesame seeds that toast beautifully when fried. The inside, on the other hand, is hollow, soft, and chewy — similar to a light brioche or yeasted flatbread.
This contrast between the exterior crunch and interior airiness is what makes the donut so appealing. Achieving the perfect texture requires some technique and attention to detail, particularly in the proofing and frying process. The dough must be allowed to rest and rise properly, and it must be handled gently to maintain air bubbles that cause the puffing effect when fried.
Modern Twists and Filling Ideas
While the traditional Bánh Tiêu is served plain, its hollow nature makes it a perfect vessel for a variety of fillings. In modern kitchens, this has opened up a new world of flavor experimentation. Sweet fillings such as chocolate spread, peanut butter, coconut cream, or fruit preserves can be piped inside the donuts for an indulgent dessert. On the savory side, tofu scramble, sautéed mushrooms, or pickled veggies can transform these into mini sandwich-like snacks.
This versatility has made Bánh Tiêu popular not just in Vietnamese communities but also in vegan and fusion kitchens around the world. Plant-based bakers especially love this donut because it’s naturally egg- and dairy-free when made with plant milk and oil — making it an excellent option for vegan dessert menus.
Why Make Bánh Tiêu at Home?
Making Bánh Tiêu at home allows you to enjoy them fresh and customize them to your taste. Unlike mass-produced donuts, homemade sesame donuts have a fresher flavor, a better texture, and allow for creativity with size, shape, and filling. They’re also surprisingly simple to make with basic pantry ingredients.
From a cultural standpoint, preparing Bánh Tiêu in your own kitchen can be a way to connect with Vietnamese traditions and share them with friends and family. Even if you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine, this recipe is a great entry point that doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients.
Additionally, frying donuts at home may seem intimidating, but Bánh Tiêu is a beginner-friendly deep-fry project. The dough is forgiving, the shaping is straightforward, and the frying process is quick — just a few minutes per donut. With the right tips and a little patience, anyone can achieve that perfect golden puff.
Tips for the Perfect Puff
The signature puff of Bánh Tiêu comes from a combination of yeast fermentation, baking powder lift, and proper shaping. Letting the dough proof until doubled in size is critical — under-proofed dough won’t puff. Similarly, rolling the dough to the right thickness (3–4mm) and allowing it to rest again before frying helps activate gluten and improve expansion.
Another important tip is to flip the donuts continuously while frying. This ensures even cooking and promotes consistent puffing. If left on one side too long, the dough may cook unevenly and won’t expand properly. The oil temperature should also be hot but not smoking — around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
Lastly, fresh raw sesame seeds are key. Toasted seeds can burn during frying and don’t adhere as well to the dough. Rolling each dough disc in raw sesame seeds before flattening ensures they stick properly and toast evenly in the oil.
Nutritional Profile
Although these are fried treats, Bánh Tiêu is relatively moderate in calories compared to richer Western-style donuts. Each donut contains approximately 340 kcal, with a balance of carbohydrates, fat, and a small amount of plant-based protein. When made with almond milk and without eggs or butter, they’re suitable for dairy-free and egg-free diets.
The sesame seeds not only provide a lovely crunch but also contribute fiber, calcium, iron, and healthy fats. As a snack or treat, Bánh Tiêu offers a satisfying option for those seeking comfort food without excessive heaviness.
Storage and Reheating Suggestions
Bánh Tiêu is best eaten warm and fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to two days in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. This restores the crispiness without drying them out.
If you plan to make a large batch, they also freeze well. Once cooled, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
When and How to Serve Bánh Tiêu
These donuts are extremely versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make an excellent addition to a brunch spread, paired with coffee or tea. You can also serve them as a dessert at dinner parties, especially when filled with sweet spreads or dipped in melted chocolate.
In Vietnam, they’re often a grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon snack, eaten with no frills. But in modern kitchens, you can elevate them with a drizzle of vegan caramel or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream tucked inside the hollow center. Whether served traditionally or creatively, they’re sure to impress.
Conclusion
Bánh Tiêu, or Vietnamese Sesame Donuts, are more than just a sweet snack — they’re a cultural gem, a textural masterpiece, and a canvas for culinary creativity. Their golden, crispy shell and pillowy hollow interior make them unique among fried treats. Whether you’re honoring Vietnamese tradition or exploring new vegan-friendly recipes, these donuts deliver on flavor, simplicity, and delight.
Making Bánh Tiêu at home is a rewarding experience that connects you to Vietnamese food culture while allowing you to adapt the recipe to your taste. From their charming puff to their versatile serving options, these sesame donuts are a must-try for anyone who loves handmade, globally-inspired snacks.