7 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Food and Their Origins

Discover the cultural of Vietnamese New Year cuisine. You can learn about dishes like Bánh giầy, bánh chưng, bánh tét, canh khổ qua, thịt kho trứng, and more.

In Vietnam, Lunar New Year, or Tet, is a cherished occasion filled with boundless joy and excitement. Amidst the revelries, traditional food holds a place of profound cultural significance. Embark on a culinary journey as we uncover the origins and delightful flavors of bánh giầy, bánh chưng, bánh tét, củ kiệu, canh khổ qua, thịt kho trứng, canh măng, and thịt đông, iconic dishes that epitomize the spirit of Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

Bánh giầy

During Tet, the round sticky rice delicacy known as Bánh giầy (neither bánh dày nor bánh dầy), wrapped in aromatic banana leaves, is an absolute must. Its resemblance to a white shoe symbolizes good fortune and progress. Dating back to ancient times, Bánh giầy was an offering to honor and remember ancestors.

Bánh chưng and Bánh tét

Bánh chưng and Bánh tét, two dishes of immense cultural significance, grace Vietnamese tables during the Lunar New Year. 

Bánh chưng, a square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with mung bean paste, pork, and sometimes a whole salted egg yolk, along with Bánh tét, a cylindrical version with pork and mung bean paste, symbolizes Earth’s blessings. 

Legend has it that Prince Lang Lieu presented these delectable treats to Emperor Hung Vuong VI, who declared them the symbolic foods of Tet due to their irresistible flavor.

Củ kiệu

Củ kiệu, or pickled small leeks, serves as a popular accompaniment to Tet feasts. Thinly sliced shallots or onions marinated in vinegar, salt, and sugar create this tangy and crisp condiment. Believed to ward off evil spirits and usher in good fortune, Củ kiệu adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of other dishes.

Canh khổ qua

Canh khổ qua, or bitter melon soup, is a traditional Lunar New Year dish renowned for its health benefits. Combining bitter melon, pork ribs, and an array of herbs and spices, this soup cleanses the body and aids digestion, despite its slightly bitter taste. Canh khổ qua takes its rightful place on the Tet feast table. This dish is popular in South Vietnam, and it is chosen for its wordplay. ‘Canh khổ qua’ features the word ‘khổ,’ meaning suffering or pain, and ‘qua,’ which means pass or go through. So, when you eat this soup, it symbolizes the passing of any sufferings as the new year arrives.

Thịt kho trứng

Thịt kho trứng, a beloved Tet dish, features braised pork belly and boiled eggs in a flavorsome sauce. It symbolizes prosperity and happiness for the coming year. Marinated in a blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and spices, the pork belly is simmered until tender. The addition of boiled eggs represents new beginnings and fertility. Thịt kho trứng, enjoyed with steamed rice, provides comfort and nourishment during Tet celebrations.

Canh măng

Canh măng, a light and nourishing bamboo shoot soup is a common delight during Tet. The crispy texture and subtle flavor of bamboo shoots, combined with pork, shrimp, and herbs, create a flavorful and aromatic broth. Canh măng symbolizes hope for growth and prosperity in the new year, adding a refreshing touch to the festive spread.

Thịt đông

Thịt đông, also known as pork jelly, showcases the meticulous art of preparation. This unique delicacy involves simmering pork skin, ears, and tongue until tender, then combining them with spices and gelatin to achieve a firm, jelly-like texture. Served cold and sliced into thin pieces, Thịt đông embodies resilience, adaptability, and the enjoyment of preserved food throughout the festive season.

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, Tet brings forth an atmosphere of joy, reunion, and culinary wonders. The traditional dishes served during this auspicious time hold deep cultural significance and reflect the country’s rich heritage. From the symbolic Bánh giầy and Bánh chưng to the invigorating Canh khổ qua and the indulgent Thịt kho trứng, each dish tells a tale and unites people in celebration of a new year. Whether you are discovering Vietnamese cuisine or participating in Tet festivities, these traditional delights offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s vibrant flavors and customs. Wishing you a prosperous and delectable Lunar New Year!

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