Health & Life

The Ultimate Delicacy: Unveiling the Unique Culinary Treasure of Bac Kan

In recent years, the traditional specialty cake of Bac Kan has gained popularity in the city, with many people buying it to enjoy themselves or as a gift for their loved ones. This delicious treat is a true taste of Bac Kan's culture and heritage, and its increasing popularity is a testament to its unique flavor and appeal.

Administrator

3 September, 2024

Bánh Trơi is a unique delicacy native to Bắc Kạn, a province in Vietnam. Its name, which translates to “Sky Cake,” hints at its significance in local culture and its heavenly taste. While its appearance may be humble, Bánh Trơi encapsulates the essence of the region’s cuisine and the creativity of its people.

Bánh Trơi tempts with its alluring aroma and taste.

The primary ingredients of this delectable treat are rice flour, white rice wine, strong tea, and sugarcane syrup. The process of making Bánh Trơi is a labor of love. First, the rice flour is mixed with strong tea to impart a subtle brown hue and a distinct flavor. A touch of rice wine is added to the mixture, along with a generous amount of sugarcane syrup, creating a sticky and fragrant dough. This dough is then skillfully shaped into small balls, roughly the size of longan fruit, and deep-fried to a golden perfection.

The real magic happens when these fried treats are immersed in a boiling syrup bath. The secret lies in achieving the perfect temperature of around 70°C for the syrup. This critical step allows the cakes to absorb the sweet syrup, infusing them with the aromatic flavors of sugarcane and rice wine.

Biting into a Bánh Trơi is a sensory journey. The initial burst of warmth from the rice wine gives way to a symphony of flavors—the sweetness of the syrup, the subtle bitterness of the tea, and the rich, nutty taste of rice flour. It’s a delightful fusion that has captivated locals and visitors alike.

“Bánh Trơi is more than just a traditional treat; it represents our deep respect for our ancestors,” shares Ms. Điền, a local baker. “We offer these delicious cakes to the heavens, seeking blessings for a prosperous new year. It’s no wonder it’s been recognized as one of Vietnam’s top 100 specialty dishes.”

Bánh Trơi—a delicious blend of traditional ingredients and unique flavors.

Once a well-kept secret of Bắc Kạn, Bánh Trơi has now found its way into the hearts and homes of people across Vietnam. It has become a sought-after souvenir for travelers, who relish the opportunity to share this unique taste of Bắc Kạn with their loved ones.

Online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms have further expanded the reach of Bánh Trơi, with vendors carefully packaging and selling these treats for around 50,000 VND per bag of 20 cakes. The intriguing name and mouthwatering descriptions have enticed city dwellers to give Bánh Trơi a try, and many have become regular customers, even using the cakes as offerings during special occasions.

“Initially, I sold Bánh Trơi to curious residents in my apartment building,” shares Ms. Hạnh, a specialty food seller in Hanoi. “But soon, word spread about its delicious taste and unique flavor, and now people buy it regularly, even for ceremonial purposes on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month.”

Frequently asked questions

The ultimate delicacy of Bac Kan, Vietnam, is the ‘Five Color Sticky Rice’. This dish is a culinary treasure, a true work of art, and a feast for all the senses. What makes it unique is the use of five different colors of sticky rice, carefully layered and steamed to create a vibrant, colorful dish that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

The process of creating this dish is intricate and labor-intensive. Local artisans use natural dyes and ingredients to color the sticky rice, including extracts from flowers, leaves, and roots. The five colors typically used are yellow, green, red, black, and white, each representing an element of nature – metal, wood, fire, water, and earth, respectively. The colored rice is then carefully layered and steamed, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and a stunning visual presentation.

The Five Color Sticky Rice holds great cultural and historical significance in Bac Kan. It is often prepared for special occasions, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The dish is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and harmony, and is a symbol of the region’s rich agricultural heritage and strong connection to nature.

You can find this delicacy in local markets, restaurants, and homes throughout Bac Kan province. It is often served with great pride by the local communities. When visiting Bac Kan, you should also explore other unique culinary treats, such as the local rice wine (‘ruou nep’), grilled fish dishes, and a variety of forest herbs and vegetables that are used in many of the region’s signature dishes.

The Five Color Sticky Rice is a perfect example of how Bac Kan’s culture and history are deeply intertwined with its cuisine. The dish showcases the region’s agricultural abundance, the creativity of its people, and their strong respect for nature and tradition. It is a delicious reminder of the unique heritage and hospitality that Bac Kan has to offer.