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10+ Dried Food Gifts for a Heartfelt and Memorable Lunar New Year

The world of Tet gifts is ever-evolving, and we are here to guide you through the best options for Tet 2024. With an array of choices, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect gift. That's why our team of experts has crafted this article, offering a unique insight into the world of dry goods that will make for thoughtful and meaningful Tet gifts this year.

Administrator

10 July, 2024

Gifting dried foods is a way to express love, affection, and gratitude. The Tet holiday season sees a wide variety of gifts, with many unique and diverse regional specialties flooding the market. In recent years, there has been a trend of giving dried foods as Tet gifts, adding a touch of novelty and authenticity to the celebration.

Below is a list of 10 dried foods that are perfect for gifting during Tet. Let’s explore these delicious treats together!

1 Ca Mau Dried Shrimp

Ca Mau Dried Shrimp

A staple in Southern Vietnam, especially during Tet, is the delicious Ca Mau dried shrimp. Its sweet and savory taste, along with a chewy texture, makes it a premium delicacy that completes the festive feast.

2 Shrimp Crackers

Crispy Shrimp Crackers

A well-loved specialty in the Western region, shrimp crackers are a must-have for Tet celebrations and feasts. These crackers pair perfectly with various dishes, such as salads and slaws, enhancing the flavor and texture of the meal. They are also a delightful snack to enjoy with drinks during the festive season, bringing people together in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

3 Chinese Sausage and Duck Sausage

Fragrant Chinese Sausage

Chinese sausage, also known as lap xuong, and duck sausage are delicacies with roots in Chinese cuisine but have become beloved by the Vietnamese. These sausages are often strung together like a chain of red money, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the new year. Gifting these sausages to loved ones and friends during Tet is a thoughtful way to wish them a lucky and abundant year ahead.

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4 Dried Squid

Nutritious Dried Squid

Dried squid is a powerhouse of protein, providing a substantial amount of 60.1g per 100g serving. It also contains valuable trace minerals like iron, zinc, and manganese, which are typically found in seafood. The chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor of dried squid make it a delectable treat, especially when paired with the spicy kick of chili sauce.

5 Dried Fish

Delicious and Nutritious Dried Fish

Dried fish is a versatile delicacy, enjoyed as a tasty snack or a flavorful addition to cooked dishes. It is packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and tasty treat. Dried fish is perfect for sharing with friends, adding a delightful crunch to casual gatherings.

6 Vietnamese Pork Sausage

Traditional Vietnamese Pork Sausage

Vietnamese pork sausage, or cha lua, is a beloved traditional delicacy in Vietnam. Its appeal lies in the perfect blend of fresh, high-quality pork and a harmonious mix of traditional spices. The subtle interplay of flavors and colors, along with the round shape of the sausage, symbolizes abundance and prosperity, making it a popular choice for Tet gifts.

7 Spring Rolls

Crispy Spring Rolls

Spring rolls, or cha gio, are a staple in both Southern and Northern Vietnam during Tet. These golden, crispy rolls are filled with a delicious combination of meat, beans, taro, and spices, all wrapped in rice paper. They symbolize unity and love, making them an excellent choice for gifting during the festive season.

8 Coconut Candy

Colorful and Delicious Coconut Candy

Coconut candy is a traditional treat often found on Tet candy trays. It boasts a unique flavor profile—sweet, buttery, and slightly nutty. The candy’s diverse colors reflect the different preparation methods, catering to various tastes. Coconut candy is a symbol of unity and happiness, making it an ideal addition to Tet gift baskets.

9 Ginger Candy

Spicy-Sweet Ginger Candy

Ginger candy is an affordable yet indispensable treat on Vietnamese Tet candy trays. The warm, spicy kick of ginger combined with a coating of sugar creates an irresistible flavor profile. The act of eating ginger candy during Tet symbolizes leaving behind the bitterness of the past year and embracing the sweetness of a new beginning.

10 Pickled Shallots

Traditional Pickled Shallots

Pickled shallots are a Southern specialty during Tet, often served alongside dishes like banh tet, banh chung, and gio lua. These shallots symbolize wealth and prosperity, making them a thoughtful and auspicious gift for the new year.

11 Smiling Nuts

Healthy and Delicious Smiling Nuts

While not a traditional Tet treat, smiling nuts are a thoughtful gift, especially for those health-conscious loved ones. These nuts are packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamin B1, which help prevent anemia and improve brain function. Gifting smiling nuts is a way to show your care and concern for the recipient’s well-being.

12 Banh Chung (Vietnamese Sticky Rice Cake)

Banh Chung – The Soul of Tet Holiday

Banh chung is the soul of the Tet holiday and a culinary staple in Vietnamese cuisine. These square-shaped sticky rice cakes, skillfully wrapped and packed with symbolic meanings, are a must-have for Northern Vietnamese families during Tet. They represent the connection between heaven and earth and the devotion of descendants to their ancestors. Gifting banh chung during Tet is a sacred and meaningful tradition.

There you have it! We’ve explored 10 meaningful dried foods that are perfect for gifting during Tet. We hope you find the perfect treat to delight your loved ones this holiday season!

Frequently asked questions

Here are some unique and memorable dried food gift ideas for the Lunar New Year: Dried Fruit Arrangements, Exquisite Dried Meat Platters, Premium Dried Seafood Sets, Artisanal Dried Vegetable Bundles, Rare Dried Mushrooms, Deluxe Nuts and Dried Fruits, Spicy Dried Tofu Snacks, Healthy Dried Superfood Mixes, Traditional Lunar New Year Dried Food Hampers, Personalized Dried Food Gift Baskets.

Dried food gifts are a wonderful choice for the Lunar New Year as they offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate the occasion. They are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional gifts, and their longevity symbolizes prosperity and abundance for the recipient in the coming year.

To present your dried food gifts attractively for the Lunar New Year, consider using decorative jars, elegant baskets, or festive tins. You can also create your own personalized gift bundles by combining different dried foods in creative ways. Add a thoughtful message or a festive card to complete the presentation.

Yes, when giving dried food gifts for the Lunar New Year, it is important to consider cultural traditions and symbolism. Certain foods are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and health. For example, dried seafood is considered auspicious, while certain types of dried fruits and nuts represent gold and silver ingots, symbolizing wealth.

Absolutely! You can enhance your dried food gifts by including other traditional Lunar New Year items such as red envelopes containing lucky money, festive decorations, or even small potted plants. Combining dried food with these additional items can create a more comprehensive and thoughtful gift for your loved ones.