Embarking on a journey of Vietnam travel means not only exploring breathtaking landscapes but also indulging in the delightful world of Vietnamese foods. Amidst this culinary adventure, there is a treat that stands out – Vietnamese mung bean cake. Originating in the charming province of Hai Duong, this cake is more than a mere dessert; it is a flavorful testament to Vietnam's culinary heritage.
1. Where is the most famous place for Vietnamese mung bean cake?
Unveiling the intriguing narrative of Vietnamese mung bean cake, among other Northern Vietnamese food, takes us to the heart of Hai Duong, a province rich with stories of the past.
Once upon a time, during a royal visit by King Bao Dai to Hai Duong, the locals presented him with a peculiar cake made from mung beans. The king was so captivated by its exquisite flavor that he lavished it with praise. This cake exudes a delicately sweet taste, making it the perfect companion for a cup of tea.
Impressed by the experience, King Bao Dai bestowed his commendation on the Hai Duong mung bean cake. The cake bore the image of a golden dragon on its surface - a symbol of the king's authority. From that moment on, it earned a new name: "Golden Dragon green bean cake." Even today, this name stands as a unique hallmark, setting it apart from other mung bean cakes found in different provinces.
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2. What makes the flavor of Vietnamese mung bean cake exceptional?
Like other traditional Vietnamese foods, the charm of Vietnamese mung bean cake lies in how they carefully choose the stuff they put in and how they make it. They use green mung bean flour, sugar, cooking oil, and grapefruit essential oil. Each ingredient is picked with care to make sure the cake tastes just right. People usually eat this cake with a sweet soup, and when you eat them together, they create a perfect blend of flavors: a bit rich, a bit sweet, and really calming.
To make the best Vietnamese mung bean cake, they start by picking the best mung beans - those that are soft, full, and have a nice golden color inside. In the past, people had to wash and boil the beans many times, but nowadays, machines have helped speed things up. Roasting the beans is a crucial process; it's where experts make sure they are not too nutty or too fragrant.
A man named Mr. Nguyen Dinh Giang, who is good at making these cakes, says roasting is the key. Over-roasting will make them taste bitter, while they will have a raw taste if undercooked. After roasting, they let the beans sit for a day before taking off the skin and grinding them into a fine powder.
The mung bean powder, sugar, and cooking oil have to be mixed just right. They let it sit for 8 to 24 hours, so the flavors have time to blend. Then they flatten out the dough and shape it, either by hand or with a machine. This whole process makes the Vietnamese mung bean cake soft, and when you put it in your mouth, it melts into a nice paste quickly.
3. The utilization of Vietnamese mung bean cake in local life
Vietnamese mung bean cake is more than a tasty treat; it is a part of Vietnamese culture that brings health benefits, connections, and cherished memories.
Originating from Hai Duong, these cakes are like little nutrition powerhouses, good for everyone, especially older folks and kids. They help middle-aged people manage their weight and control their cholesterol. And as we get older, they keep our arteries healthy.
In traditional medicine, mung beans are known for being soothing and good for health. That's why these cakes are not just gifts for family and friends; they are also offered to ancestors during special times like Tet.
People, especially those from Hai Duong living abroad, always bring back boxes of mung bean cakes when they visit. These cakes may seem simple, but they remind us of home and make us feel warm inside. You can enjoy mung bean cakes anytime, but they are especially delicious with a cup of hot, slightly bitter tea, which balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
The image of older folks sitting next to each other, sharing stories, enjoying tea and these cakes, while the younger ones laugh and join in, has been deeply imprinted in the minds of many Vietnamese. Vietnamese mung bean cake is more than just food; it connects generations and creates a sense of family among Vietnamese people.
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4. How to enjoy Vietnamese mung bean cake properly?
Vietnamese mung bean cake tastes like you've just stumbled upon a stunning work of art. Each bite brings a unique combination of delectable flavors, making it a gentle and sweet experience. Try it with flavorful green tea or herbal beverages for the best flavor. As you enjoy the cake, the fresh flavor of the tea complements the cake's sweet and smooth texture deliciously.
5. The 3 famous brands of Vietnamese mung bean cake
Mung bean cake is among the many popular Vietnamese food souvenirs. Let’s find out which are the most favorite Vietnamese mung bean cake brands to bring home!
5.1. Nguyen Huong Green Bean Cake Vietnam
Nguyen Huong is well-known among fans of Vietnamese mung bean cake and is a symbol of maintaining tradition. Nguyen Huong, which was founded in 1986, stays true to its name and makes sure the original flavors are preserved. Nguyen Huong's creations are a sensory delight because they expertly strike a balance between sweetness and the true essence of mung beans. They place a strong emphasis on quality and purity during production as part of their commitment to authenticity.
5.2. Hoa An Green Bean Cake Vietnam
Hoa An has a long tradition of serving Vietnamese mung bean cake. Hoa An's creations captivate the palate with the ideal fusion of tradition and modern methods. Each cake offers a flavorful symphony that strikes a balance between sweetness and subtlety. The company's certifications demonstrate its commitment to quality, and the delightful variety of flavors it offers, including unique flavors like durian and taro, enhance the mung bean cake experience.
5.3. Minh Ngoc Green Bean Cake Vietnam
Vietnamese mung bean cakes made by Minh Ngoc combine tradition and modernity, paying homage to their heritage while embracing change. Every cake is a work of culinary art that captures the spirit of Vietnam's vibrant culture. Minh Ngoc's mung bean cakes continue to win hearts because of their wide variety of flavors and excellent quality, making them a cherished gift and memory.
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Besides Vietnamese mung bean cake, Vietnam's culinary scene is a diverse tapestry that showcases a myriad of delectable dishes. From the iconic banh chung and flavorful Vietnamese noodles to mouthwatering Vietnamese fried rice, savory pancake Vietnam, delicate Vietnamese spring rolls, signature mi Quang, hearty bun dau mam tom, wholesome Vietnamese bread, and satisfying steamed rice rolls, the country's gastronomic offerings are a true feast for the senses. The symphony of flavors also includes Pho rolls, turmeric fish, Vietnamese broken rice, and Vietnamese fish cake.
Vietnam travel has more to offer beyond its cuisine. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene allure of Phu Quoc, the coastal charm of Nha Trang, the cultural richness of Hoi An, the modern vibes of Da Nang, and the captivating beauty of Ha Long, each locale promises a unique experience.
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In the world of Vietnamese food, Vietnamese mung bean cake is like a special story. It is not just about tasty treats but also about family and tradition. This cake comes from Hai Duong and has a long history. People love to share it and give it as a gift. It's more than just food – it's a way for families to connect and remember good times. Whether you eat it with tea, think about its good stuff, or enjoy it with loved ones, this cake is like a piece of Vietnam's heart.
