What is banh chung?

Banh chung is a traditional Vietnamese rice cake that is typically made and eaten during the Lunar New Year celebration, known as Tet. It is a square-shaped cake made of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves. The cake is boiled for several hours until the ingredients are cooked through and the flavors meld together.

Banh chung is a symbol of good luck and prosperity and is often given as gifts to family and friends during Tet. It is believed to represent the Earth due to its square shape and the green banana leaves symbolize the arrival of spring.

The process of making banh chung is time-consuming and labor-intensive, which is why it is often made in large batches and shared amongst loved ones. It is a dish that brings families together and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and tradition.