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Savoring Vietnam’s Traditional Mid-Autumn Feast

More than a festival for children or a night of glowing full moons, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is also remembered as a vibrant culinary celebration. Beyond the familiar mooncakes, the reunion table is filled with rustic yet refined delicacies, each carrying its own story and meaning, together weaving the essence of family gatherings.

Among the favorites is sweet chè trôi nước, glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste and served in warm ginger syrup, symbolizing completeness and smooth journeys ahead. In southern Vietnam, bánh pía has long been a seasonal treat. Originating from the Chinese Teochew community, this layered pastry has evolved with local flavors, blending durian, salted egg yolk, and mung bean into a uniquely bold and indulgent taste.

Northern households welcome autumn with the delicate fragrance of xôi cốm - a sticky rice dish made with green rice flakes, mung bean, lotus seeds, and coconut shavings. Its soft, aromatic texture embodies prosperity and harmony, making it a beloved centerpiece of festive meals.

Simple yet unforgettable, kẹo lạc (peanut brittle) is a humble sweet that carries deep symbolism. Each crunchy bar, bound together by golden malt syrup, represents unity and strong bonds within families and communities. Likewise, canh khoai môn (taro soup), though a common dish, finds special meaning during Mid-Autumn, believed to bring peace, good fortune, and abundance for the coming seasons.

From elaborate pastries to humble sweets and comforting soups, Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn culinary traditions reflect both the richness of its heritage and the warmth of its family values. For travelers, discovering these flavors is more than tasting seasonal dishes, it is stepping into the cultural heart of Vietnam’s most enchanting festival.