Celebrating Tết: Vietnamese New Year Foods You Can’t-MissCan’t
Tết Nguyên Đán, or Tết for short, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most significant celebration in Vietnamese culture. It’s a time for families to unite, honour their ancestors, and look forward to a prosperous year. Central to the festivities are delicious foods, each carrying deep symbolic meanings and traditions. Here’s a journey through some must-try dishes during Tết that embody the spirit and richness of Vietnamese culinary tradition.
Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét
These are the quintessential dishes of Tết and have been around since the ancient days of the Hung Kings. According to old Vietnamese beliefs, Bánh Chưng is a square-shaped sticky rice cake symbolizing the Earth. It is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, all wrapped in a vibrant green leaf called lá dong. Bánh Tét is similar but cylindrical, representing the moon. These cakes are labour-intensive and are often made together by family members, reinforcing bonds and traditions.
Thịt Kho Tàu (Caramelized Pork and Eggs)
Thịt kho tàu is a rich and savoury dish made with pork belly slowly braised in coconut water with hard-boiled eggs. Over hours of simmering, the pork absorbs the sweet and salty flavours, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. It’s traditionally eaten with rice and serves as a hearty reminder of the abundance and prosperity to come in the new year.
Xôi Gấc (Red Sticky Rice)
Xôi gấc is a festive, red-coloured sticky rice staple during Tết. The red colour, which comes from the gấc fruit, is considered lucky and is believed to bring good fortune. The rice is typically mixed with coconut milk and sugar, giving it a slightly sweet flavour that pairs wonderfully with savoury dishes.
Canh Măng (Bamboo Shoot Soup)
This soup is a traditional dish made with bamboo shoots and usually includes pork or chicken. The bamboo shoots have a crisp texture and a mild taste, absorbing the flavours of the broth. Canh măng is valued not only for its delicious taste but also for symbolizing the hope for a fresh start and new beginnings.
Dưa Món (Pickled Vegetables)
Dưa món consists of pickled vegetables like carrots, daikon, and cucumbers. These pickles are an essential side dish during Tết, offering a crunchy, tangy contrast to the more decadent, heavier main dishes. They are also believed to aid digestion, particularly during the feast-heavy celebration.
Giò Lụa (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)
Giò lụa is a smooth, steamed pork sausage known for its delicate texture and flavorful taste. It’s made from finely ground pork, potato starch, garlic, and ground pepper, tightly wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. Sliced thinly, giò lụa is a popular component of the Tết feast and is often served alongside rice or bánh chưng.
Bánh Tôm (Shrimp Fritters)
Originating from Hanoi, bánh tôm is a delightful snack made of small shrimp with the shell on, embedded into a batter of sweet potatoes and deep-fried until crisp. These cakes are typically enjoyed with a tangy fish sauce-based dipping sauce, adding flavour.
Chè Kho (Sweet Mung Bean Pudding)
Chè kho is a traditional Vietnamese sweet dessert made from mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk. During Tết, it is eaten as a symbol of sweetness and richness, wishing everyone a sweet and prosperous new year. It’s a simple yet comforting end to the feast.
Mứt Tết (Candied Fruits)
No Tết celebration would be complete without mứt Tết or candied fruits. This treat includes a variety of dried fruits such as coconut, ginger, and lotus seeds. Each is candied to preserve and enjoyed as a snack during the days of Tết. They are delicious and signify the wish for a sweet life.
To Sum Up
The foods of Tết are much more than just meals; they are a bridge to the past and a herald for the future. They bring families together in preparation and celebration, tying the present to ancestral traditions and hopes for prosperity. As you celebrate Tết, each dish reminds you of resilience, joy, and the bounty of life. Whether you are Vietnamese or just interested in the culture, participating in a Tết feast is an enriching experience that provides a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich cultural fabric.
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