One of the most famous specialties in Thai Binh is Ben Hiep steamed rice cakes. This traditional delicacy consists of a thin and sticky outer layer made from long-grain rice flour and a delicious hot filling of minced pork.

This humble yet beloved dish is a staple in the diets of Thai Binh locals, who enjoy it as a meal or a snack. Despite its small size, the steamed rice cake boasts a unique and captivating flavor that sets it apart from similar cakes found in other provinces. You can find authentic steamed rice cakes in Quynh Phu, Thai Binh, for a modest price of 20,000 – 25,000 VND per cake, perfect for a warm treat or a delicious gift for loved ones.

Banh Cay (Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake)

When it comes to iconic treats in Thai Binh, Banh Cay, or Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake, immediately comes to mind. This renowned delicacy originates from Nguyen Village in Dong Hung District and has become synonymous with the culinary heritage of the region.

The cake boasts a rich and diverse list of ingredients, including glutinous rice, gac fruit, malt, rose apples, peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, carrots, ginger, and orange peel. Skilfully crafted by local artisans, Banh Cay seamlessly blends these flavours while allowing each ingredient’s unique taste to shine through. Each bite delivers a delightful symphony of textures and tastes, from the sticky-sweet dough to the nutty and buttery notes of the filling. Enjoying this treat with a hot cup of green tea on a chilly winter day is an unparalleled pleasure.

Dai Dong Sticky Rice Cake

Hailing from Dai Dong Village, the eponymous sticky rice cake is renowned for its alluring black hue and the fragrant aroma of gai leaves. Initially crafted only during the Lunar New Year celebrations, this cake has now become a year-round delicacy due to its widespread popularity. The soft and sticky rice flour dough is expertly blended with a mild sweet filling made from mung beans, resulting in a treat that never fails to satisfy.

To sample the authentic flavour of this cake, a trip to Dai Dong Village in Thai Binh province is a must. Here, you’ll find master artisans who have perfected the art of creating this treat, ensuring a consistent and exceptional taste. Typically, a Dai Dong sticky rice cake costs between 7,000 and 10,000 VND, depending on the filling.

Kẹo Lạc Làng Nguyễn (Nguyen Village Peanut Brittle)

In addition to its famous cakes, Dong Hung District in Thai Binh also boasts a unique treat: Kẹo Lạc, or peanut brittle. This confectionery holds a special place in the hearts of locals, often associated with fond memories of sharing stories over a cup of green tea and a piece of this delicious treat.

The process of crafting Kẹo Lạc begins with selecting the finest peanuts, ensuring they are free from mould, shrinkage, or discoloration. These peanuts are then expertly roasted to a golden brown hue, releasing their nutty aroma. The magic happens when the roasted peanuts meet the sticky, golden-brown malt made from germinated barley and rice. This mixture is then spread on a bed of roasted and hulled sesame seeds, creating a crunchy and flavourful treat. Cut into small finger-sized pieces, Kẹo Lạc is the perfect bite-sized snack.

The combination of roasted peanuts and malt delivers a delightful crunch and a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavours. Enjoying Kẹo Lạc with a hot or cold glass of green tea has become a beloved tradition for many in Northern Vietnam. While peanut brittle is now widely available, Kẹo Lạc Làng Nguyễn retains its status as a beloved Thai Binh specialty, evoking fond memories for locals and visitors alike.

Banh Nghe (Turmeric Cake)

Named after its distinctive yellow hue, reminiscent of turmeric, Banh Nghe is a fragrant and delectable treat. Made from long-grain rice, this cake strikes a perfect balance between stickiness and tenderness, exuding a captivating aroma.

To sample this delightful treat, seek out Ms. Hoi in Phu Coc Village, Kien Xuong District, Thai Binh Province, a long-time vendor of this delicious specialty.

Frequently asked questions

1. Com Cha Thai Binh (Thai Binh Fried Rice with Pork Patties): A signature dish of the region, featuring fragrant rice, savory pork patties, and a perfect blend of spices.
2. Banh Cong (Mung Bean Pancake): A crispy and flavorful snack made with mung bean batter, stuffed with shrimp and pork, and fried to perfection.
3. Banh Gai (Alpinia Leaf Cake): A unique and healthy treat, made with glutinous rice, black beans, and the distinctively fragrant leaves of the alpinia plant.
4. Bun Ca (Fish Noodle Soup): A comforting and hearty soup, featuring fresh river fish, rice noodles, and a flavorful broth.
5. Banh Duc (Rice Flour Cake): A simple yet delicious dish, made with rice flour and water, steamed to a soft and fluffy texture, and often served with a savory dipping sauce.

Com Cha Thai Binh is a unique dish as it showcases the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The rice is carefully selected and cooked to achieve a fluffy and fragrant consistency, while the pork patties are seasoned and fried to a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The dish is often served with a variety of fresh herbs, pickles, and a special dipping sauce, adding even more layers of flavor and texture.

The key ingredients of Banh Cong are mung bean flour, shrimp, and pork. The mung bean batter is carefully prepared and stuffed with a generous portion of fresh shrimp and savory pork. The snack is then deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Banh Cong is often served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Banh Gai is made by wrapping a mixture of glutinous rice, black beans, and spices in the fragrant leaves of the alpinia plant, which gives the cake its distinctive aroma and flavor. The health benefits of Banh Gai come from the alpinia leaves, which are believed to aid digestion and boost overall health. The glutinous rice and black beans also provide a good source of energy and nutrients.

Bun Ca is a comforting dish due to its hearty and flavorful nature. The soup is made with a rich broth, often simmered for hours to extract the full flavor of the river fish. The rice noodles are soft and absorbent, soaking up the delicious broth. The dish is typically served with a variety of fresh herbs and spices, adding a burst of flavor and aroma, making it a perfect comfort food.

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