The Perfect New Year’s Eve Feast: A Culinary Guide to Ring in the Year of the Metal Rat

If you're still undecided about what to prepare for this year's New Year's Eve ancestral worship ceremony, look no further! We've got you covered with suggestions for a delicious and respectful New Year's Eve feast.

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Tet Holiday is one of the most long-standing customs of our nation, passed down from ancient times to the present generation. Tet offerings are usually prepared right at the moment of transition from the old year to the new one, symbolizing the leaving of the old and the welcoming of the new.

See also:  What’s included in the 30th of Tet in 2023?

1Southern-style Fried Cha Gio (Spring Rolls)

Fried Cha Gio is a traditional dish that rarely misses a Tet Holiday feast. Despite its complex preparation and regional variations, Cha Gio remains a favorite and is chosen for many important meals.

When making Cha Gio, it is best to choose minced or ground pork. The spring rolls will have a crispy outer layer when fried, with tender and flavorful meat inside. Combine with a homemade dipping sauce or chili sauce for an irresistible treat.

Check out the recipe here:

2Boiled Chicken

Boiled chicken is another common dish on Tet altars. The chicken is usually presented whole and then rearranged after boiling to look more appealing.

See the full recipe here: 

3Banh Chung (Square Sticky Rice Cake)

Banh Chung is a traditional Vietnamese food that has been around for thousands of years. The ingredients for this cake are simple: glutinous rice, pork, mung beans, and dong or banana leaves for wrapping. With a little dexterity and attention to detail, you can easily make Banh Chung at home.

Check out the instructions here:

4Stir-fried Glass Noodles with Assorted Vegetables

A stir-fried dish is always included in the Tet meal, and this one is no exception. You can combine various ingredients according to your preference and availability, such as meat, carrots, chrysanthemum leaves, and mushrooms, creating a colorful and flavorful dish.

See the recipe here:

5Xoi (Sticky Rice)

You can add Xoi to your Tet Holiday offerings. Typically, sticky rice with gac (Xoi Gac) is a popular choice as it is believed to bring good luck for the new year. The vibrant red color and the aroma of gac fruit make this dish appealing both in taste and appearance.

Check out the recipe here:

6Gio Lua (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)

Gio Lua is often chosen for the Tet Holiday due to its convenience and ease of preparation. You can either buy it from stores or make it at home to ensure food safety. Making Gio Lua is not too difficult, and with a blender, you’ll be able to create this delicious treat.

See the recipe here:

In addition to the suggested dishes above, feel free to prepare other dishes according to your preference and ability. The most important thing is to be meticulous and sincere in your preparations. Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

The guide suggests a feast featuring a whole roasted suckling pig as the main course, along with a variety of side dishes and desserts. The pig is meant to symbolize good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

Side dishes could include a fresh and vibrant green papaya salad, a hearty stew of bamboo shoots and mushrooms, and a refreshing cucumber and shrimp salad. These dishes offer a range of flavors and textures to complement the main course.

For dessert, the guide suggests a traditional Vietnamese treat called ‘Bánh Chưng’, which is a sticky rice cake with a mung bean and pork filling, wrapped in banana leaves. It is often served during the Lunar New Year celebrations and is believed to bring good luck.

The Year of the Metal Rat is believed to be a time for new beginnings and prosperity. The rat is the first sign in the Chinese zodiac, and it is associated with wealth, surplus, and renewal. Thus, the guide emphasizes the importance of a lavish and symbolic feast to ring in the new year.

Although the article does not specify any drinks, a variety of options could complement the meal. Sparkling wine or champagne could add a festive touch, while a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer might also pair well with the flavors of the dishes.
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