Bánh giầy

Vietnamese traditional rice cake

Bánh giầy is a traditional Vietnamese rice cake that holds cultural significance and is often associated with Vietnamese festivals and celebrations. It is known for its simplicity and symbolic meaning, representing the sky in Vietnamese mythology.

History

The origin of bánh giầy is deeply rooted in Vietnamese legend. According to folklore, during the reign of the Hùng Kings, the king sought a successor among his sons. He challenged them to create a dish that symbolized the earth and the sky. The youngest prince, Lang Liêu, created bánh chưng to represent the earth and bánh giầy to symbolize the sky. Impressed by the symbolism and taste, the king chose Lang Liêu as his successor.

Ingredients and Preparation

Bánh giầy is primarily made from glutinous rice, which is soaked, steamed, and then pounded into a smooth, sticky dough. The dough is shaped into small, round cakes, which are typically white in color. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the natural flavor of the rice.

Variations

There are several variations of bánh giầy, each with unique fillings or accompaniments:

• Bánh giầy giò: This version is served with a slice of Vietnamese pork sausage, known as giò lụa. The savory sausage complements the chewy texture of the rice cake.

Bánh giầy giò with pork sausage

• Bánh giầy đỗ: This variation includes a filling of sweetened mung bean paste, providing a contrast between the sweet filling and the bland rice exterior.

Bánh giầy with mung bean paste

• Bánh giầy ngọt: A sweet version of the cake, often filled with sweetened coconut or sugar.

Sweet bánh giầy with coconut

• Bánh giầy ngũ sắc: This colorful version incorporates natural dyes from ingredients like pandan leaves, gac fruit, and black sesame to create a visually striking dish.

Colorful bánh giầy ngũ sắc

Cultural Significance

Bánh giầy is more than just a culinary delight; it is a symbol of Vietnamese heritage and tradition. It is often prepared and consumed during important festivals such as Tết, the Vietnamese New Year, and Hùng Kings' Festival, which honors the legendary founders of Vietnam. The cake's round shape and white color are said to represent the purity and unity of the Vietnamese people.

Related Pages

• Bánh chưng
• Vietnamese cuisine
• Tết
• Hùng Kings' Festival