Cold Foods Festival

Tet Han Thuc (Cold Foods Festival) is a traditional festival of Vietnamese which takes place on the 3rd day of the third lunar month in the year. This is occasion for family gathering and remember ancestor.

On that day, all family’s members, even living or working far from home will come home to make “banh troi” and “banh chay” together. “Banh troi” and “banh chay” are two traditional food of Tet Han Thuc in Vietnam. “Banh troi” are spheres made of glutinous rice flour with piece of sugar inside. “Banh chay” are bigger than “banh troi” and have sweet green bean paste inside instead of piece of sugar. After all have been done, “banh troi” and “banh chay” will be put on a tray on altar to offer ancestor. The householder will burn incense to invite ancestor enjoy Cold Foods Festival with family. When the liturgy of ancestor worship ended, all family will eat “banh troi” and “banh chay” together. “Banh troi” is usually added some coconut fibers and sesame; “banh chay” is associated with sweet broth.

In some regions of Vietnam, besides “banh troi” and “banh chay”, people also make “banh rom” on that day. “Banh rom” shares some similar characteristics with “banh chay”. The coat is made from glutinous rice flour with sweet green bean paste inside. “Banh rom” is usually wrapped by a piece of banana leaf.

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