Foods to avoid during Tet to ward off bad luck all year long

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

1. Balut eggs

2. Squid

3. Garlic, shrimp paste

4. Bananas

5. Dog meat

6. Shrimp

7. Duck meat

1. Balut eggs

Balut eggs are a delicacy enjoyed by many. This dish is packed with essential nutrients for the body and promotes good health. However, people from the Central and Northern regions often refrain from eating balut eggs during the first few days of the new year. According to folklore, consuming balut eggs during this time may turn luck upside down, transforming good fortune into misfortune.

2. Squid

Squid is one of the items on the list of foods to avoid during the early days of the new year. There's a saying that goes 'as black as squid.' Hence, many believe that consuming squid at the beginning of the new year will bring about a year filled with darkness and misfortune. Therefore, it's advised not to gift squid to others.

3. Garlic, shrimp paste

People from the Northern region often avoid consuming shrimp paste at the beginning of the new year. They believe that eating shrimp paste will bring bad luck throughout the year. Especially on the first day of the lunar new year or when visiting temples, people have the belief that consuming shrimp paste and garlic symbolizes impurity and disrespect to the spirits.

4. Bananas

During Tet, Northern Vietnamese tables are incomplete without bananas. According to southern dialect, eating bananas signifies bending over, implying difficulties in progressing. Therefore, consuming bananas in the first few days of the new year may hinder career advancement.

5. Dog meat

Many Vietnamese families refrain from consuming dog meat during Tet and the beginning of the lunar month. It is believed that eating dog meat at the beginning of the year will attract misfortune and bad luck throughout the year. Therefore, dog meat is often listed among the foods to avoid during Tet.

6. Shrimp

Due to the backward swimming nature of shrimp, many believe that consuming shrimp will hinder work progress and be unfavorable. Moreover, the head of shrimp contains feces which can cloud the mind and decision-making.

7. Duck meat

According to ancient beliefs, duck meat symbolizes decadence, misfortune, and darkness. In contrast, chicken meat signifies prosperity in the new year, hence it is often used as a substitute for duck meat.

The above is a list of foods to avoid during Tet to ward off bad luck throughout the year. Remember to keep it in mind for reference and application. Don't forget to follow Mytour for detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What traditional foods should be avoided during Tet celebrations in Vietnam?

During Tet, it's advised to avoid foods like balut eggs, squid, shrimp paste, bananas, dog meat, shrimp, and duck meat. Consuming these foods is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune for the year ahead, as per Vietnamese folklore.

Why is eating squid discouraged at the beginning of the new year?

Eating squid during the new year is discouraged due to the saying 'as black as squid.' Many believe that consuming squid can lead to a year filled with darkness and misfortune, making it wise to avoid this dish at Tet.

How does eating bananas affect one's luck in the new year?

In Northern Vietnam, eating bananas during the first days of the new year is seen as unfavorable. It symbolizes bending over and signifies difficulties in career advancement, so people prefer to avoid bananas to ensure prosperity.

What are the beliefs surrounding dog meat consumption during Tet?

Many Vietnamese families avoid dog meat during Tet, believing it attracts misfortune and bad luck throughout the year. As a result, dog meat is commonly excluded from festive meals to promote a favorable start to the new year.

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