The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Vietnam. Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, this festival marks the end of the harvest season and is a time for families to gather, celebrate, and enjoy food, music, and the beauty of the full moon. For many, Tết Trung Thu is a joyous occasion, particularly for children, who eagerly anticipate the colorful lanterns, mooncakes, and the traditional performances that accompany the festivities.

Food plays an essential role during Tết Trung Thu. From sweet treats to savory dishes, the Mid-Autumn Festival is known for its special foods that have symbolic meanings. Each dish served during this holiday carries its own significance, offering a reflection of Vietnamese culture, family bonds, and seasonal abundance. In this article, we will explore the traditional dishes that make up the Tết Trung Thu feast and the role they play in celebrating this cherished occasion.

Mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu)

No discussion about Tết Trung Thu would be complete without mentioning Bánh Trung Thu, or mooncakes. These round, dense pastries are the highlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival and are traditionally offered to the moon as a gesture of gratitude and reverence. Mooncakes are also exchanged among family members and friends, symbolizing unity, completeness, and the sharing of good fortune.

Types of Mooncakes

Mooncakes come in a variety of flavors, fillings, and styles, and the most popular types include:

1. Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake (Bánh Trung Thu nhân sen): This type of mooncake features a smooth lotus seed paste filling, which is both sweet and slightly savory. It is often paired with salted egg yolks, which represent the moon.
2. Red Bean Paste Mooncake (Bánh Trung Thu nhân đậu đỏ): Another traditional filling, red bean paste provides a sweet and earthy flavor. Like the lotus seed paste mooncake, it may also contain salted egg yolks.
3. Green Tea Mooncake (Bánh Trung Thu trà xanh): For those who enjoy more distinctive flavors, mooncakes filled with green tea or matcha offer a unique twist. These mooncakes are often lighter and have a slightly bitter edge that complements the sweetness of the filling.
4. Mixed Nuts Mooncake (Bánh Trung Thu nhân hạt sen và ngũ cốc): A rich, nutty filling of mixed nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts, often combined with candied fruits and lotus seeds. These mooncakes are packed with texture and flavor, making them a luxurious treat during the festival.
5. Durian Mooncake (Bánh Trung Thu sầu riêng): For the daring, durian mooncakes are a modern variation, featuring the distinctive taste of durian fruit. Its strong flavor is beloved by many but may not appeal to everyone, making it a polarizing option.

Mooncakes are traditionally enjoyed with tea, and families will often gather around to share the cakes, paying homage to their ancestors while savoring the sweet delicacies. The round shape of the mooncakes symbolizes the full moon and the idea of family togetherness and reunion.

Bánh Dẻo (Sticky Rice Cake)

In addition to mooncakes, bánh dẻo, a type of soft sticky rice cake, is a popular treat during Tết Trung Thu. These cakes are made from glutinous rice flour and are often filled with sweet fillings such as mung bean paste, red bean paste, or lotus seed paste. The dough is delicately shaped and steamed to perfection, creating a soft and chewy texture.

Bánh dẻo is sometimes served in vibrant colors, representing the beauty of the moon and the changing of seasons. The cake’s soft, pillowy texture makes it a favorite snack during the festivities. Bánh dẻo is also often used in offerings to ancestors, as part of the tradition of remembering and honoring those who came before.

In some regions, bánh dẻo is served with a sprinkling of sesame seeds or coconut flakes to add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor. These sticky rice cakes are typically enjoyed by both children and adults, adding sweetness to the evening celebrations.

Candied Fruits and Seeds (Mứt Trung Thu)

Another essential part of Tết Trung Thu is the assortment of mứt Trung Thu, or candied fruits and seeds. These sweet treats are typically made from fruits like kumquats, coconut, or lotus seeds, and are often preserved in syrup. The candies are colorful and aromatic, with a range of textures that appeal to all ages.

Candied fruits like mứt dừa (candied coconut) and mứt sen (candied lotus seeds) are staples of the holiday, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Lotus seeds, in particular, are regarded as a symbol of purity and renewal, while coconut represents good fortune. Offering mứt Trung Thu to guests or family members is a gesture of hospitality and well-wishing for the year ahead.

Some families also prepare mứt bí (candied squash) or mứt gừng (candied ginger), both of which are known for their sweet and spicy flavors. These candies are typically placed in decorative bowls and shared during family gatherings, where they are enjoyed alongside mooncakes and other snacks.

Fruit Platters (Mâm Trái Cây)

In Vietnamese culture, fruit platters or mâm trái cây play a significant role during Tết Trung Thu. A beautifully arranged platter of fresh fruit, often featuring seasonal fruits such as pomelos, oranges, apples, and bananas, is a common sight at the holiday table. The fruits symbolize abundance and prosperity, as well as the beauty of the harvest.

Fruits like bưởi (pomelo) and quýt (mandarin oranges) are especially popular during Tết Trung Thu. The pomelo, in particular, is symbolic of good fortune and is often offered to ancestors as part of the family’s tribute. The bright yellow color of the pomelo is also associated with wealth and happiness.

Fruit platters are often presented in the center of the celebration table and are shared among family members. They represent unity, good health, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Taro Root Stew (Canh Khoai Môn)

Though Tết Trung Thu is primarily known for its sweets, canh khoai môn, a hearty taro root stew, is also commonly served in some regions of Vietnam. Taro, with its creamy texture and earthy flavor, is often cooked with pork, shrimp, or chicken, making it a rich and savory dish that balances out the sweetness of the desserts.

The dish is typically made by simmering taro in a flavorful broth until it softens, and is often paired with herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce to add depth to the flavor. This dish is served as a side or appetizer and is perfect for the cooler weather that often accompanies the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tea (Trà)

In Vietnamese culture, no celebration is complete without tea, and Tết Trung Thu is no exception. Trà, or tea, is often enjoyed alongside mooncakes and other sweets, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pastries. Tea is typically served hot, with varieties such as trà sen (lotus tea) or trà xanh (green tea) being especially popular during the holiday.

Lotus tea, with its delicate floral aroma, is a traditional choice for Tết Trung Thu, as it is believed to promote calmness and peace. Green tea, known for its refreshing and slightly bitter flavor, helps balance out the sweetness of the desserts, making it a perfect accompaniment.

Tea-drinking is a social activity during Tết Trung Thu, with families and friends gathering to share stories and enjoy the moment together. The act of sipping tea and enjoying mooncakes is a time for reflection and gratitude, as people come together to celebrate the fullness of the moon and the blessings of the year.

Lion Dance (Múa Lân) and Food

While not a dish in itself, the lion dance is an integral part of Tết Trung Thu celebrations, particularly in the streets and at festivals. The dance, performed by acrobatic dancers dressed as lions, is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The lion dance is often accompanied by the sound of drums and cymbals, creating an exciting and festive atmosphere.

During these celebrations, food is shared freely among participants, creating a sense of community and joy. Mooncakes, fruit, and sweet treats are often handed out to the dancers and spectators, adding to the festive spirit.

Conclusion

Tết Trung Thu is a celebration of family, community, and the harvest season, and the food served during this festival holds deep cultural and symbolic meaning. From the iconic mooncakes to the savory dishes like canh khoai môn, each dish tells a story of Vietnamese traditions, values, and the importance of togetherness.

Whether it’s enjoying mooncakes with family or sharing a platter of fresh fruit with friends, Tết Trung Thu is a time for joy, reflection, and the celebration of good fortune. The food, along with the customs and rituals of the festival, brings people closer together and reminds everyone of the beauty of the changing seasons and the promise of a prosperous year ahead.