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Tranquilizing the senses with its circular shape and snowy appearance, the rice dumplings, or 'Bánh ít trần', are meticulously crafted from wheat and glutinous rice flour. Encased within its soft and elastic exterior lies a filling of green beans, offering a choice between savory delights or sweet indulgence to suit the palate of discerning diners. The savory variant may feature a medley of shrimp, meat, and garden-fresh vegetables, while the sweet rendition encompasses creamy mung beans or succulent coconut shreds.
Bánh ít trần, gently steamed atop banana leaves, emanates an inviting aroma that tantalizes the senses. (Image source: Compiled from various sources)
Each piece of bánh ít trần undergoes a harmonious steaming process alongside banana leaves, infusing it with a delicate sweetness that captivates the palate. Accompanying this culinary delight is the classic combination of sweet and tangy fish sauce dip, alongside a refreshing assortment of raw greens.
Rice Dumplings: A Fusion of Green Bean and Coconut Fillings
Among the culinary treasures of the Mekong Delta, banana leaf-wrapped rice dumplings, known as 'Bánh ít', have long held acclaim across the Southern provinces. These delectable treats are typically filled with either mung bean paste or coconut, crafted meticulously with glutinous rice flour, banana leaves, and a medley of aromatic spices.
Bánh ít with mung bean filling is a beloved delicacy of the Mekong Delta, favored by many travelers. (Image source: Compiled from various sources)
Each layer of glutinous rice dough is meticulously shaped into round or oval forms before being generously filled with the chosen stuffing. The final touch involves wrapping the dumplings in banana leaves and steaming them for 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooked, the dumpling's exterior turns supple, while the filling becomes irresistibly fragrant. The interplay of sweet glutinous rice and succulent filling results in a harmonious blend of flavors.
In the traditional customs of the Mekong Delta, bánh ít takes center stage during festivals and ancestral rituals. If you ever find yourself exploring the charm of the Mekong Delta, consider purchasing these exquisite treats as gifts for your loved ones.
Bánh ú
Stepping foot into the Mekong Delta, one cannot miss encountering this special delicacy, a banana leaf-wrapped treat known as 'bánh ú'. At first glance, bánh ú bears a resemblance to rice dumplings. However, the intricate preparation process of this dish demands skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
The filling of bánh ú contributes significantly to its success, comprising 70% of the recipe's mastery. Among the most popular fillings is mung bean paste, prepared by boiling and grinding mung beans before mixing them with sugar. Additionally, savory fillings such as pork are also common in certain provinces of the Mekong Delta.
The layer of salted egg yolk and luscious pork filling is the most enticing aspect of savory bánh ú. (Image source: Compiled from various sources)
Bánh ú delights the palate with its rich and sweet flavors derived from mung bean filling and characteristic glutinous rice flour. A perfectly crafted bánh ú boasts a naturally soft and elastic texture. This is a popular banana leaf-wrapped delicacy of the Mekong Delta, commonly enjoyed during festivals and Lunar New Year celebrations. Moreover, bánh ú symbolizes togetherness and family reunion in Vietnamese tradition.
Mekong Delta's Banana Leaf-Wrapped Delight - Bánh tét
Similar to bánh chưng in the North, bánh tét is a traditional delicacy often found during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) in the provinces of the Southern Mekong Delta region. Bánh tét carries profound cultural significance and embodies gratitude towards ancestors.
Bánh tét typically takes on a cylindrical shape, wrapped in young banana leaves and secured with bamboo strings. Its core consists of sticky rice, mung beans, layered with pork fat, pork, and chicken. The bánh tét is boiled over a charcoal stove for 8 to 12 hours until the outer layer achieves a soft and elastic texture. Apart from being enjoyed as is, adventurous eaters may opt to fry or grill bánh tét according to their preferences and tastes.
Bánh tét holds significant importance as a traditional dish during each Lunar New Year celebration in the Western region of Vietnam. (Image source: Compiled from various sources)
On the nights leading up to Tet, families in the Western provinces gather together to prepare bánh tét under the glow of the full moon. This ritual embodies the traditional cultural value of togetherness in the Western community.
Bánh chuối khoai mì
Taro and bananas are two familiar ingredients deeply rooted in the waterways of the Western region. Leveraging the abundance of taro and bananas, locals have ingeniously created a rustic delicacy known as bánh chuối khoai mì. Its chewy exterior is crafted from taro, while ripe bananas serve as the main filling, sweetened with palm sugar.
Bánh khoai mì filled with banana is a childhood snack cherished by many children in the Western region. (Image source: Compiled from various sources)
A complete bánh chuối khoai mì typically features a translucent outer layer and a vibrant banana filling. Pairing this banana leaf-wrapped delicacy of the Western region with rich and creamy coconut milk enhances its flavor profile perfectly. When indulging in bánh chuối khoai mì, one can savor the fragrant aroma of banana leaves and the sweet, chewy texture of the cake.
Unlike other Western delicacies, bánh khoai mì filled with banana is only widely available in certain provinces, thus remaining relatively unknown to many. However, adventurous diners can still experience this delightful treat during selected Western Vietnam tours offered by Mytour.
Western Delicacy Wrapped in Banana Leaves - Bánh xu xê
Bánh xu xê stands as one of the most beloved banana leaf-wrapped delicacies of the Southern region in Vietnam. It is crafted from rice flour, mung beans, grated coconut, and banana leaves. Firstly, the mung bean filling is meticulously soaked and peeled, then steamed, mashed, and mixed with sugar syrup. Finally, the cook combines the mashed mung beans with shredded coconut.
Bánh xu xê is a unique combination of various ingredients such as shredded coconut, glutinous rice flour, and mung beans. (Image source: Compiled from various sources)
Bánh xu xê typically boasts a natural green hue, with a fragrant and chewy outer layer, complemented by the gentle sweetness and rich aroma of mung beans. This delicacy is often featured at weddings, engagement ceremonies, and other special occasions in the Western provinces.
Various banana leaf-wrapped delicacies of the Western region, whether savory or sweet, hold a special allure for every traveler. Each type of banana leaf-wrapped cake carries its own distinct flavor and characteristics, adding to the diversity and richness of Western cuisine and Vietnam as a whole. We hope through this article shared by Mytour, you will gain more insightful knowledge. If you have developed a special fondness for the charming landscapes of the Western region, don't miss out on Mytour's Western Vietnam tours! Contact Mytour's hotline Mytour for free consultation and receive attractive offers.
