Bánh tét

Bánh tét is a cherished Vietnamese cake made from sticky glutinous rice, wrapped in banana leaves with a filling of mung beans, or a combination of mung beans and pork. Once assembled, it's boiled and then sliced into round, wheel-shaped servings. The name “tét” means "sliced" or "split" referring to its method of serving.

Making bánh tét is a labor of love. First, you gather all the ingredients and layer them on banana leaves. After wrapping everything tightly, the cake is boiled for at least six hours. This process is a beloved tradition, especially during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, known as Tết. It symbolizes the importance of rice in Vietnamese culture and brings families together to celebrate and bond.

During the holiday, bánh tét is often enjoyed dipped in fish sauce, and some people even fry it for a crispy twist. While it is particularly popular in central and southern Vietnam, the northern regions have their own similar version called bánh chưng. There's also a sweet variant known as bánh tét chuối, filled with banana and sweet red beans.

The history of bánh tét and bánh chưng goes back centuries, with legends attributing their origins to historical figures, adding a layer of cultural richness to these delicious treats.