Seven times roasted sesame crackers are popular during Tet holiday

These days, the kitchens of Da Nang sesame crackers production facilities are working at full capacity, producing delicious cakes waiting for Tet.

These days, the kitchens of Da Nang sesame crackers production facilities are red hot and operating at full capacity - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Sesame crackers, also known as “seven-fire” crackers, are a famous specialty of the coastal city. With a sweet taste, the strong aroma of roasted sesame and a crispy crust, sesame crackers carry a strong hometown mark, always attached to the lives of people through many generations.

Quang Chau village (Hoa Chau commune, Hoa Vang district) has long been famous for its sesame crackers making. Thanks to this traditional craft, the people here have a stable source of income.

According to locals, no one knows when sesame crackers first appeared, but they know that this profession has been closely linked to the lives of the villagers for hundreds of years. To this day, the traditional method of making the cakes is still preserved by the villagers.

As the Lunar New Year 2025 is approaching, the atmosphere at sesame crackers production households in Quang Chau village is becoming more bustling than ever.

Mr. Tran Xu's family bakery, which has been in operation for over 40 years, these days has about 10 workers working at full capacity to complete Tet orders.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nghi (Mr. Xu's wife), who has maintained and developed the family bakery over the years, shared that to have delicious sesame crackers, the baker must bake them over fire seven times to achieve perfect crispness.

Sesame crackers, also known as “seven fire” crackers - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

In addition, to make delicious, quality sesame crackers, you must use 100% 13/2 rice (also known as Xiec), only this type of rice can make the crackers fluffy.

If mixed with other types of rice, the sesame cake will be easily broken and not crispy. In particular, the caramelized sugar must be just right and use white sugar from Quang Ngai and sesame from Thanh Hoa.

For many people, sesame crackers bring a rustic, familiar flavor. Therefore, every time they see sesame crackers, they feel Tet is coming. From the end of the 11th lunar month, many establishments start producing cakes to serve Tet.

"On average, we can make about 150 packs of cakes with 7,000 - 7,500 cakes per day to supply the market," said Mr. Xu.

With a sweet taste, the strong aroma of roasted sesame and a crispy crust, sesame crackers carry a strong hometown imprint - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Meanwhile, the sesame crackers craft village “Ba Lieu Me” (Cam Le district, Da Nang city ) is also busier these days. During Tet, this facility produces 400,000 - 500,000 products, an output increase of more than 30% compared to last year.

According to Mr. Huynh Duc Sol - owner of the sesame crackers production facility "Ba Lieu Me", during Tet holiday, the number of customers ordering increases, so the facility has to work until 8-9 pm. Currently, the facility has more than 40 employees working in shifts day and night to deliver goods in time to serve the 2025 Tet market.

Currently, small sesame crackers cost 50,000 - 70,000 VND/box (50 crackers), and are often bought by people to worship and display on the altar during Tet.

Although the number of sesame crackers in Quang Da is decreasing due to the lack of young people following the profession, many households here have persevered through the ups and downs of time, preserving the characteristic sweet and fragrant flavor of the traditional specialty cake.

Sesame seeds must be roasted moderately, not too burnt, but not undercooked - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Mr. Tran Xu's family bakery has been in operation for over 40 years, and the traditional method of making handmade cakes is still preserved by the locals - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

The sesame crackers craft village “Ba Lieu Me” (Cam Le district, Da Nang city ) is also busier these days. During Tet, this facility produces 400,000 to 500,000 products - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/banh-kho-me-bay-lan-nuong-lua-dat-khach-mua-tet-20250103170909408.htm