Buzz
Cần Thơ, with its year-round enchanting beauty, is a destination that captivates every travel enthusiast. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, this region is renowned for its irresistible culinary delights, featuring a variety of simple yet richly flavored local cakes that leave a lasting impression.
Bánh tét lá cẩm
In the past, the people of Cần Thơ prepared bánh tét lá cẩm only during festive occasions. However, with the growth of tourism, this delicacy is now made year-round to cater to the demands of visitors.
Travelers to Cần Thơ are often left in awe, with many exclaiming at the sheer beauty of this unique cake. Crafting bánh tét lá cẩm, both delicious and visually stunning, involves a meticulous and labor-intensive process.
From the very first step of selecting ingredients, only the freshest and plumpest glutinous rice grains are chosen. The rice is thoroughly cleaned, soaked in water for six hours, and then mixed with vibrant magenta-colored cẩm leaf extract. Fresh cẩm leaves are essential to achieve the cake’s striking hue. After soaking, the rice is drained, stir-fried with coconut milk, and seasoned with a touch of sugar and salt, allowing the flavors to infuse into every grain for about an hour.
Bánh tét is wrapped in green banana leaves, featuring an outer layer of vibrant purple rice, followed by a filling of soft, soaked mung beans, and at its core, succulent pork belly. Once wrapped, the cake is boiled over a gentle wood fire for about 5 to 6 hours. When fully cooked, it achieves a perfect chewy texture, boasting a lively purple hue, the nutty flavor of mung beans, and the rich savoriness of pork. Anyone who tastes it will find its unique flavor unforgettable.
Bánh đúc lá dứa
This humble dish from the Western region is a simple yet unforgettable treat. Once tasted, its distinct flavor leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Preparing bánh đúc lá dứa requires considerable effort. First, plain rice is soaked and ground into a fine powder. Pandan leaves are cleaned, blended, and strained to extract their juice. The rice flour is then mixed with the pandan juice and cooked until it reaches a boiling point. To achieve the ideal chewy texture without lumps, the cook must stir the mixture consistently and maintain an even heat.
Once the cake reaches the desired consistency, it is poured into trays and spread evenly. After cooling, it is cut into bite-sized pieces, showcasing its vibrant green color. Bánh đúc lá dứa is typically served with a sauce made from coconut milk and sugar syrup. With each bite, you’ll experience a refreshing, jelly-like texture complemented by the creamy richness of coconut and the aromatic crunch of peanuts.
Bánh tằm bì
Bánh tằm bì is another beloved dish that many visitors eagerly try when they visit Cần Thơ. Made from soft, smooth rice flour, the cake is shaped into strands and steamed to perfection. The accompanying shredded pork skin is marinated with spices, fried until golden, and served alongside the cake.
Whether at large restaurants or small street vendors in Cần Thơ, you can easily find and enjoy this delightful dish. Despite its humble origins, the crispy texture of the pork skin, the sweetness of the meat, and the aromatic flavors of fried shallots and garlic create an irresistible combination that keeps you coming back for more.
These dishes, though simple and traditional, are iconic to the Western region. When visiting, every traveler can easily savor these local delights. If you need to book affordable flights to Cần Thơ, contact Mytour via their hotline 1900 2083 for quick advice and support!
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 4:00 PM
