Across Vietnam, three distinct regions—North, Central, and South—each boast unique geographical conditions, and their Tet (Lunar New Year) cuisines reflect this diversity. Every Tet, families reunite, preparing signature dishes that define their regional traditions.
Despite life’s challenges, Tet preparations are meticulous, ensuring everything is perfect. Central Vietnam’s Tet is no exception, with a plethora of enticing dishes. Let’s explore 15 must-try Central Vietnamese Tet delicacies.
1 Bánh Tét (Cylindrical Glutinous Rice Cake)
Bánh Tét
Similar to Bánh Chưng but cylindrical and wrapped in banana leaves, Bánh Tét is a Central Tet staple. Slice it with twine, enjoy as is, or fry and pair with dưa món (pickled vegetables).
2 Dưa Món (Pickled Vegetables)
Dưa món
A mix of carrots, papaya, cucumber, daikon, scallions, and kohlrabi, brined to perfection. This tangy side dish complements Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét, balancing rich Tet meals.
Its sweet and sour flavor cuts through oiliness, making it a Tet essential. Try this Central-style pickled scallion recipe for a healthy, homemade treat.
3 Bò Kho Mật Mía (Beef Stewed in Sugarcane Juice)
Bò kho mật mía
Aromatic with ginger, cinnamon, and chilies, this beef stew blends tender beef with the subtle sweetness of sugarcane juice. A harmonious mix of savory and sweet, it’s a Central Tet favorite.
A must-have in Central Tet feasts, it evokes nostalgia for the region’s Lunar New Year.
4 Thịt Ngâm Mắm (Pork or Beef in Fish Sauce Marinade)
Thịt ngâm mắm
Made with pork or beef, this dish is marinated in a sweet fish sauce mixture. Slice and serve with dưa món for a delightful pairing.
Its longevity reflects Central Vietnam’s resilience against annual floods, with thịt heo ngâm mắm (pork version) being a prime example.
5 Tôm Chua (Fermented Shrimp)
Tôm chua
A Hue specialty, tôm chua is a Tet table highlight. Made with shrimp, galangal, garlic, chilies, starfruit, and figs, it offers a sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile.
Its rich taste and slight sourness make it a unique and addictive Central Tet delicacy.
6 Xôi Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Sticky Rice)
Xôi đậu xanh
A Tet altar staple, xôi đậu xanh features mung beans in sticky rice, offering a nutty, fragrant bite. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a Central Tet classic.
No frills needed—this dish is devoured across Central Vietnam during Tet.
7 Giò Bò (Beef Sausage)
Giò bò
Central Vietnam’s giò bò is packed with peppercorns, giving it a distinct aroma. Made purely with beef, it’s intensely flavorful.
Each slice offers a red-hued delight with a balance of saltiness, sweetness, chewiness, and spice.
8 Bánh In (Pressed Rice Cake)
Bánh in
Delicate and brittle, bánh in is a Central Tet tradition. Made by roasting tapioca starch, glutinous rice flour, and pandan or magenta leaves, then mixing with sugar syrup, it’s molded and set. Tet versions are often round, symbolizing completeness and unity.
9 Nem Chua (Fermented Pork Sausage)
Nem chua
A Tet companion to chả lụa, nem chua is wrapped in guava leaves and banana leaves, offering a mild, smooth texture. Enjoy it with garlic for extra flavor.
10 Bánh Thuẫn (Bánh Thủng) (Sponge Cake)
Bánh thuẫn (bánh thửng)
Similar to sponge cake, bánh thuẫn is made from tapioca starch, eggs, and baked over charcoal. Golden, fluffy, and aromatic, it’s a Tet favorite.
Explore: 2 Ways to Make Fluffy Baked and Steamed Bánh Thuẫn at Home
11 Bánh Lăn (Rolled Cake)
Bánh lăn
A Quảng Nam specialty, bánh lăn is a Tet altar offering. Made with brown sugar, kumquat, ginger, and coconut, it’s soft, chewy, and perfect for family snacking.
12 Gà Luộc Lá Chanh (Lemon-Infused Boiled Chicken)
Tender chicken boiled with lemon leaves for aroma and flavor is a Central Tet must-have. Paired with salt, pepper, and lemon or chili salt, it’s both delicious and hearty.
Gà luộc lá chanh
13 Tré (Pork and Vegetable Roll)
A Central Vietnamese classic, tré is essential for Tet feasts. Made with pork skin, pork head meat, and spices, it’s savory and perfect for snacking.
Tré
14 Thịt Heo Kho Củ Cải (Pork and Daikon Stew)
A twist on thịt kho tàu, this stew adds daikon radish for a less greasy, flavorful dish.
Thịt heo kho củ cải
Explore: 20+ Easy Tet Dishes to Impress Guests
15 Mứt Gừng (Ginger Candy)
Spicy yet sweet, mứt gừng is a Central Tet treat. Perfectly candied ginger retains its warmth and aroma, making it a true delicacy.
Mứt gừng
Central Vietnam’s familiarity with storms fosters frugality and diligence, with a preference for spicy flavors to stay warm. These dishes reflect the region’s culinary habits and resilience.
We hope this guide introduces you to Central Vietnam’s beloved Tet dishes. Regardless of region, Tet is a time for thorough preparations, wishing for a peaceful and prosperous year. Explore 20 North-to-South Tet dishes to honor ancestors and celebrate traditions!
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