Bánh rế

Bánh rế is a traditional Vietnamese pastry that is popular in both Vietnam and other countries with Vietnamese communities. It is a type of mooncake, which is a baked product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

History

The origins of bánh rế are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been developed in the Nguyễn Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The pastry was likely created as a variation of the traditional mooncake, which has been a staple of Vietnamese cuisine for centuries.

Preparation

Bánh rế is made from a dough of glutinous rice flour, which is filled with a sweet or savory filling. The most common fillings are mung bean paste, lotus seed paste, or red bean paste. The filled dough is then shaped into a round or square shape, and the top is decorated with intricate designs using a special mold. The pastry is then baked until golden brown.

Cultural Significance

In Vietnamese culture, bánh rế is often given as a gift during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a harvest festival that is celebrated by Vietnamese communities worldwide. The pastry is also commonly served at family gatherings and other special occasions.

Variations

There are many variations of bánh rế, with different regions of Vietnam having their own unique versions. Some variations include different types of fillings, such as black sesame paste or durian paste. There are also versions that are made with different types of dough, such as wheat flour dough or rice flour dough.

See Also

• Bánh
• Vietnamese cuisine
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Mooncake