Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a magical time marked by heartfelt family reunions, cultural rituals, and a feast of unforgettable traditional dishes. Among these, pho takes center stage as the ultimate comfort food. But Tet is also about indulging in a variety of iconic side dishes that reflect Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Let’s explore these delicious Tet specialties, including 10 must-try traditional dishes that will elevate your Tet celebration.
Why Pho Is the Ultimate Tet Comfort Food
Pho is not just a beloved dish but a symbol of comfort and unity during Tet. The rich Vietnamese pho broth, made by simmering beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon for hours, creates a deeply satisfying bowl of noodle soup. Topped with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts, pho is the perfect way to start a Tet morning after a night of celebrations.
Why Pho Shines During Tet:
- Symbol of Togetherness: Pho is best enjoyed with family around a shared table.
- Warm and Nourishing: Its heartwarming broth is perfect for cool Tet mornings.
- Customizable: From tender beef slices to zesty lime and herbs, pho can be tailored to anyone’s taste.
Traditional Tet Dishes That Complement Pho
1. Banh Chung and Banh Tet (Tet Cakes)
These iconic Tet cakes are essential offerings on Vietnamese family altars and represent Earth (Banh Chung, square) and Heaven (Banh Tet, cylindrical). Made of glutinous rice, pork, and mung beans, they are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours. The process of making Banh Chung and Banh Tet often involves the entire family, symbolizing unity and prosperity.
Serving Tip: Enjoy Banh Chung sliced and pan-fried for extra crispiness, paired with pickled vegetables for balance.
2. Gio Lua (Vietnamese Pork Sausage)
Gio Lua, also known as Vietnamese pork sausage, is made by blending pork paste with fish sauce before wrapping it in banana leaves and steaming it to perfection. Its smooth, firm texture and savory flavor make it a favorite Tet delicacy. It pairs well with pho or sticky rice for a satisfying meal.
Cultural Insight: Offering Gio Lua during Tet represents wealth and prosperity due to its cylindrical shape, symbolizing longevity.
3. Xoi Gac (Red Sticky Rice)
Xoi Gac is a visually stunning Tet specialty made with sticky rice infused with Gac fruit, giving it a vibrant red hue that symbolizes good luck. It is often topped with mung beans and coconut flakes, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and nuttiness.
Pro Tip: Pair Xoi Gac with Gio Lua or boiled chicken for a well-balanced Tet meal.
4. Dua Muoi (Pickled Vegetables)
Pickled vegetables, or Dua Muoi, provide a crunchy, tangy contrast to the heavier Tet dishes. Popular pickled items include mustard greens, carrots, daikon radishes, and cucumbers. They are often served alongside pho and sticky rice to cleanse the palate and aid digestion.
5. Mut Tet (Tet Sweet Treats)
Mut Tet is an assortment of colorful candied fruits, coconut, ginger, and seeds, typically enjoyed during family gatherings or offered to guests. Each type of Mut Tet has symbolic meaning — candied lotus seeds represent purity and renewal, while candied coconut symbolizes togetherness.
6. Thit Kho Trung (Braised Pork and Eggs)
This Tet favorite consists of pork belly and eggs slow-cooked in coconut water and caramelized fish sauce. The result is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish that pairs perfectly with white rice. Its golden-brown color symbolizes prosperity.
7. Canh Mang (Bamboo Shoot Soup)
Canh Mang is a Tet essential, featuring dried bamboo shoots stewed with pork or beef ribs. This hearty soup offers earthy, smoky flavors and is often served alongside sticky rice and other traditional Tet dishes.
8. Boiled Chicken (Ga Luoc)
Boiled chicken, or Ga Luoc, is often served as a Tet offering on family altars. The dish is accompanied by a lime-salt dipping sauce and represents purity, prosperity, and renewal in Vietnamese culture.
9. Cha Gio (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Crispy on the outside and filled with a savory mix of pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vegetables, Cha Gio is a beloved Tet appetizer. It symbolizes new beginnings due to its golden, rolled appearance.
10. Che Kho (Sweet Mung Bean Pudding)
Che Kho is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made with mung beans, coconut milk, and sugar, creating a smooth and sweet pudding-like treat. It’s served as a dessert during Tet celebrations, symbolizing sweet and happy beginnings.
Where to Experience Authentic Vietnamese Food During Tet
For an immersive culinary experience, Vespa Adventures offers exciting food tours across Vietnam:
Celebrate Tet the Vietnamese Way
Celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year with these unforgettable dishes, from savory pho to sweet Tet treats. Each dish tells a story of tradition, love, and family — the perfect way to welcome a prosperous new year.
