Sweet and fragrant, the flavor of traditional Vietnamese cakes.

(GLO) - On the occasion of the 233rd anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung's death (1792-2025), on September 19th, at the Quang Trung Museum (Tay Son commune, Gia Lai province), the Provincial Women's Union, in coordination with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organized a "Traditional Cake Making" competition.

This is not only a meaningful cultural and culinary event, but also an opportunity for female officials and members to express their respect for national heroes; and at the same time, to introduce and promote the distinctive traditional products of the locality to a wide audience of people and tourists.

Comrade Vu Thi Thu (second from the left) - Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, and Comrade Ha Thi Giang Thao (far left) - President of the Provincial Women's Union, visit the booth displaying traditional cakes. Photo: MN

From early morning, eight teams from the Women's Union of the communes and wards of Tuy Phuoc Bac, Binh Hiep, Binh An, Tay Son, Binh Phu, Binh Khe, Tuy Phuoc, and An Nhon Nam were present at the Quang Trung Museum to participate in the competition. Each team prepared 3-7 types of traditional cakes, and directly prepared 1-2 dishes right at the competition. Within 90 minutes, the skillful hands of the women created trays of colorful, delicious cakes, full of the flavors of their homeland.

The Women's Union of Tuy Phuoc Bac commune brought seven distinctive types of cakes to the competition, including: banh chung (square sticky rice cake), banh tro (ash sticky rice cake), banh xeo tom nhay (shrimp pancake), banh duc (rice cake), banh tai vac (ear-shaped sticky rice cake), banh it la gai (sticky rice cake wrapped in thorny leaves), and banh dong suong hoa sen (lotus flower jelly cake). Among them, banh it la gai is a characteristic and famous product of the locality.

The Women's Union of Tuy Phuoc Bac commune prepares traditional cakes to participate in the competition. Photo: MN

To participate in the competition, the Women's Union of Tuy Phuoc Bac commune selected experienced and skillful members to create beautiful and delicious cakes. The cakes were displayed on bamboo trays lined with banana leaves, adorned with flowers carved from fruits and vegetables to make the display more vibrant and appealing. With their meticulous preparation and impressive presentation, the Tuy Phuoc Bac Women's Union team won first prize.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, Vice President of the Women's Union of Tuy Phuoc Bac commune, shared: "We have poured all our heart and soul into making delicious and beautiful cakes to offer to Emperor Quang Trung, expressing our sincere respect and gratitude."

A booth displaying traditional folk cakes from the Women's Union of Tay Son commune. Photo: MN

The Women's Union of Tay Son commune, the host unit, also impressed with its traditional cakes such as: banh chung, banh tet, banh thuan, banh it, banh bot linh, banh dong suong, and troi nuoc. The ingredients for the cakes include: glutinous rice, cane sugar, coconut, banana leaves, pandan leaves, duck eggs, pork… depending on the type of cake, different ingredients are used. In particular, the team showed creativity by using natural colors from vegetables and fruits to color the cakes, making them both visually appealing and safe.

Although they only won third place, the team still left a very positive impression. Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Tinh, President of the Women's Union of Tay Son commune, happily shared: "Participating in the competition was an opportunity for us to offer incense, flowers, and cakes to express our reverence for Emperor Quang Trung. It was also an opportunity for women's union members from different units to meet, interact, and strengthen solidarity."

Organizing committee of the cake offering contest at the Tay Son Tam Kiet Temple complex. Photo: MN

The judges scored the entries based on criteria including appearance, taste, creativity, and food safety and hygiene. Within 90 minutes, eight teams created and showcased unique traditional cakes from their respective localities.

The Women's Union of Binh Khe commune brought various types of cakes to the competition: five-flavor jam cakes, plain sticky rice cakes, black bean cakes, swallow's nest cakes, husband and wife cakes, and Thuan cakes. The Women's Union of An Nhon Nam ward showcased their skills by making sticky rice cakes wrapped in thorny leaves, savory sticky rice cakes, pork skin cakes, purple sweet potato rice noodles, grilled cassava cakes, and beef cakes…

Delegates offered incense to express their reverence for Emperor Quang Trung. Photo: MN

As a result, the organizing committee awarded 1 first prize, 2 second prizes, 3 third prizes, and 2 consolation prizes to the participating teams. After the awards ceremony, the organizing committee offered incense and cakes at the Tay Son Tam Kiet Temple, in commemoration of the 233rd anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung's death (1792-2025). The atmosphere became lively and friendly as the teams invited everyone to enjoy the traditional cakes they had prepared themselves.

On the occasion of the anniversary of Emperor Quang Trung's death, a large number of people visited the Quang Trung Museum to offer incense and flowers. Therefore, the competition also attracted many people to visit and learn about making traditional cakes. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien (Group 10, Quy Nhon Ward), after tasting the traditional cakes, shared: “These cakes are all very delicious, with rich flavors and beautifully presented. This shows the skill of the women's association members.”

The organizing committee awarded the first prize to the team from the Women's Union of Tuy Phuoc Bac commune. Photo: MN

Ms. Ha Thi Giang Thao, President of the Provincial Women's Union, shared: "The competition is an opportunity for female officials and members to express their respect for their ancestors; to remind everyone to remember their roots, to educate about patriotic traditions, and the principle of 'drinking water, remembering the source'. It is also an opportunity for women to showcase their skills and promote the unique culinary characteristics of their localities."

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/ngot-thom-huong-vi-banh-dan-gian-post567049.html