Banh tet is a traditional Vietnamese cake commonly consumed during the Lunar New Year and ancestor worship ceremonies, especially in the South. It is a specialty in many localities, each with its unique flavors, such as Can Tho’s cam leaf banh tet and Soc Trang’s com dep banh tet. However, the most famous variety is undoubtedly the banh tet from Tra Cuon in Tra Vinh province.
1 An Introduction to Tra Cuon Banh Tet
Tra Cuon Banh Tet: A Delicious Tradition
Tra Cuon is the name of a village located along National Highway 53 in Tra Vinh province, about 12 kilometers from the town of Tra Vinh. This area is home to the Khmer people and is a popular stop for tourists and passenger buses, offering a chance to sample the famous Tra Cuon banh tet from nearly 20 stalls.
At first glance, Tra Cuon banh tet appears more “substantial” than other types of banh tet. It has a dense and sticky texture, with a dark green layer of sticky rice enveloping a savory filling of mung beans, dried shrimp, and pork fat. The flavors combine to create a delightful sensory experience, with the sticky rice providing a chewy base and the fillings adding a touch of saltiness and richness.
2 Where to Buy Tra Cuon Banh Tet in Ho Chi Minh City?
If you can’t make it to Tra Vinh to buy the authentic Tra Cuon banh tet, don’t worry! There are several reputable shops and online vendors in Ho Chi Minh City that offer this delicious treat. Here are some recommendations:
Dì 13’s Banh Tet
Address: 449/60B Truong Chinh, Ward 14, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0977 093 422 – 0938 558 235
Facebook: Banh Tet Tra Cuon – Dac San Tra Vinh
Price: Approximately 110,000 VND/1.1 kg stick
Dì 13’s banh tet has a unique and mouthwatering flavor. The cake is tightly packed with sticky rice and wrapped in leaves. The filling is incredibly tasty, blending perfectly with the green sticky rice. The owner is very friendly, and home delivery is available.
Dì 13’s Banh Tet: A Delicious Treat
Me Que
Address: 167 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0901 204 804 – 0938 348 988
Facebook: Me Que
Price: Approximately 90,000 VND/800g stick
Me Que offers delicious, fragrant, and visually appealing banh tet. The cake is made with high-quality ingredients, and the sticky rice and filling are perfectly balanced. Frying the banh tet and serving it with pickled vegetables is a match made in heaven. Me Que also offers a variety of fresh cakes, snacks, and gifts, such as mung bean cakes, fish cakes, grilled coconut cakes, and Cu Dao candy.
Me Que: A Delicious Selection
Hai Ly Banh Tet
Address: 418/53 Minh Phung, Ward 9, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 0938 633 685 – 0914 494 368
Website: Banh Tet Hai Ly
Price: Approximately 75,000 VND/stick, depending on the time
Hai Ly Banh Tet uses only the finest ingredients, including sap sticky rice and premium mung beans, and natural colors from bok choy and cam leaves, ensuring food safety and avoiding artificial colors and preservatives. Hai Ly’s banh tet has been recognized as a typical rural product and is available in many provinces. You can easily purchase their Tra Cuon banh tet in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hai Ly Banh Tet: A Reputable Choice
Suong’s House
Address: 1308 3/2 Street, Ward 2, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 02873 089 999 – 0938 395 939
Website: Suong’s House
Price: 160,000 VND/1 kg stick
Suong’s House offers Tra Cuon banh tet with a delicious filling of mung beans, pork belly, fat, sap sticky rice, and salted duck eggs. The cake is wrapped in natural banana leaves and tied with string instead of plastic. Enjoy it with pickled vegetables or braised meat, depending on your preference.
Suong’s House: A Tasty Tradition