Is it better to use string or a knife to cut banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake)?

Cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with string is a traditional method considered the standard by our ancestors; should we avoid using a knife to cut banh chung?

Cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with string is a traditional method considered the standard by our ancestors; should we avoid using a knife to cut banh chung?

According to traditional beliefs, when cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake), people used the very string that tied the cake to cut it, demonstrating the skill and finesse of the maker. After unwrapping the cake, the string is kept, torn into small strands, and placed on the cake in a cross or diagonal pattern, intersecting at the filling. With skillful pulling of the string, the cake is divided into 4 or 8 equal parts, creating a visually appealing and traditional dish.

Should you cut the banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with string or with a knife? Which method is more suitable?

Those who cherish traditional values ​​often emphasize cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with a string. This not only demonstrates a connection to ancient customs but also has practical benefits, especially in the difficult times of the past. Before dishwashing liquid and with limited hygiene, cutting banh chung with a string avoided the hassle of washing knives covered in sticky rice and grease, particularly during the cold weather of Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

However, cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with string requires skill and meticulousness. If one is careless or pulls the strings in the wrong order, the filling may be pulled out, ruining the cake's appearance. Therefore, since ancient times, the way banh chung is cut with string has been considered a measure of a homemaker's diligence, skill, and calm demeanor. Those who are impatient or hasty often fail to avoid ruining this traditional cake.

Cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with string requires meticulousness, care, and takes more time, so nowadays many people prefer using a knife to quickly divide the cake into 8 neat, sharp pieces without fear of crushing it or losing the filling.

So, should you cut banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with a string or a knife? Each person will have their own answer depending on their preferences and experience. Meticulous, skillful people who like to preserve traditional values ​​often choose to cut banh chung with a string. Those who are busy and prefer quick, decisive action might prefer cutting banh chung with a knife.

According to traditional beliefs, when cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake), people in the past believed that it was only correct to cut it using the very string that tied the cake, demonstrating the skill and finesse of the person who made it. Photo: Internet .

How to cut banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with string.

This way of cutting the cake honors the skill, finesse, and composure of the person making it, while also showing respect for the traditional dish of the nation. The process is quite simple but requires patience and dexterity:

- When peeling off the banana leaves and taking out the rice cake, keep one or two of the strings that tied the cake, and tear the strings into small strands.

- Place the rice cake on a plate, arrange two strands of string in the middle to form four squares, then arrange two strands of string diagonally across the four corners to divide the rice cake into eight pieces. Remember the order of the strings so that when pulling, they don't shift or crush the cake (you can mark the order by tying knots at the ends of the strings).

- Gently press the strings to secure them to the cake, making it easier to pull them out without exposing the filling. Pull the strings from the outside inwards in the marked order.

- Hold the end of the string attached to the rice cake with your hand and gently pull it horizontally outwards; do not lift the bundle of strings high to avoid spilling the filling.

How to cut banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with a knife without fear of it sticking.

Cutting banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) with a knife is a quick and convenient method, especially suitable for busy people who don't want to spend time on complicated steps or lack the dexterity and precision. With the help of plastic wrap, the disadvantage of the knife sticking is also eliminated.

- Prepare a long, sharp knife and a layer of plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic wrap around the knife to prevent the cake from sticking to the blade. This method keeps the knife clean, allowing you to easily cut the cake without worrying about sticky rice grains or grease sticking to the knife.

- Peel off the banana leaf wrapping and place the cake on a plate.

- Use a knife to cut the banh chung (Vietnamese sticky rice cake) into 8 pieces as described above, or into bite-sized pieces according to your personal preference.

Source: https://nongsanviet.nongnghiep.vn/cat-banh-chung-nen-dung-lat-hay-dao-thi-tot-hon-d417180.html