As ‘banh chung’ (square glutinous rice cake) is an indispensable part of the celebration of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival of the ethnic majority Kinh, the Red Dao ethnic group have their own version. The Red Dao cake is known as ‘banh chung gu”. The name of the cake reflects the image of a woman carrying a basket on her back, bending to the hard work in her field. In the photo: Making banh chung gu for Tet is a joyful and exciting occasion for every Red Dao family in Nguyen Binh. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)
In Red Dao families, making "banh chung gu" is traditionally a woman’s task. Mothers and sisters pass down the skill, teaching the younger girls how to wrap the cakes. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)
A female tourist from Hanoi, dressed in traditional Red Dao attire from Nguyen Binh, eagerly joins in making "banh chung gu" for Tet. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)
Today, banh chung gu remains an essential part of Tet celebrations in Red Dao households. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)
One of the unique cultural traditions of the Dao people in Vietnam is their culinary practices, particularly the preparation of "banh chung gu" and other special dishes for Tet. (Photo: Thanh Tung/VNA)
Making Tet cakes with Red Dao people in Cao Bang
As the old year ends and the new year approaches, the Red Dao people in Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang province, begin their preparations for Tet. They venture into the forest or visit the market to gather dong leaves, mill glutinous rice, and prepare to make “banh chung gu” (hunchback glutinous rice cakes) and brew liquor. During Tet, the Red Dao's cuisine is simple and rustic but carries deep meaning, with banh chung gu serving as the centerpiece of every family celebration.
