Explore the Unique Culinary Gem of Quang Ninh

In the enchanting region of Tiên Yên, discover a distinctive treat known as the whimsical 'gật gù' cake. Resembling traditional rolled cakes, it features a unique preparation method and is devoid of any filling.

Unveiling the Exceptional 'Gật Gù' Cake, a Quang Ninh Specialty

Tiên Yên preserves the age-old cultural treasures of Quang Ninh province. Visitors to Tiên Yên have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking natural landscapes and explore the ancient homes of the Dao, Tay, and San Diu ethnic groups.

Aside from its rich cultural heritage, the local cuisine also delights visitors. In addition to famous specialties like 'khâu nhục' and hillside chicken, there's another must-try delicacy - the 'gật gù' cake.

The cake gets its amusing name because it playfully sways to and fro as diners savor its flavors. Despite its simple appearance, many might mistakenly assume that the preparation is just as straightforward. However, the secret recipe for making the cake has been passed down through generations.

To craft the whimsical 'gật gù' cake, one must carefully select the premium rice varieties of Hải Dương and Bao Thai from Tiên Yên. The rice is soaked overnight before the intricate process begins. During the milling process, adding cold rice helps achieve a fluffy, elastic, and airy texture.

In the meticulous process of creating the 'gật gù' cake, the step of spreading the batter is equally crucial. The baker must proportion the flour precisely to avoid a sticky or overly thin consistency. A moderately thick layer of batter is poured onto the mold, not too thin like rolled cakes and not excessively thick like rice paper.

Subsequently, the batter is evenly spread into a round shape, covered, and left to mature. Nowadays, an electric steamer replaces traditional wood-burning stoves for batter spreading, making the cake-making process quicker, cleaner, and less labor-intensive. Every step in making the cake demands precision, skill, agility, and familiarity.

Once the cake rises and expands, the baker uses a nimble bamboo stick to skillfully lift it from the bottom and continue to spread a new layer. Before rolling, the 'gật gù' cake resembles rolled cakes or pho without any filling. After a uniform roll, the cake is placed on banana leaves to prevent sticking.

The delectability of 'gật gù' cake also relies on the accompanying dipping sauce. The dipping sauces vary across regions, but predominantly consist of minced meat, fish sauce, dried shallots, and chicken fat. The chicken fat is brought to a boil, then aromatic shallots, minced meat, and flavorful fish sauce are added.

While 'gật gù' cakes can be found in various places, the flavor in Tiên Yên, Quảng Ninh, remains the most memorable. The cakes boast a perfect elasticity, delightful aroma, and, notably, the dipping sauce elevates the essence of this dish.

As part of Vietnam's culinary map, the 'gật gù' cake from Quang Ninh deserves to be a can't-miss specialty when visiting this mining region. Follow Mytour blog for regular updates and useful articles!

According to Mytour

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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook