Banh u tro - Traditional Delicacy for Tet Doan Ngo in Quang Region

In the days leading up to Tet Doan Ngo (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month), the bustling atmosphere of making banh u tro spreads across the rural villages of Quang Nam and Da Nang. This traditional cake is indispensable in ancestral offering trays and local enjoyment, carrying a simple and pure flavor.

Banh u tro is made from glutinous rice soaked in lye water (usually from straw and neem tree ash) to give it a golden yellow color and characteristic chewy aroma. The filling can be mung bean, fatty pork, or simply palm sugar. The cake is wrapped in dong or banana leaves, shaped into small triangles, then boiled for several hours until soft. These days, many bakeries in the region are busy from early morning until late at night to meet the high demand from locals and tourists.

Not just a rustic dish, banh u tro also embodies the distinctive culinary culture of Central Vietnam. For many families, wrapping the cakes themselves and gathering around the pot is a warm memory each May. If you happen to visit Da Nang or Hoi An during Tet Doan Ngo, don't forget to seek out and enjoy this cake as an unmissable culinary experience.