When the Lunar New Year arrives, homes across Hue fill with the aroma of Banh Chung and Banh Tet, the two most iconic traditional cakes of Tet. But in this former imperial city, these humble dishes become expressions of artistry, heritage, and spiritual devotion.
For the people of Hue, Banh Chung is more than just festive food—it’s a sacred offering, carefully prepared and placed on ancestral altars to honor the past and welcome blessings for the new year. The square shape represents the earth, while its harmonious layers of glutinous rice, mung bean, and pork belly symbolize unity and prosperity.
Every detail matters. The leaves must wrap tightly, the edges must be sharp, and the bamboo strings tied just firm enough to hold without breaking the cake. Some families even wrap the cake in an extra layer of banana leaves to preserve its softness and fragrance. In many households, the cake-wrapping becomes a cherished family ritual—daughters prepare the ingredients, sons take charge of folding, and children join in with laughter and flour-dusted hands.
Banh Tet from Chuon Village – A Royal Legacy
While Banh Chung is placed squarely at the altar, Banh Tet, with its cylindrical form, is often given as gifts or enjoyed at family feasts. In Hue, the most renowned variety hails from Chuon Village, where Banh Tet has been a local pride for centuries.
According to village elders, Chuon’s fame began with its fertile rice fields. Tenants of a royal rice plot once had to offer two bushels of the finest glutinous rice to the king each year. That same high-quality grain became the base of Chuon Village’s legendary cakes.
Doan Rang, 83 years old and the fourth generation in his family to make Banh Tet, recalls:
“What makes our Banh Tet special is not just the rice, but the care in every fold and knot. The flavor is subtle, fragrant, and sweet—not from sugar, but from nature.”
Banh Tet from Chuon is often filled with pork, mung bean, and occasionally banana. Wrapped neatly and boiled slowly over an open fire, the cakes carry not only flavor, but stories passed through generations.
Around the Fire – More Than a Meal
In Hue, Tet wouldn’t be complete without the warmth of family gathered around the boiling pots overnight. It’s a time of storytelling, laughter, and shared memories—when generations bond over the crackling fire and the promise of a new beginning.
More than festive dishes, Banh Chung and Banh Tet are time-honored symbols of togetherness and gratitude. In each bite lies the taste of family, the scent of tradition, and the soul of a new year in Hue.