Welcome to the captivating world of Banh Chung, a unique Vietnamese delicacy that carries centuries of history and legend. This story begins during the Hong Bang Dynasty, under the reign of the 6th Hung Emperor. Seeking a worthy successor to his throne, the Emperor organized a cooking competition for his 21 sons. The winner would be the one who could satisfy his discerning taste buds.
Most of the princes embarked on grand journeys in search of the most exotic and extravagant ingredients. Yet, amidst all the opulence, Lang Lieu, the 18th son and the poorest of them all, had a different approach. Unable to afford extravagant dishes, Lieu stayed close to home. In a visionary dream, a helpful fairy guided him to create two remarkable cakes: Banh Chung and Banh Day. Fueled by determination, Lieu diligently prepared these cakes exactly as instructed.
On the appointed day, when all the princes presented their elaborate and expensive dishes, Lang Lieu and his wife proudly presented Banh Chung and Banh Day to the Emperor. While others scoffed at the simplicity of these cakes, the Hung Emperor was astounded by their exquisite flavors. Intrigued, he inquired about their significance. Lang Lieu explained that Banh Day represented the sky that embraces us, made by molding glutinous rice into a round shape. On the other hand, Banh Chung symbolized the earth we inhabit. It was a square rice cake stuffed with cooked bean paste and ground meat. Impressed by this profound symbolism, the Hung Emperor declared Lang Lieu the winner, passing his throne to him. From that moment on, Banh Chung and Banh Day became integral parts of the Tet holiday, which is celebrated with great fanfare in Vietnam.
Banh Chung Today: A Versatile Delight
Banh Chung continues to occupy a special place in the hearts and stomachs of the Vietnamese people. It can be enjoyed as it is or fried to create Banh Chung Ran, a mouthwatering delight, perfect for the chilly February weather. In some regions, particularly in southern Vietnam, Banh Chung takes on a cylindrical form with the same ingredients and is called ‘Banh Tet.’ A similar variation to Banh Tet is ‘Banh Tay’ or ‘Banh Chung Dai’ (Long Banh Chung), which is predominantly served in the North. With mung bean and minimal pork or no pork at all, these versions can be preserved for a longer duration. Additionally, Banh Chung showcases its adaptability through various regional, religious, and individual preferences. These include Banh Chung Gu (Humped Banh Chung) enjoyed by the San Diu people, Banh Chung Chay (Vegetarian Banh Chung) for vegetarians and Buddhists, and Banh Chung Ngot (Sweetened Banh Chung), among others.
Fried Chung Cake: A Popular Variation
Fried Chung Cake is a beloved variation of the traditional Vietnamese Square Cake. In the past, the process of making Banh Chung was a beautiful occasion for Vietnamese families to bond. Gathering around a warm fire, they shared stories and prepared for the upcoming year with heartfelt wishes. While this custom has faded over time, Banh Chung remains an irreplaceable dish on the Vietnamese ancestor altar during Tet, symbolizing loyalty and gratitude to their forebears.
The significance of Banh Chung even finds its way into poetry:
‘Rich meats, Salty onions, red couplets,
Nêu tree, firecracker, green Banh Chung.’
Intrigued by the enchanting world of Banh Chung? Embark on a culinary adventure and immerse yourself in the magic of this traditional Vietnamese delight. To learn more about Banh Chung and explore other Vietnamese culinary treasures, visit Rừng Cúc Phương. Experience the rich flavors and cultural heritage that Banh Chung embodies.
