The Great Sacrifice: A Táo Quân Conundrum – To Offer, Meat or Vegetarian Delights?

The tradition of worshipping the Kitchen Gods on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month is a beautiful cultural feature of Vietnamese families. While some families prepare a lavish feast with various dishes, others choose to offer only vegetarian food. So, which is more appropriate, offering a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal?

1. Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Offering for the Kitchen Gods?

According to cultural researcher Hoang Cong, a member of UNESCO Vietnam, “Throughout history, Vietnamese culture has been influenced by East Asian and Chinese cultures but has developed its unique characteristics, especially in its beliefs and rituals. The rituals are a blend of Confucianism, Taoism, the Mother Goddess religion, ancestor worship, and natural beliefs, with strong regional influences.” As a result, many families choose to offer non-vegetarian dishes (using meat) and burn votive paper, influenced by these rituals.

However, families influenced by Buddhism, which promotes non-violence and non-killing, opt for vegetarian offerings. The choice between a vegetarian or non-vegetarian offering depends on the beliefs and preferences of the family performing the ritual. The most important aspect is the sincerity and respect shown towards the ancestors. When making wishes, it is advisable to ask for peace, happiness, and family well-being rather than focusing on wealth and prosperity.

2. Suggestions for a Vegetarian Offering to the Kitchen Gods

A vegetarian offering symbolizes wholeness and unity, and the following dishes are suggested for a fulfilling ceremony:

• Spicy and colorful vegetarian chicken with lemongrass and chili.
• Colorful and healthy assorted vegetable soup.
• Simple and nutritious stir-fried mung bean sprouts with bitter melon.
• Fragrant and eye-catching red yeast rice.
• Crispy vegetarian fried spring rolls.
• Ginger-flavored sweet porridge, a light and delightful dessert.

Other vegetarian dish options include:

• Green bean or mung bean sticky rice.
• Stir-fried tofu with tomato sauce.
• Vegetarian fried spring rolls.
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
• Vegetarian ham.
• Cau flower dessert…

In addition to the vegetarian dishes, you will need to prepare: Three sets of votive paper for the Kitchen Gods (two male and one female); Three goldfish; Betel and areca nuts; …

3. Suggestions for a Non-Vegetarian Offering to the Kitchen Gods

A typical non-vegetarian offering for the Kitchen Gods includes the following dishes:

• One whole chicken or roast duck (can be substituted with boiled pork or roast pig)
• One plate of sticky rice (can be replaced with purple sticky rice, mung bean sticky rice, or nettle leaf sticky rice)
• One plate of pork cold cuts
• One whole fish
• One bowl of pork hock and bamboo shoot soup (or another type of soup)
• Stir-fried mixed vegetables, …

If you are short on time, a simpler non-vegetarian offering can be made with the following dishes:

• Boiled and chopped chicken
• Braised pork belly
• Vegetable and bone soup
• Pork ham
• A bowl of white rice

In addition to the main dishes, you will need to prepare: Alcohol, a bowl of rice, a bowl of salt, flowers, and clothes for the Kitchen Gods. May your family be blessed with happiness and peace through your dedication to this ritual and your sincerity towards your ancestors.