15 Vietnamese Tet Foods: A Tasty Guide to Good Luck!
Vietnamese Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is a time of celebration and tradition, and one of the most cherished aspects of the holiday is the food. From savory dishes to sweet treats, the traditional Vietnamese New Year – Tet food menu is full of delicious and meaningful dish.
In this blog post, I will be sharing 15 must-try Tet foods that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring you good luck for the year ahead. From the classic Banh Chung to Cha Lua, each dish has its own unique history and symbolism.
So, whether you’re planning to celebrate Tet with your family or simply looking to experience a new culture, these 15 Vietnamese Lunar New Year foods are a great place to start. Join me as we take a culinary journey through the flavors and traditions of Tet, and discover how you can eat your way to good luck.
Traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet Food
Embark on a culinary journey through the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam as we explore the traditional dishes that are an integral part of the Lunar New Year Tet festival.
1. Bánh Chưng (Chung Cake or Square Sticky Rice Cake)
Bánh Chưng, a beloved traditional Vietnamese dish, holds a special place in the country’s rich culinary culture and is considered an integral food during the Tet holiday.
Banh Chung is made of tightly-packed sticky rice that is wrapped in banana leaves and filled with pork and mung bean spread. The dish is believed to symbolize expressions of gratitude to ancestors and the earth.
The history of Banh Chung dates back thousands of years, as per the legend, King Hung VI organized a competition among his sons during a spring celebration and whoever could create the most delicious and meaningful meal would be passed the throne.
Prince Lang Lieu won the competition by creating a round cake symbolizing the sun or sky and a square cake (Banh Chung) symbolizing the earth. This legend has been passed down through generations and Banh Chung has become an important part of the cultural and culinary traditions of Vietnam.
While many people in cities may purchase Banh Chung from bakeries and supermarkets, families in rural areas of Northern Vietnam often make the dish themselves. The process of making Banh Chung is time-consuming but can be a fun and enjoyable activity for families to do together.
2. Bánh Tét (Tet Cake)
Banh Tet is a traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year food that is similar to Banh Chung, but with a different shape. Like Banh Chung, it is made with sticky rice and various fillings, but it is packed into cylindrical beams instead of being square.
There are two types of Banh Tet: sweet and savory. The savory version typically has mung beans and pork belly while sweet Banh Tet is popular with bananas, red beans, and green beans as fillings. These sweet versions are great choices for vegetarians.
Banh Tet is not only delicious but also holds a significant cultural meaning, it is a symbol of the wish for a prosperous New Year. The cylindrical shape of the cake represents the unity and continuity of life, and the fillings symbolize the abundance and prosperity that Vietnamese people hope to achieve in the coming year.
3. Thit Dong (Jellied Pork)
Jellied pork is a traditional dish that is often served during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. This dish is made by simmering pork bones and meat in a pot with spices and seasonings, then allowing it to cool in the refrigerator. As the mixture cools, the fat solidifies and forms a jelly-like consistency.
This dish is not only delicious, but it also holds a significant cultural meaning. The jelly-like texture of the meat symbolizes unity of the family. Pork is also a traditional food item and is considered a symbol of prosperity, which is why it is often served during Tet.
The dish is often served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables, and can be eaten as a main course or as an appetizer.
4. Thit Kho (Braised Pork)
Braised pork in coconut juice, also known as “thit kho”, is a traditional and beloved Vietnamese New Year dish, popular in the south of the country. The dish is made from a combination of lean and fat cuts of pork, braised in a flavorful mixture of coconut juice, fish sauce, sugar and spices.
It is often served with large, round duck eggs, which symbolize peace. The tender meat, with its delicate balance of flavors and colors, and the rich and smooth yolk of the duck eggs, create an unforgettable taste that is both sweet and salty, spicy and savory.
5. Cu Kieu (Pickled Scallion) & Tom Kho (Dried shrimp)
Cu Kieu, also known as pickled scallion, is made by marinating sliced scallions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. The result is a tangy and slightly sweet condiment that is often served as a side dish with main course meals. The dish is not only a delicious palate cleanser, but it also holds cultural significance. The bright green color of the scallions is said to represent renewal and growth, which is why it is often served during Tet.
Tom Kho, also known as dried shrimp, is a flavorful and savory dish made by simmering dried shrimp in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and spices. The dish is often served as a side dish or an appetizer. The shrimp is considered a symbol of abundance and good fortune.
6. Ga luoc (Boiled Whole Rooster)
Boiled Whole Rooster is prepared by boiling a whole rooster in a pot with spices and seasonings. The rooster is then decorated with a red rose in its mouth as a traditional touch. This symbolic gesture represents luck, fullness, and well-being, and is considered an important part of the cultural traditions surrounding the Tet Festival.
The rooster is believed to symbolize vigilance, strength, and courage, and it is often served as a main course during Tet celebrations. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
7. Xoi gac (Gac sticky rice)
Xôi Gấc, or Gac sticky rice, is made from sticky rice that is cooked with Gac fruit, which is known for its bright red color and its health benefits. The bright red color of the rice is believed to represent luck and prosperity, which is why it is commonly served during Tet.
The dish is sweet, sticky and has a unique flavor, it is usually served as a dessert or sometimes as a breakfast dish. The Gac fruit used to make this dish is also considered a symbol of good health, fertility, and prosperity.
8. Gio (Pork Bologna)
Gio, also known as pork bologna, is a traditional and popular type of Vietnamese ham or sausage. There are three common types of Gio, including Gio Lua which is made of ground pork, fish sauce, and black pepper, Gio Bo which is made of beef, and Gio Thu which is made of pork meat, ear, nose, tongue, cheek, and wood ear mushrooms.
Gio is typically sold by rolls of 1 kilogram during Tet. Each roll is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, then it is unwrapped, cut into pieces, and served cold. They are often served with sticky rice and Banh Chung during Tet, but you can find them in the markets year-round.
Gio is also commonly used as fillings of Vietnamese sandwiches, such as Banh Mi. The savory and slightly sweet taste of Gio, along with its unique texture, makes it a perfect addition to any meal and a must-try dish for those who want to experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine and also bring good luck in the New Year.
9. Mut (Candied Fruits)
Candied fruits and dried fruits are a traditional and popular Tet treat. If you are invited to a Vietnamese family during Tet, you will likely be offered a variety of candies, dried fruits, peanut brittle with sesame seeds, and melon seeds.
Some popular dried fruits that are often served include “mứt dừa” (coconut), “mứt me” (tamarind), and “mứt gừng” (ginger). These dried fruits are sweet, tangy, and have a unique texture that makes them a perfect addition to any meal and a must-try for those who want to experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
10. Melon seeds (Hat dua)
Hạt dưa, also known as melon seeds, are considered a symbol of luck during the Lunar New Year, thanks to their beautiful red color. They are often enjoyed as a snack, paired with a cup of tea. Eating Hạt dưa is a bit of a process, you use your front teeth to peel the seeds, but the taste is worth it.
The seeds are slightly sweet and have a unique texture that makes them a perfect addition to any meal and a must-try for those who want to experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
11. Five-fruit tray
A five-fruit tray is a must-have in each family during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Each fruit represents a different prayer for the future. For example, green bananas symbolize family reunion, yellow grapefruits represent a wish for peace and prosperity, and red dragon fruit represents wealth and fortune. These fruits are often placed on the altar and offered as a symbol of respect and gratitude to the ancestors, in hopes of receiving good luck, prosperity, and blessings for the new year.
In southern Vietnam, the selection of fruits for an offering may vary slightly. Popular choices include soursop (mãng cầu), fig (sung), coconut (dừa), papaya (đu đủ), and mango (xoài). The combination of these fruits sounds like “cầu sung vừa đủ xài” (praying for enough resources/money to use) in the southern dialect of Vietnamese. This demonstrates how closely tied the fruits are to the culture and the belief of the people.
12. Bubble Pork Skin Soup
Bubble pork skin soup, known as “súp bóng” in Vietnamese, is a traditional and beloved dish from the northern region of Vietnam, particularly Hanoi. It is a popular food during the Lunar New Year, and is considered a sophisticated and quintessential part of Hanoi’s culinary culture. The dish is called “bubble soup” due to the white pork skin that is used as the main ingredient, which when cooked, looks like bubbles floating on the water.
The soup is made by combining broth of pork or chicken bones with lean pork pie and vegetables. It is a delicately prepared dish that is known for its bright colors and flavors. The soup is a symbol of a prosperous and lucky year, and it’s perfect for the early spring days. The combination of the savory broth, tender meat, and the unique texture of the pork skin creates a satisfying and delicious experience.
13. Bamboo Shoot Soup
Bamboo shoot soup, also known as “canh măng” in Vietnamese, is an essential part of the Tet celebration and is considered a cultural feature of Vietnamese people from ancient times, as it is derived from nature such as bamboo shoots.
The dish is made by cooking dried bamboo shoots and pork legs together. Although it is not complicated in ingredients, it is especially delicious and requires a lot of elaborateness and meticulousness in processing. The combination of the aroma of bamboo shoots and the greasiness of well-cooked pork leg creates a perfect balance of flavors.
14. Nem or Cha Gio
Nem or Cha Gio, also known as Vietnamese egg rolls, is a dish that is deeply ingrained in Vietnam’s cultural identity.
The meaning of Nem or Cha Gio on Tet is deeply rooted in the ingredients used and the way it is prepared. The filling of fried spring rolls is a harmonious blend of various ingredients such as pork, eggs, wood ear, and more, all wrapped in a golden and crispy crust.
This harmony of ingredients is said to represent the diversity of life and the attachment between people. It’s not just a delicious dish, but it is also a representation of the cultural beauty and national identity.
15. Canh Kho Qua (Pork Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup)
Pork stuffed bitter melon soup, known as “canh kho qua” in Vietnamese, is a traditional and beloved dish that is often served during the Lunar New Year in the southern region of Vietnam. This dish is imbued with rich cultural significance, as its name, “passing through suffering”, reflects the hope for a lucky and favorable new year, and the belief that the difficulties and hardships of the past year will pass.
Final Thoughts: Vietnamese Lunar New Year Food
The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is a time for family, tradition and delicious food. From Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét to Gio, melon seeds, and five-fruit tray, each dish holds a special cultural significance and represents a different prayer for the future. The Tet holiday is a time to celebrate with loved ones and to enjoy traditional food that has been passed down through generations.
The vibrant colors and unique flavors of these dishes make them a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine. They are not only delicious but also symbolize good luck, prosperity, and blessings for the new year. Whether you are a food lover or just looking to experience something new, these 15 traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year foods are sure to satisfy your taste buds and bring good luck in the new year.