Visit Can Tho to enjoy pineapple cake.

Within the framework of the 2026 Southern Vietnam Traditional Cake Festival (expected to take place from April 26th to May 1st at Binh Thuy Square, Can Tho City), there will be a space showcasing a diverse range of cakes from various ethnic groups. Among them, pineapple cake will be introduced to visitors from near and far.

Pineapple cake. Photo: KIEU MAI

Pineapple cake is a characteristic cake of the Khmer people, also known as Ọm Chiếl. It is often made during traditional Khmer festivals to offer to Buddha and ancestors, or to treat guests.

The name "pandan cake" comes from its ingredients: glutinous rice and pandan leaves. What makes this cake special is that it's entirely handmade. The glutinous rice is soaked for several hours and then ground into a fine paste. Depending on the recipe, pandan leaves are either ground together with the rice or separately. If ground together from the beginning, the cake will have a light green color and a strong pandan aroma. If the pandan leaves are ground separately, the cake will be white from the rice flour but will still retain a light pandan fragrance.

Once the batter is prepared, place a pan on the stove without adding oil. Once the pan is hot enough, use a fine-mesh sieve to evenly spread the batter onto the pan in a circular shape. The batter will stick together to form a pancake. Then, add the filling in the center and fold the pancake into a crescent shape, turning it over until cooked through.

Pineapple cake fillings are typically made from finely shredded coconut, sugar, and crushed roasted peanuts. Therefore, pineapple cakes have a sweet, fragrant, and rich flavor. They are best enjoyed when freshly baked and hot.

At this year's Southern Vietnam Traditional Cake Festival, visitors will have the opportunity to see artisans making cakes, and even experience and enjoy fragrant pineapple cakes on the spot.

MINH NHIEN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/ve-can-tho-thuong-thuc-banh-dua-a202406.html