The Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is fast approaching, with February 10 marking the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. In both Vietnamese and Chinese zodiacs, the dragon is considered a supernatural animal, making this year especially auspicious. It is also believed to be a favorable year for welcoming new babies. To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, consider indulging in your favorite Tet dishes and complementing them with a delightful selection of beverages. Banh chung and banh tet A significant part of the Tet festivities revolves around special delicacies, with banh chung in the north and banh tet in the south taking center stage. These traditional cakes not only symbolize gratitude to ancestors, the earth, and the sky but also highlight the vital role of rice and nature in Vietnamese culture. Banh chung is a culinary masterpiece made by combining glutinous, sticky rice with fatty pork, sweet and fragrant green beans, pepper, and onions. The mixture is then wrapped in green dong leaves to create a distinctive square shape. In contrast, banh tet features a cylindrical shape and is enveloped in banana leaves. While these Tet delicacies hold a special place in Vietnamese culture, you can […]