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Where to Buy the Famous Cần Thơ Purple Glutinous Rice Cakes in Ho Chi Minh City?

The purple glutinous rice cakes, a specialty of the Western Region, have always been a sought-after delicacy during the Tet Holiday. But where can you find these delectable treats in Ho Chi Minh City?

Administrator

11 July, 2024

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Much like Banh Chung in the North, banh tet has become a familiar dish for people in the South during the Lunar New Year. The most prominent variation is the banh tet la cam, or purple banh tet, which is distinguished by its outer layer of sticky rice dyed purple with la cam (butterfly pea) leaves. For those who don’t have the time to make this delicacy, ordering it is a perfect alternative. Today, let’s explore some places that sell delicious, hygienic, and reputable purple banh tet.

1The Origin of Can Tho’s Purple Banh Tet

Purple banh tet is fundamentally different from the traditional variety. The most noticeable distinction is the purple hue of the outer sticky rice layer, achieved by using la cam leaves instead of the typical green ones. Additionally, the filling also sets it apart as it includes a unique combination of mung beans, bananas, pork belly, and salted duck eggs.

The origin of this variation is attributed to Mrs. Huynh Thi Trong, affectionately known as Sau Trong. In the 1960s, she had the ingenious idea to use the purple pigment extracted from la cam leaves to create this unique version of banh tet. During that era, la cam leaves were primarily recognized for their use in traditional medicine.

Mrs. Huynh Thi Trong, the creator of purple banh tet

Over the years, Mrs. Trong passed on her craft to different generations within her family, including her husband, children, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law. However, she still diligently makes this renowned delicacy every day. The sale of banh tet has provided her family with a stable source of income throughout the year.

If you’re wondering where to buy la cam leaves, they are readily available in shops specializing in baking supplies, garden stores, and even online through reputable platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

Purple Banh Tet from Can Tho

2Where to Buy Purple Banh Tet in Ho Chi Minh City?

There are several places in Ho Chi Minh City that sell purple banh tet to meet the demands of its residents. Here are some notable establishments:

Dac San Mien Tay (Specialties from the Southwest)

Price: 80,000 – 90,000 VND

Address: 381 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City (Hang Xanh intersection)

Phone Number: 0931.117.381 ; 0979.994.381

Delivery: Yes

Website (for online orders): https://dacsanmientay.vn/

Dac San Mien Tay

Banh Tet Ut Tet

Price: 90,000 – 120,000 VND

Address: 419 Le Hong Phong, Ward 2, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City (near Ben Xe Thanh Buoi Vinh Vien)

Phone Number: 0938195246

Delivery: Yes

Facebook Page (for online orders): Banh Tet UT Tet la cam Can Tho Tai Sai Gon

Banh Tet Ut Tet

Me Que Bakery

Price: 110,000 VND

Address: 167 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1

Phone Number: 0938348988 – 0901204804

Delivery: Yes

Website (for online orders): https://meque.vn/

Me Que Bakery

Banh Tet La Cam Can Tho

Price: 90,000 – 110,000 VND

Address: 40 Nguyen Van Giai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone Number: 0932911956

Delivery: Yes. Pick-up address: 526 Le Hong Phong, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Website (for online orders): https://ngonkhoe.com/

Banh Tet La Cam Can Tho

Banh Tet Ngon

Price: 100,000 – 130,000 VND

Address: 493/7 Cach Mang Thang 8, Ward 13, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Phone Number: 090 7777 449

Delivery: Yes

Website (for online orders): http://banhtetngon.vn/

Banh Tet Ngon

Frequently asked questions

You can purchase these famous cakes at a variety of locations in Ho Chi Minh City. One popular spot is the traditional market, Ben Thanh Market, located in District 1. Another option is to visit the cake shops on Go Vap Street, also in District 1. For a more convenient option, you can find them at most supermarkets in the city, such as VinMart or Co.opmart.

The main ingredients are purple glutinous rice, which gives the cake its distinctive color and sticky texture, and mung beans, which provide a sweet and soft filling. The rice is often soaked and steamed, then mixed with other ingredients like coconut milk and sugar to create the desired flavor and texture.

These cakes originate from the city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. They have become a popular delicacy across the country, especially during traditional festivals and holidays.

Yes, while the traditional version uses mung beans as the filling, some modern variations use other types of beans or even fruits like durian. Additionally, some bakers experiment with different colors and flavors, creating a diverse range of options to choose from.

Freshly made purple glutinous rice cakes can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. However, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. To maintain their freshness and softness, it is best to store them in an airtight container.