Everyone who visits the bánh tét stall gets to enjoy the bánh tét and watch artisan Tư Mum skillfully demonstrate the traditional art of wrapping bánh tét.

According to our research, Tra Cuon sticky rice cakes are often transported by bus to various provinces. Thanks to the family's traditional recipe, the cakes can be preserved for a long time. The highlight of Tra Cuon sticky rice cakes is the three-colored wrapper and the filling, which consists of mung beans, pork fat, and salted egg yolks, all blended together to create a visually stunning five-colored sticky rice cake.

For over 10 years, artisan Tư Mum (Nguyễn Thị Mum) from Vĩnh Long province has been dedicated to making Trà Cuôn sticky rice cakes.

Artisan Nguyen Thi Mum (Tu Mum), nearly 70 years old, still possesses nimble and skillful hands, creating cakes with delicate and eye-catching colors. Artisan Tu Mum shared: “I’ve been making these cakes for over a decade, mainly out of passion and a desire to preserve the craft of my ancestors. Participating in this competition, I also want to test my skills against other participants and share the flavors of my hometown with everyone. Making cakes requires meticulousness and attention to detail. The step I’m most passionate about is making the filling, because I have to carefully select high-quality, hygienic ingredients.”

Mr. Kim Ngoc Van Phat (Long Ho district, Vinh Long province) is considered the successor to Co Ba Giang's Tra Cuon banh tet (Vietnamese sticky rice cake).

Mr. Kim Ngoc Van Phat, the successor of Co Ba Giang's banh tet (Vietnamese sticky rice cake), said: "Coming to the Southern Traditional Cake Festival, I want to introduce to friends in Ca Mau and tourists the specialties of Tra Vinh and to exchange and learn from the elders."

Kim Ngoc Vinh Phat (brother of Kim Ngoc Van Phat) shared: “Our family has a tradition of making banh tet (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) for over 25 years. Initially, people weren't used to the taste, so we gradually learned from experience and adjusted the seasoning to suit the majority of people. People from Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Can Tho … like sweet and rich flavors; while people from other regions need a more balanced taste. The characteristic of Tra Cuon banh tet is the salty taste of salted egg yolk, the richness of lard, and the sticky rice; all combined, anyone who has tasted it will remember it.”

The most challenging part of cooking Tra Cuon sticky rice cake is controlling the fire; the heat must be even, as too much heat will make the cake mushy. Therefore, Co Ba Giang's sticky rice cake workshop uses longan wood because it burns evenly, slowly, and doesn't suffer from excessive heat. Artisan Tu Mum explains that the wrapping process is equally important, as the cake must be tightly tied. Otherwise, during cooking, the cake will unravel, water will seep in, and it won't last long. Typically, Tra Cuon sticky rice cake can be kept for about 6 days at room temperature.

Tra Cuon sticky rice cake is delicious and appealing thanks to the harmonious combination of ingredients, spices, and the skillful hands of the bakers. Photo: HUYNH LAM

At the festival, Cô Ba Giang's bánh tét (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) stall brought a new flavor, a slight improvement but still retaining the traditional taste. Artisan Tư Mum excitedly said: “These past few days, we've sold about 200 bánh tét cakes each day (each cake priced at 90,000 VND), and they're all gone by early afternoon. We have to order more from the oven. Seeing everyone come to support us makes us so happy; the people of Cà Mau are lovely and hospitable.”

Approximately twice a month, the Tra Cuon sticky rice cake stall travels to display and participate in events throughout the Mekong Delta provinces. In particular, they participate in tourism events in Ho Chi Minh City; this helps promote the Tra Cuon sticky rice cake brand of Co Ba Giang.

Tra Cuon sticky rice cake is a popular choice for many diners in Ca Mau to enjoy and to give as gifts.

Ms. Truong Thi Dao, a customer from Dam Doi district, stopped by Co Ba Giang's banh tet (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) stall and bought two cakes to enjoy and give as gifts. "These banh tet are really delicious, the flavor is just right, and they look so tempting. When you eat them, the salty, rich flavors melt in your mouth. Everyone should try them at least once," Ms. Dao remarked.

Nhat Minh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/dac-san-banh-tet-tra-cuon-a1226.html