Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture, signifying the arrival of spring and new beginnings. Alongside the vibrant festivities and cultural traditions, Tet is also celebrated with a plethora of delicious traditional foods that hold deep cultural significance. During Tet celebrations, families gather around the table to enjoy a lavish feast featuring an array of Vietnamese traditional Tet foods, such as bánh chưng, thịt kho tàu, and mứt, each dish representing blessings and prosperity for the new year. In this article, we will take a culinary journey to explore the diverse and mouthwatering array of Vietnamese traditional Tet foods.
1. Bánh Chưng (Square Sticky Rice Cake)
Bánh chưng is an iconic Tet dish that symbolizes the Earth, made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, all wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours until the ingredients meld together. Its square shape represents the Earth according to Vietnamese folklore. Bánh chưng is typically served alongside pickled onions or cucumbers and enjoyed with family members during Tet celebrations.
2. Bánh Tét (Cylindrical Sticky Rice Cake)
Similar to bánh chưng, bánh tét is another traditional Tet dish, albeit with a cylindrical shape. It is made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until cooked. Bánh tét symbolizes the heavens and is often enjoyed as a savory treat during Tet, either sliced and fried or served as is with pickled vegetables.
3. Dưa Hành (Pickled Onions)
Dưa hành, or pickled onions, are a staple side dish served during Tet celebrations. These crunchy and tangy pickled onions are made by soaking thinly sliced onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Dưa hành adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of other Tet dishes, making it a popular accompaniment to bánh chưng, bánh tét, and various meat dishes.
4. Thịt Kho Tàu (Braised Pork with Eggs)
Thịt kho tàu is a beloved Tet dish consisting of pork belly braised in a flavorful marinade of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and coconut water until tender. Hard-boiled eggs are added to the simmering pork, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. Thịt kho tàu is a symbol of prosperity and abundance, often enjoyed with steamed rice during Tet reunions.
5. Mứt (Candied Fruits)
Mứt, or candied fruits, are popular Tet treats enjoyed by both children and adults alike. Various fruits such as kumquats, coconut, papaya, and ginger are preserved in syrup or sugar, resulting in sweet and chewy delicacies. Mứt is often served as a snack or dessert during Tet, adding a burst of sweetness to the festivities.
6. Chè (Sweet Dessert Soup)
Chè is a versatile sweet dessert soup enjoyed year-round in Vietnam, but it holds special significance during Tet. There are countless variations of chè, but some common ingredients include mung beans, black-eyed peas, tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and sugar. Chè is often served chilled with ice cubes, making it a refreshing and satisfying end to a Tet meal.
7. Nem (Spring Rolls)
Nem, or spring rolls, are a popular appetizer enjoyed during Tet celebrations. These crispy and flavorful rolls are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables, then deep-fried until golden brown. Nem is typically served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili.
In conclusion, during Tet celebrations, families eagerly anticipate indulging in a wide array of Vietnamese traditional Tet food, savoring the rich flavors and cultural significance of each dish. Vietnamese traditional Tet foods are not only delicious but also deeply rooted in cultural symbolism and heritage. From savory rice cakes to sweet desserts, each dish plays a significant role in bringing families together and ushering in prosperity and happiness for the new year. As we celebrate Tet, let us savor these culinary delights and cherish the traditions that bind us together as a community.
