Seven-times-baked sesame brittle is a popular choice during Tet (Lunar New Year) season.

These days, the kitchens of sesame cracker production facilities in Da Nang are operating at full capacity, churning out delicious crackers in anticipation of Tet (Lunar New Year).

These days, the kitchens of sesame cracker production facilities in Da Nang are operating at full capacity - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Sesame brittle, also known as "seven-fire" biscuits, is a famous specialty of the coastal city. With its subtly sweet flavor, rich aroma of roasted sesame seeds, and crispy crust, sesame brittle embodies the essence of the homeland and has been closely associated with the lives of the people for generations.

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

According to locals, no one knows exactly when sesame brittle originated, only that this craft has been closely intertwined with the lives of the villagers for hundreds of years. To this day, the traditional handcrafted methods of making these biscuits are still preserved by the villagers.

As the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025 approaches, the atmosphere at sesame cracker production households in Quang Chau village is becoming more bustling than ever.

Mr. Tran Xu's family bakery, which has been operating for over 40 years, currently employs around 10 workers at full capacity to fulfill Tet holiday orders.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nghi (Mr. Xu's wife), who has preserved and developed the family's bakery over the years, shared that to get delicious sesame brittle, the baker must bake it seven times over the fire to achieve the perfect crispness.

Sesame brittle, also known as "seven-fire" biscuits - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Furthermore, to make delicious, high-quality sesame rice crackers, you must use 100% 13/2 rice (also known as xiệc rice), as only this type of rice will make the crackers fluffy and airy.

Mixing different types of rice will make the sesame brittle cake prone to breaking and not crispy. In particular, the caramelized sugar must be just right, using white granulated sugar from Quang Ngai and sesame seeds from Thanh Hoa.

For many people, sesame brittle brings a rustic, familiar flavor. Therefore, seeing sesame brittle evokes the feeling of Tet (Vietnamese New Year). From the end of November in the lunar calendar, many establishments begin producing these biscuits for Tet.

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

With its subtly sweet flavor, rich aroma of roasted sesame seeds, and crispy crust, sesame brittle bears the distinct mark of the countryside - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Meanwhile, the sesame brittle-making village of "Ba Lieu Me" (Cam Le district, Da Nang city ) is also busier these days. During Tet, this facility produces 400,000 - 500,000 products, a production increase of more than 30% compared to last year.

According to Mr. Huynh Duc Sol, owner of the "Ba Lieu Me" sesame brittle production facility, the number of orders increases significantly during Tet (Lunar New Year), so the facility has to work until 8-9 pm. Currently, the facility employs over 40 workers who work in shifts continuously day and night to meet the demand for Tet 2025.

Currently, small sesame brittle cakes cost 50,000 - 70,000 VND per box (50 cakes), and are often bought by people to offer as sacrifices and display on altars during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Although sesame brittle bakeries in Quang Da are becoming increasingly rare due to fewer young people pursuing the craft, many families here still persevere through the ups and downs of time, preserving the distinctive sweet and fragrant flavor of this traditional specialty.

Sesame seeds must be roasted just right, not burnt and not undercooked - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

Mr. Tran Xu's family bakery, operating for over 40 years, still preserves traditional handcrafted baking methods - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

The traditional sesame brittle-making village of "Ba Lieu Me" (Cam Le district, Da Nang city ) is also busier these days. During Tet (Lunar New Year), 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