PrintSugar Rush: Banh Mi Sau Voi Cafe's Basil Seed Drink
[Photo: Kathy Chan]
Growing up, my sister and I referred to this as "The Eyeball Drink," served by Mom as an afternoon refresher on a hot day. But really, it was nothing more than basil seeds re-hydrated in water with a bit of sugar. You can literally pour a bag full of basil seeds into a glass of water and watch as they go from seeds to these translucent alien-like objects. $2.50 a cup is the going rate in Chinatown. Some places mix in sugar, others add liquid sugar, and others such as Banh Mi Sau Voi Cafe add in "pourtailai," pictured above. I don't know what the English translation is, but it's got texture of fine seaweed, thick and a bit crunchy. A fine pairing, if I do say so.
Banh Mi Sau Voi Cafe
101 Lafayette Street, New York NY 10013 (map)
212-226-8184
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3 Comments:
My mom used to buy me these from Chinatown all the time as a snack in a can. The seeds have a very unique slippery-squish-crunch texture. Once you manage to secure the seeds between your teeth (it can be tricky), they go through the slightly spongy exterior of the seed to the middle where the seed creates a slight pop, similar to a strawberry seed. It's a little sweet for me now, but I loved it when I was little.
SherryNYC at 9:26PM on 11/17/09
This is right up the block from my office....I may have to try this sometime soon.
charm city cupcake at 2:58AM on 11/18/09
my friend use to call them FROG EGGS!!!
... on a hot summer day, it is a cool and refreshing drink to have in hand. simple to make but it goes down easy
지방kogi at 9:56AM on 11/18/09