The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is one of the most vibrant and culturally significant holidays in Vietnam. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it marks the harvest moon’s fullest appearance, symbolizing reunion, abundance, and happiness. Families come together to celebrate with mooncakes, savory dishes, and sweets, while children enjoy lanterns, traditional games, and folk tales. The festival is not only a celebration of the moon but also an occasion to appreciate the abundance of nature and the bonds of family. The food served during Tết Trung Thu is a key part of the festivities, with each dish offering symbolism, history, and a unique taste of Vietnamese culinary tradition. This article explores the traditional dishes that are commonly enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, shedding light on their cultural significance and the role they play in the celebration.

1. Mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu)

No dish is more synonymous with Tết Trung Thu than bánh trung thu (mooncakes). These round pastries, often intricately designed with symbolic patterns, represent the full moon, unity, and family togetherness. Traditionally, mooncakes are filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, with the most common fillings being lotus seed paste, red bean paste, salted egg yolks, and mixed nuts.

Mooncakes are not just food; they are a cultural symbol of prosperity and harmony. Historically, mooncakes were used as a vehicle for messages during times of political upheaval, but today, they are gifted to loved ones, shared with friends, and exchanged in business as a token of goodwill. The act of giving mooncakes during Tết Trung Thu reflects the importance of community and family ties, as well as the hope for good fortune in the year ahead.

There are two main types of mooncakes:

• Baked Mooncakes: These are the traditional version, with a thick, golden-brown crust that encases the filling. They are usually made with a dough that includes flour, sugar, and lye water.
• Snow Skin Mooncakes: A modern variation, these have a soft, white, chewy crust made from glutinous rice flour. The fillings for snow skin mooncakes are often more diverse, with options like fruit pastes, durian, or even ice cream.

These mooncakes are typically enjoyed with tea, creating a perfect balance between the sweet, rich flavors of the mooncakes and the slightly bitter taste of traditional Vietnamese tea.

2. Sticky Rice with Coconut (Xôi Dừa)

Another staple dish during Tết Trung Thu is xôi dừa, a sweet sticky rice dessert made with coconut milk. The rice is soaked overnight to ensure it is tender and sticky, then steamed with coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Xôi dừa is often served with toppings such as roasted sesame seeds, mung beans, and shredded coconut. The dish is not only a delicious treat but also a symbol of abundance and fertility. In Vietnamese culture, sticky rice represents the harvest, prosperity, and the good fortune that the family hopes to achieve in the coming year.

In addition to being served at home, xôi dừa is a common offering at temples and ancestral altars during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where it symbolizes respect and gratitude toward ancestors.

3. Caramelized Pork with Eggs (Thịt Kho Tàu)

Thịt kho tàu, or caramelized pork with eggs, is a savory dish that is often enjoyed during Tết Trung Thu, especially in the southern regions of Vietnam. The dish consists of tender pork belly slow-cooked in a rich caramel sauce, along with boiled eggs. The result is a sweet and savory flavor profile that symbolizes good fortune and longevity.

The caramelization process involves cooking sugar until it becomes golden brown, then adding fish sauce, coconut juice, and other seasonings to create a rich, savory broth. The pork is simmered until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the eggs are added to absorb the flavorful sauce. Thịt kho tàu is typically served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and hearty dish to enjoy with family during the festival.

4. Pumpkin Soup (Canh Bí Đỏ)

Canh bí đỏ, or pumpkin soup, is a light yet nutritious dish that is often served during Tết Trung Thu. Pumpkin is considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and its bright yellow color is associated with wealth and good fortune. The soup is made by simmering pumpkin with pork or chicken, creating a savory broth that is both comforting and nourishing.

The texture of the pumpkin becomes soft and tender as it absorbs the flavors of the broth, while the sweetness of the pumpkin contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients. This dish is often enjoyed with steamed rice and other side dishes, offering a balance to the richer, heavier foods typically consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

5. Candied Fruits (Mứt Trung Thu)

Another iconic treat during Tết Trung Thu is mứt trung thu, or candied fruits. These sweet, colorful delights are made by soaking fruits such as kumquats, ginger, papaya, and lotus seeds in sugar syrup until they become sticky and crystallized. The fruits are often served in decorative bowls and enjoyed as a snack or dessert during the festival.

Each type of candied fruit has a symbolic meaning. For example, kumquats are often given as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, while lotus seeds represent purity and spiritual enlightenment. The preparation of mứt requires patience and precision, as the fruits must be soaked and dried over several days to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Candied fruits are typically served with tea and shared among family members and guests, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines the Mid-Autumn Festival.

6. Sweet Soup (Chè Trung Thu)

Chè, or Vietnamese sweet soup, is another traditional dessert that is enjoyed during Tết Trung Thu. There are many different types of chè, with some featuring mung beans, red beans, lotus seeds, or longan, all cooked in a sweet syrup made from sugar and coconut milk.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, chè is often served chilled, making it a refreshing treat after a hearty meal. The dish is considered both a dessert and a beverage, and it is often served in small bowls, where the family can gather around and share it. Chè is particularly popular among children, who enjoy the sweet flavors and the fun of eating it together.

The different ingredients used in chè represent various aspects of life, such as health, longevity, and prosperity. For example, mung beans symbolize wealth, while lotus seeds represent purity and spiritual growth.

7. Chinese-Style Noodles (Mì Chay)

In many parts of Vietnam, particularly in the north, mì chay (vegetarian noodles) is a popular dish during Tết Trung Thu. This dish is made with a savory broth, thin rice noodles, and an assortment of vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu. It is a comforting and healthy option for those observing vegetarian traditions during the festival.

The dish holds symbolic meaning, representing purity and spiritual nourishment. Many families prefer to eat mì chay during the Mid-Autumn Festival as a way of cleansing both the body and mind. The noodles are often served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a touch of chili for added flavor and spice.

8. Tea (Trà)

No celebration in Vietnam is complete without tea, and Tết Trung Thu is no exception. Tea is a symbol of hospitality, warmth, and respect. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, it is common for families to enjoy tea alongside mooncakes, sweet soups, and candied fruits. The bitterness of tea complements the sweetness of the other dishes, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Jasmine tea and green tea are the most commonly served types during the festival, with their aromatic and refreshing qualities making them ideal companions to the rich and flavorful foods. Sharing tea with loved ones reinforces the values of connection, respect, and harmony that are central to the holiday.

Conclusion

Tết Trung Thu is a celebration of family, prosperity, and the beauty of the harvest moon. The traditional dishes served during this festival are an essential part of the celebration, carrying deep cultural meanings and representing various aspects of life, such as wealth, health, unity, and spiritual growth. From mooncakes to sticky rice, candied fruits, and savory dishes like thịt kho tàu and canh bí đỏ, each dish plays a significant role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. The foods of Tết Trung Thu not only provide sustenance but also symbolize the joy and abundance that the festival celebrates, making it an unforgettable occasion for all who partake in it.