Although originating from ancient legends, Han Thuc Tet, when entering Vietnamese life, has taken on a gentle and warmer direction. This is when the weather begins to turn to summer, the hot sun gradually appears, and enjoying bowls of cool banh troi and vegetarian cakes becomes a way to "soothe" the taste buds, praying for a new peaceful season.
In 2026, Han Thuc Tet falls on Sunday - April 19th of the Gregorian calendar. This is an ideal condition for family members to leisurely gather together, instead of having to rush during busy working days.
Mentioning March 3rd is mentioning 2 indispensable dishes, banh troi and vegetarian cake. Only from the rustic ingredients of the wet rice civilization, which are sticky rice flour, rock sugar and green beans, but through skillful hands, they become highly symbolic dishes.
The white, round banh troi ball wrapped in rock sugar inside, when cooked floats on the water surface, evoking completeness and fulfillment. Meanwhile, a bowl of vegetarian banh troi with the sweet taste of tapioca juice, the aroma of grapefruit flower essential oil brings a feeling of purity and lightness. The image of small, pretty banh troi balls stacked next to each other also evokes the legend of "Wrapping a hundred eggs", as a skillful way to remind about the ethnic solidarity and the origin of "Dragon and Fairy descendants" of each Vietnamese person.
In the minds of Vietnamese people, the offering tray to worship ancestors on Han Thuc Tet does not need a high tray full of offerings. Just a few bowls of banh troi, vegetarian cakes arranged solemnly with incense sticks and fresh flower branches is enough to express sincerity.
Today, although banh troi and vegetarian cakes can be bought anywhere, many families still prioritize preparing them themselves at home. Maintaining this habit helps Han Thuc Tet day not to fade in the hurried pace of life.
Enjoying a bowl of chewy and smooth banh troi, feeling the sweetness of sugar flowing out of the tongue in the cozy atmosphere of the family, people can fully see the beauty of Vietnamese customs. Han Thuc Tet is therefore still persistently living in the hearts of the people, as a reminder of filial piety, gratitude and pride in the good traditional values of the nation.
