Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét

Chung cake is one of the most important food of Vietnamese New Year.

No Tết celebration is complete without bánh chưng and bánh tét, traditional rice cakes that symbolize the Earth and the Sky. These foods are staples of food for Vietnamese New Year and represent gratitude to ancestors.

I admire the work of Vicky Pham, a Vietnamese food blogger, and she has a great banh chung recipe here.

• Bánh Chưng: A square-shaped rice cake made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in green banana leaves. Its square shape represents the Earth.
• Bánh Tét: A cylindrical variation often found in southern Vietnam, with similar ingredients but sometimes featuring additional fillings like sweet bananas.

Both cakes are meticulously prepared and cooked over many hours, reflecting the value of patience and hard work.

Giò Chà (Vietnamese Sausages)

Giò chà, or Vietnamese sausages, are a common sight on Tết dining tables. There are several varieties:

• Giò Lụa: A silky, smooth pork sausage wrapped in banana leaves.
• Giò Thủ: A headcheese made with pork, ear cartilage, and pepper.
• Chà Quế: Fried pork patties flavored with cinnamon.

These foods are often served as part of a larger meal or with sticky rice, adding texture and protein to the Tết feast.

Thịt Kho Tàu (Braised Pork with Eggs)

Thịt kho tàu is a comfort food that embodies the essence of family and warmth. Made by braising pork belly with boiled eggs in coconut water and caramel sauce, this dish has a sweet and savory flavor. It’s typically served with rice and pickled vegetables to balance the richness.

Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Sticky rice, or xôi, comes in many variations and is an essential part of Tết meals. Popular types include:

• Xôi Gạc: Red sticky rice colored with gac fruit, symbolizing luck and happiness.
• Xôi Dừa: Sticky rice with coconut, offering a sweet and aromatic flavor.
• Xôi Lá Cẩm: Purple sticky rice infused with natural plant dyes for a vibrant touch.

Canh Khổ Qua (Bitter Melon Soup)

This soup holds a unique place among Tết foods due to its symbolism. The bitter melon (“khổ qua”) represents overcoming difficulties from the past year. Its slightly bitter yet comforting taste, when stuffed with minced pork and mushrooms, is thought to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

Mười (Pickled Vegetables)

Pickled vegetables, or mười, are a refreshing accompaniment to the richer dishes of Tết. Popular options include pickled carrots, daikon radishes, and mustard greens. These foods not only enhance the flavors of the meal but also aid in digestion.

Câu Đối Lưng (Candied Fruits)

Known as mâm ngũ quả (five-fruit tray), these candied fruits are both a dessert and a decorative centerpiece food for Vietnamese New Year. Common varieties include:

• Candied coconut
• Candied kumquat
• Candied lotus seeds
• Candied ginger

The vibrant colors and sweet flavors symbolize a prosperous and joyful year ahead.

Trái Cây (Fresh Fruits)

Fruits play an essential role in Tết celebrations, often arranged on an altar as offerings. The fruits have meanings and purpose to each one. Popular fruits include:

• Bananas: Symbolize unity and protection.
• Watermelon: The red flesh signifies luck and happiness.
• Kumquats: Represent wealth and prosperity.
• Pineapple: A sign of success and wealth.

More fruits include persimmon, pomelo, mandarins, and peaches. The way to set it up on the tray is the bananas start at the bottom to frame the arrangements and the melon in the center and the other fruits all aroud.

Chè Tráng Miệng (Sweet Soups)

Sweet soups, or chè, are delightful desserts that add a sweet note to the Tết menu. Favorites include:

• Chè Trôi Nước: Sticky rice balls in ginger syrup.
• Chè Đ\u1eaua Xanh: Mung bean sweet soup.
• Chè Hạt Sen: Lotus seed sweet soup.

These dishes are believed to bring a sense of sweetness and harmony to the new year.