In Vietnam, the Mid-autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is not complete without the delightful combination of mooncakes and tea. This annual celebration brings families together to indulge in the golden baked mooncakes, known as “bánh nướng,” and the soft sticky rice mooncakes, also known as “bánh dẻo.” If you find yourself in Vietnam during this festival, you have the opportunity to partake in your own mooncake celebration. Here’s everything you need to know about Vietnam’s mooncake tradition.
The Origins of Mooncakes
Mooncakes have a rich history that dates back to China’s Song Dynasty (1127 – 1279). Although the exact time when they first arrived in Vietnam is uncertain, Vietnamese cuisine has been heavily influenced by Chinese traditions for centuries. Tết Trung Thu holds a special place in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing reunion and harmony. During this time, families and relatives gather to relax, sing songs, and drink tea under the illuminating light of the full moon. Children eagerly stay up late, carrying star lanterns and listening for the drums of lion dancers. The square mooncakes represent the earth, while the round mooncakes symbolize the sky, making them the perfect treat for this magical night.
Old and New Flavors
Traditionally, Vietnam had only two types of mooncakes. The savory mixed paste mooncakes were made with a blend of up to 10 ingredients, including lime leaves, smoked sausage, lotus seeds, and a secret sauce or wine. These square-shaped mooncakes were baked in the oven and offered on family altars or shared at home. On the other hand, the round mung bean mooncakes were made with sticky rice flour and eaten fresh. They could be offered in Buddhist pagodas or enjoyed at home.
In recent years, the variety of mooncake flavors has expanded significantly. Traditional bakeries now use ingredients such as lotus seed, coconut meat, black sesame, nuts, and young rice to create large mooncakes for everyone to share. More adventurous bakers offer flavors like pistachio, coffee, chocolate, jelly, strawberry, and even durian to cater to different tastes and preferences.
TIP: Mooncakes pair perfectly with hot green tea. Oolong tea is recommended for savory mooncakes, while floral teas complement sweet mooncakes.
Mooncakes as Gifts
Gifting mooncakes has become a beloved tradition during Tết Trung Thu. The presentation of these cakes is just as important as their taste. Each year, bakeries create new styles, colors, and flavors to please the market, designing beautiful boxes to showcase the mooncakes as luxurious gift sets. In the weeks leading up to the festival, mooncake stalls appear on streets all over Vietnam. Top hotels introduce artistic mooncake sets with carefully thought-out concepts for businesses to impress their clients. Two weeks before the holiday, which always falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, is the perfect time to send mooncakes to your loved ones and colleagues.
Mooncake Surprises
One of the most exciting aspects of eating mooncakes is the anticipation of discovering the filling underneath the crust and the surprise waiting inside. In the past, not all mooncakes had an insert, but finding a salted duck egg yolk inside was considered lucky. Nowadays, you can find mooncakes with various fillings, including those with two egg yolks for the egg enthusiasts.
Beyond the traditional round and square mooncakes, you’ll come across delightful shapes like rabbits, lanterns, fish, and peonies. Some bakers experiment with different textures, creating mooncakes with snow skin (bánh dẻo) or flaky crusts (bánh nướng). Others decorate their mooncakes with a piece of gold leaf or hide crunchy nuts, chocolate truffles, or tropical jams inside. To experience the best mooncakes, opt for those made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, preferably consumed within a week or two.
Make Your Own Mooncake Memories
With countless options available, finding the perfect mooncakes for you is the first step. Some people prefer big blocks, while others enjoy bite-sized pieces. Each city in Vietnam has its renowned bakers, but it can be an adventure to explore different designs and flavors. Here are some interesting places to shop for mooncakes:
Hanoi
In Hanoi, renowned five-star hotels such as the Metropole and Intercontinental introduce sets of premium mooncakes each year. Small bakeries like The Vuu Cakes offer lovely mooncake sets that you can conveniently order online. You can also find specialty mooncakes at places like Marou Chocolate or purchase mooncakes for a good cause from Hopebox.
Ho Chi Minh City
Traditional bakery Hy Lam Mon has been producing mooncakes in Ho Chi Minh City for many years. For expert craftsmanship and presentation, consider trying the mooncakes at Hotel des Arts or exploring the interesting sets from The Bakes Saigon. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in afternoon tea and mooncake promotions at the city’s top hotels.
On the night of October 1, 2020, as you savor each delicious slice of mooncake, sit outside and admire the reflection of the full moon in your tea cup. Allow this cherished tradition to create lasting memories.
