The aroma of Cham cakes emanates from the hearth.

From simple ingredients, through the skillful hands of Cham women, these traditional cakes with their distinctive flavors become a unique culinary feature, encapsulating a culture preserved through many generations.

In the narrow alleys of Chau Giang and Phum Soai hamlets in Chau Phong commune, the atmosphere of making cakes is always bustling. Batches of cakes continuously come out of the oven, golden brown, soft, and fragrant, creating a unique appeal. By the fire, Cham women nimbly turn the cakes, pour the batter, and tend the fire. The sounds of conversation mingled with the crackling of the embers, making the space even more cozy.

Colorful traditional cakes made by the Cham people in Chau Phong commune. Photo: DANH THANH

Following the locals, we visited the kitchen of Ms. Rani, residing in Chau Giang hamlet. From early morning, she was busy preparing ingredients, lighting the fire, and making the cakes. The freshly baked cakes were neatly arranged, emitting a sweet and fragrant aroma. “From selecting ingredients and mixing the batter to controlling the fire, everything must be done meticulously; nothing can be done carelessly. Making cakes requires consistent heat and stirring the batter just right for them to be delicious and not dry or burnt. The cake-making process looks simple, but it requires experience. That's why not many families make cakes to sell anymore,” Ms. Rani shared.

Each type of Cham cake has its own name and flavor, such as paykarah, kalink, ti-am, kagam, saykaya, banh nam ken… Each type has its own unique taste; some are soft and creamy, others are light and crispy, fragrant, but all embody the sophistication in preparation and the distinctive taste of the Cham people.

In Phum Soai hamlet, Mrs. Phatimah (60 years old) has been dedicated to making Cham cakes for over 30 years. She carefully performs each step, adhering strictly to traditional methods. According to her, the most important thing is to preserve the distinctive flavor and maintain the unique character of Cham cakes. Sitting beside a tray of freshly baked cakes, we were invited to sample them while they were still hot. The richness of the coconut milk and the soft, smooth texture of the dough blended together, leaving a subtly sweet aftertaste on the tongue.

“I’m used to making these cakes! But to make them delicious, you have to do it with heart. With each batch, I can tell if it’s done well just by looking at the color and doneness. When customers find them delicious and come back to buy more, I’m so happy. Thanks to that, I earn extra income, stay committed to the craft, and preserve the traditional flavors passed down from my ancestors for future generations,” Mrs. Phatimah shared.

Currently, only about 10 households in Chau Phong commune still maintain the traditional craft of making Cham cakes. The price of the cakes ranges from 140,000 to 200,000 VND/kg depending on the type. In modern life, many families choose to buy ready-made cakes, causing the traditional cake-making craft to gradually decline. However, the kitchens of the Cham people still quietly preserve the craft, providing additional income while contributing to the preservation of the community's unique culinary traditions. Besides serving local needs, Cham cakes from Chau Phong commune are also sought after as gifts.

Each Cham cake is a harmonious blend of rustic ingredients and traditional techniques, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor. Nguyen Minh Tuan, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said: “This is my first time making cakes myself, and I truly appreciate the meticulousness of the Cham people. The cakes look simple, but they are not easy to make. Enjoying them fresh from the kitchen, still hot, is delicious and impressive.”

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Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/huong-banh-cham-tu-bep-lua-a482740.html