AloTrip

Where do you travel?

trustpilot

Vietnamese cakes listed in top 10 world celebration foods

Mon, 05 May 2014. Last updated Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:42

Related stories

National Geographic, a USA prestigious travel magazine, has recently published the list of 10 traditional celebration foods in the world. Chung cake and Giay Cake of Vietnam are honored to enter that list.

National Geographic is a USA travel magazine popular around the world which has been published continuously since its first issue in 1988. It primarily contains article on geography, history and culture of nations. Nowadays, National Geographic Magazine is one of the most famous traveler magazines with a global circulation of 8.3 million in thirty-six languages.

National Geographic has recently released a list of 10 world’s celebration food which honors traditional foods in festivals of countries across the world. Chung Cake and Giay Cake of Vietnamese have entered the list as figurative food of Tet holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival). The popular magazine has stated that Tet is the most important festival in Vietnam which marks the arrival of spring and a new year with several expectations and hopes. It is also the occasion that Vietnamese families reunite and gather surrounding the feast.

 

Chung Cake - a traditional food of Vietnam

 

Chung cake and Giay Cake play an essential part in Vietnamese history. Accordingly, King Hung VI chose the next king by asking his princes to offer him a dish. The throne would be given to who could satisfy him. The 18th prince whose name was Lang Lieu offered the King Chung cake and Giay Cake. He explained that both cakes were made from rice, which was the main product in Vietnam at that time. Chung cake had the shape of square and symbolized the Earth; Giay Cake had the shape of circle and represented the sky. Impressed by the flavor of cakes and the prince’s speech, the King had decided to give throne to Lang Lieu prince. Since then, Chung cake and Giay Cake have become the most important traditional food of Vietnamese.   

 

Giay Cake - Vietnam traditional food beside Chung Cake

 

Chung cake and Giay Cake are traditional cakes of Vietnamese cuisine to show descendants’ deep gratitude for the ancestors and the Goddess. Chung cake has the squared shape and green color which symbolize the Earth. Ingredients for making Chung cake are sticky rice, green peas, pork and Phrynium or banana leaves. The cake has the greasy taste of and pork, pleasant scent of leaves and soft flavor of sticky rice. The process to make Giay Cake is complicated as well. There are two different kinds of Giay Cake: one has sweet green bean paste inside and the other has salty stuffing with ingredients mainly pork pies. In addition to Tet holiday, those cakes are also prepared in special occasions such as Hung Kings’ death anniversary and important occasions of clans.

Other celebration foods also enter the list include: Bread of the Dead from Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Hákarl from Iceland’s Thorrablót (Mid-Winter Festival), Moon Cakes from China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, Hamantaschen from Israel, King Cake from Mardi Gras, Besan Burfi from India’s Diwali, Kahk Cake from Egypt, Haggis from Scotland, and cakes for the May Revolutionary Day in Argentina.

  • View
    6151
  • Share
    0
  • Comment
    0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Vietnam participated in ASEAN Food and Culture festival
Vietnam participated in ASEAN Food and Culture festival

In possession of excellent cultural activities, Vietnam was appreciated at the ASEAN Food and Cultural Festival in Malaysia to celebrate 47th anniversary of the Association Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cultural events welcoming Lunar New Year in Hanoi Old Quarter
Cultural events welcoming Lunar New Year in Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter has been known as the cultural and historical center of Hanoi. To welcome Lunar New Year, in the Old Quarter, there are many interesting and meaningful cultural events taking place.

Hanoi cuisine strongly appeals to tourists
Hanoi cuisine strongly appeals to tourists

Hanoi has for a long time been one of the most ideal destinations for tourists. Coming Hanoi and enjoying Hanoi cuisine is the best way to explore the beautiful city.

Taste of Vietnam with Chef Robert Danhi broadcasted
Taste of Vietnam with Chef Robert Danhi broadcasted

Starting to be broadcasted on July 18th, the reality TV program named “Taste of Vietnam” with Chef Robert Danhi is expected to bring tourists worldwide a new perspective of Vietnamese cuisine and Vietnam tourism.

Vietnamese street food in the eyes of international tourists
Vietnamese street food in the eyes of international tourists

Vietnamese street food has become so well known that CNNgo praises Vietnam as the heaven of food and Travel Jounal Lovelyplanet lists Vietnam as one of 10 culinary tours most worth-trying in the world.

Hoi An diversifies recreational activities on Tet holiday
Hoi An diversifies recreational activities on Tet holiday

On the occasion of upcoming Tet holiday, from February 18th to 24th in the solar calendar (from December 30th to January 6th in the lunar calendar), Hoi An will hold many special activities to serve recreational demands of local citizens and travelers.

10 Vietnamese dishes praised in foreign press
10 Vietnamese dishes praised in foreign press

Nowadays, Vietnamese cuisine is becoming more and more well-known in the world. With the harmonious and elegant combination of five fundamental taste elements, it is no coincidence that international friends give many compliments to Vietnamese dishes.

Cao Lau Hoi An - one of Vietnam's greatest dishes
Cao Lau Hoi An - one of Vietnam's greatest dishes

Cao Lau has long been regarded as a signature dish creating the soul of Hoi An cuisine. According to Huffington Post, a well-known American magazine, Cao Lau Hoi An is considered as "one of Vietnam's greatest culinary treasures".

Bo De Quan - Essence of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine
Bo De Quan - Essence of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine

Bo De Quan Restaurant at 164 Au Co Street in Tay Ho District, Hanoi is a great address for guests to enjoy the essence of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. Coming to the restaurant, guests will be lured into the art of cuisine and purity in soul.

Relics in Hoi An and Hue open free on Tet holiday
Relics in Hoi An and Hue open free on Tet holiday

On the occasion of upcoming Lunar New Year 2015, which is widely known as Tet Holiday in Vietnam, relics in Hoi An and Hue will be open free to encourage travelers to visit and explore its culture and monuments.

Tran Dynasty Relics recognized as special national heritage
Tran Dynasty Relics recognized as special national heritage

In the evening of September 13th, Tran Dynasty Historical Relics in Dong Trieu District, Quang Ninh Province was officially recognized as a special national heritage. The ceremony is formally held in An Sinh Temple.

Develop Halong Bay tourism in heritage conservation
Develop Halong Bay tourism in heritage conservation

20 years ago, Halong Bay officially became the first natural heritage of Vietnam honored by UNESCO. During years, Quang Ninh Province has made effort continuously in conserving and developing values of Halong Bay.

Hue Citadel is funded 8 million USD for restoration
Hue Citadel is funded 8 million USD for restoration

Since recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1993, Hue Citadel has been funded nearly $ 8 million for restoration by governments and non-government organizations over the world.

Dalat clay sculptures - A new tourism product
Dalat clay sculptures - A new tourism product

Dalat clay sculptures also known as clay tunnel in Dalat. The tourist attraction is becoming a famous and appealing stopover in Dalat tours. The clay sculpture complex portrays vivid clay works recreating the history and culture in Dalat City.

Cua Lo ready for summer tourist season 2014
Cua Lo ready for summer tourist season 2014

Cua Lo Tourism Festival with the theme “Dawn at Cua Lo” has recently been held to honor the local culture and promote Cua Lo tourism to tourists around the world. It is a prelude to the summer tourist season 2014 of Cua Lo.

Bao Dai Palace I Dalat to become tourist resort
Bao Dai Palace I Dalat to become tourist resort

Bao Dai Palace I Dalat is a unique architectural work expressing clearly the influences of European neoclassical architectural trend. To remain a beautiful and valuable sightseeing spot, the Palace I Dalat will be invest to become a tourist resort.

International Travel Expo 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City
International Travel Expo 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City

The 10th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2014 themed “5 Countries, 1 Destination” will take place from September 11th to 13th in Saigon Expo& Convention Center in District 7.

Phu Quoc Pearl Island receives a big boost in tourists
Phu Quoc Pearl Island receives a big boost in tourists

Mr. Huynh Quang Hung, a Deputy Chairman of People’s Committee of Phu Quoc district, Kien Giang province informed that from June 2014 until now, the number of tourists visiting the Phu Quoc Pearl Island has significantly increased.

Royal Library in Hue Citadel reopened
Royal Library in Hue Citadel reopened

On March 26, Royal Library in Hue Citadel was reopened to serve tourists coming to Hue. There is a photo exhibition themed Revival of Hue heritages held to introduce domestic and international tourists about Hue Citadel recognized as a World Heritage.

Vietnam tourism in the eyes of international press
Vietnam tourism in the eyes of international press

In recent years, Vietnam tourism is increasingly attracting the attention of foreign tourist and international media also. In 2014, several popular travel websites and magazines worldwide have appreciated Vietnam tourism.

Tuan Chau ferry connects Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island
Tuan Chau ferry connects Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island

Au Lac Company has recently provided modern Tuan Chau ferry to the tourist waterway from Tuan Chau Island (Halong Bay) to Cat Ba Island. Thanks to this waterway, tourists can transport easily between two famous tourist destinations.

Interesting things on Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Interesting things on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Recently, Nguyen Hue Walking Street was officially opened to serve locals and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The new walking zone is the most beautiful and largest street in Ho Chi Minh City with colorful decoration and modern water foutain system.

Vietnamese street food in the eyes of international tourists
Vietnamese street food in the eyes of international tourists

Vietnamese street food has become so well known that CNNgo praises Vietnam as the heaven of food and Travel Jounal Lovelyplanet lists Vietnam as one of 10 culinary tours most worth-trying in the world.

Destinations in Vietnam to escape summer heat
Destinations in Vietnam to escape summer heat

Because of the tropical monsoon climate, the summer in Vietnam is rather hot. With cool climate and moderate temperature, following are 10 perfect summer destinations in Vietnam to enjoy fresh air and beautiful landscapes.

The opening ceremony of Sun Wheel in Da Nang
The opening ceremony of Sun Wheel in Da Nang

In the evening July 18, 2014, Sun Wheel in Da Nang was officially launched at Asia Park Da Nang. Sun Wheel in Da Nang is one of the top highest wheels in the world.

Vietnam is a favored destination of German tourists
Vietnam is a favored destination of German tourists

Famtrip, a German delegation consisting of 12 representatives of leading tourism companies in Germany with Mr. Peter Melchior as the delegation leader has visited Vietnam to research for tourism from May 13th to 18th 2014.

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village becomes national heritage
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village becomes national heritage

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village located at the foot of Marble Mountains as recently been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. It is one of the most well-known attractions in Da Nang.

Nguyen Hue Flower Street becomes walking zone in 2015
Nguyen Hue Flower Street becomes walking zone in 2015

Recently, there is a decision on upgrading Nguyen Hue Flower Street to become a walking square in Ho Chi Minh City. The project costs about 428 billion dong. Also, there is an underground station built here.

Trang An proposed to be a world heritage
Trang An proposed to be a world heritage

Trang An, honored as “Dry Halong Bay”, is becoming a favorite attraction appealing tourists from all over the world. Recently, Vietnam proposed UNESCO for recognizing Trang An ecological complex in Ninh Binh Province as a world heritage site.

Lao Cai tourism launches official website
Lao Cai tourism launches official website

The first official website of Lao Cai tourism has come into operation since March 27th. The website enables tourists and companies to upgrade tourism information in 3 languages: Vietnamese, English and Chinese.