Rượu nếp

"Rượu nếp" is a cherished traditional delicacy from northern Vietnam, crafted from fermented glutinous rice steamed in banana leaves. Depending on the type of rice used, this dish can exhibit a lovely deep purplish-red hue or a vibrant yellow. It's mildly alcoholic and can be savored either as a pudding eaten with a spoon or as a beverage.

A notable variant is "rượu nếp than" which has a distinctive brown color. Many Vietnamese people believe that "rượu nếp" offers health benefits and can even help ward off parasites. While it is a northern specialty, these delightful rice wines can also be found in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in neighborhoods with a significant northern Vietnamese population.

Vietnam boasts a variety of rice wines. For example, "rượu cần" from the Central Highlands is a communal drink enjoyed through long reed straws from large earthenware jugs. This type of rice wine can be made from ingredients such as rice, cassava, or corn, along with various leaves and herbs.

Another notable type is "rượu nếp nương" a minority rice wine crafted from a specific kind of glutinous rice cultivated in the mountainous regions of northwest Vietnam. In southern Vietnam, there's "cơm rượu" which consists of balls made from white glutinous rice soaked in mildly alcoholic rice wine.

Each variety offers a unique taste and cultural experience, showcasing the rich diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.