【Vietnamese Lunar New Year】What Do Vietnamese People Eat During the New Year? Top 10 Must-Try New Year Dishes!

When it comes to the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or "Tết Nguyên Đán" (often simply called Tết), it's the biggest and most important festival of the year for the Vietnamese. During this festive period, families come together to cook up a storm, preparing a delightful spread of dishes to enjoy with friends and family as they welcome the new year. Join Kinnso on a mouth-watering journey through the special foods that make Tết a truly unique celebration in Vietnam!

When it comes to Vietnamese New Year, Bánh Chưng is the dish that stands out the most. This square sticky rice cake is more than just food; it’s a symbol of the traditional belief that "the heavens are round and the earth is square." Wrapped in vibrant green banana leaves, Bánh Chưng is filled with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork belly, and requires a lengthy steaming process to perfect. According to an age-old Vietnamese legend, this dish is a way to show gratitude to the land and ancestors. Making Bánh Chưng is often a family activity, highlighting the importance of reunion and togetherness during the New Year celebrations.

If you ever find yourself in southern Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, you simply can't miss out on Bánh Tét. This traditional treat stands out from its northern cousin, the square sticky rice cake, with its unique cylindrical shape. Made primarily from glutinous rice, Bánh Tét can feature a variety of fillings. Savory options include pork and mung beans, while those with a sweet tooth might prefer the banana-filled version. Wrapped in banana leaves, this delicious dish is more than just food; its cylindrical form is said to represent "completeness," making it a must-have during the festive season.

Thịt Kho Tàu is a beloved dish during Vietnamese New Year, made by gently braising pork belly and eggs in a flavorful mixture of coconut milk and fish sauce. The term "Kho" refers to a traditional Vietnamese braising method that ensures the ingredients soak up all the rich flavors of the sauce. This dish is not only mouth-wateringly tasty but also carries the symbolic meaning of "completeness and prosperity." It's often cooked in large batches so families can savor it throughout the festive period.

Giò Chả is a beloved staple on the Vietnamese Lunar New Year table. This delightful pork sausage is crafted from finely minced pork blended with wood ear mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms. It's rolled into a neat cylindrical shape and then steamed to perfection. You can savor it on its own, sliced into bite-sized pieces, or use it to elevate other dishes. Representing "unity and happiness," Giò Chả is a must-have treat for welcoming and entertaining guests during the festivities.

Xôi Gấc is a delightful dish that gets its vibrant red color from soaking glutinous rice in the juice of the Gấc fruit. This fruit not only gives the rice its eye-catching hue but also packs a punch with its nutritional benefits. During the New Year celebrations, Xôi Gấc is more than just a tasty treat; its red color is a symbol of "good luck" and "prosperity," making it a must-have on the festive table.

When the New Year rolls around, Vietnamese families love to prepare an assortment of Mứt Tết to greet their guests. These delightful candied fruits include:

• Candied Ginger
• Coconut Candy
• Sunflower Seeds
• Candied Lotus Seeds
  Each candy brings its own special flavor, embodying the New Year wish for a "sweet and joyful" year ahead.

Imagine savoring a bowl of Canh Măng, a delightful soup where fresh bamboo shoots take center stage. You can choose to add pork or chicken for an extra boost of flavor. In Vietnamese culture, bamboo shoots are a symbol of "growth" and "progress," and the soup itself stands for "harmony and good fortune." This light and comforting dish is perfect for easing that heavy feeling after a big meal, making it a must-have during the festive season.

Nem Rán, or Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls, is a cherished snack in Vietnam, especially during the New Year festivities. These delicious rolls are filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and vermicelli, all wrapped up and deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp. The cylindrical shape of Nem Rán represents "completeness," making it a must-have dish for welcoming and entertaining guests during the celebrations.

Chè is a delightful Vietnamese dessert, enjoyed in a variety of flavors during the festive New Year period:

• Green Bean Sweet Soup
• Red Bean and Lotus Seed Soup
• Taro Coconut Milk Soup
  These sweet soups are not just a treat for your taste buds but also carry the New Year's wishes of "sweet happiness."

When the Vietnamese New Year rolls around and the temperatures soar, there's nothing quite like the refreshing taste of coconut water to beat the heat. This popular drink is more than just a thirst quencher; it's also thought to bring good luck. Families often go out of their way to prepare fresh coconuts, ready to offer this delightful beverage to visiting friends and relatives.

Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet, is a feast for the senses, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage. Each dish is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of the hopes and dreams for the year ahead. By indulging in these traditional foods, you'll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Tet celebrations. Kinnso extends warm New Year wishes to all and invites you to experience the unique flavors and traditions of Vietnamese New Year!