How do Vietnamese families prepare for Tet?

Question

How do Vietnamese prepare for Tet?[

Answer 1

During Tet, Vietnamese families prepare a wide variety of traditional dishes that hold special significance for the holiday. Here are some popular Tet dishes commonly enjoyed in Vietnam:

Banh Chung and Banh Tet: These are two types of sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. Banh Chung is square-shaped, representing the Earth, while Banh Tet is cylindrical. They are typically filled with a combination of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.

Thit Kho Trung: This dish consists of braised pork and boiled eggs cooked in a caramelized sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and spices. Thit Kho Trung is a staple dish during Tet, symbolizing family and abundance.


Canh Mang: Canh Mang is a bamboo shoot soup often enjoyed during Tet. It is made with tender bamboo shoots, pork, and various herbs, creating a flavorful and refreshing soup.


Gio Cha: Gio Cha is a type of Vietnamese sausage made from ground pork, typically flavored with garlic, pepper, and fish sauce. It is steamed or boiled and served as a savory dish during Tet.

Nem Ran: Nem Ran, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or fried rolls, are a popular Tet appetizer. They consist of fillings like ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles, wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to a crispy perfection.


Dua Hanh (Pickled Onions): Dua Hanh is a tangy and slightly sweet pickled onion dish. It is often served alongside other Tet dishes as a refreshing and palate-cleansing condiment.

Mut (Candied Fruits): Mut are candied fruits that come in various flavors and colors. They are often served in decorative trays and offered to guests during Tet visits. Mut symbolizes a sweet and prosperous year ahead.

Xoi Gac: Xoi Gac is a sticky rice dish colored with Gac fruit, giving it a vibrant red hue. It is considered a lucky dish, representing good fortune and happiness.

Che: Che is a traditional Vietnamese dessert soup with various ingredients such as beans, glutinous rice, jellies, and fruits cooked in a sweet broth. Different types of Che are prepared and enjoyed during Tet.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that Vietnamese families prepare and enjoy during Tet. The specific dishes may vary depending on regional customs and family preferences, but the focus is on creating a bountiful and meaningful culinary experience for the holiday.

Answer 2

Vietnamese families engage in thorough preparations to ensure a joyous and auspicious Tet celebration. Here are some common ways Vietnamese families prepare for Tet:

Cleaning the House: Cleaning the house is an essential part of Tet preparations. Families thoroughly clean their homes to remove any traces of bad luck from the previous year and make way for good fortune in the upcoming year.


Decorating the House: Vietnamese families adorn their homes with vibrant Tet decorations. These typically include peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and colorful ornaments. Red and gold, symbolizing luck and prosperity, are prominent colors used in the decorations.

Shopping for New Clothes: It is customary to wear new clothes during Tet as a way of starting the new year fresh. Families go shopping for new outfits for themselves and their children, with many opting for traditional attire like the Ao Dai.

Making and Buying Tet Food: A significant part of Tet preparations is the preparation and acquisition of special Tet foods. Families make traditional dishes like Banh Chung and Banh Tet, which require careful preparation and cooking. Additionally, they visit markets and stores to purchase other traditional foods, snacks, and fruits.


Stocking Up on Supplies: Vietnamese families ensure they have an ample supply of essential items before Tet begins. This includes groceries, beverages, incense, lucky money envelopes, and other necessary items for the holiday.

Paying Debts and Settling Disputes: It is customary for Vietnamese families to settle any outstanding debts and resolve conflicts before Tet. This practice ensures a fresh start and positive energy for the new year.

Visiting Ancestors' Graves: Prior to Tet, families visit the gravesites of their ancestors to clean and decorate them. They offer incense, flowers, and food as a sign of respect and to seek blessings from their departed loved ones.

Exchanging Tet Greetings and Gifts: Vietnamese families prepare gifts, usually wrapped in red paper, to exchange with friends, relatives, and guests during Tet visits. These gifts can include food, wine, fruits, or other thoughtful items.

Planning Family Reunions: Tet is a time for family gatherings and reunions. Families make plans to gather at the homes of elders or designated meeting places to celebrate together, share meals, and exchange well wishes for the new year.


These preparations help create a festive and harmonious atmosphere for Tet, allowing Vietnamese families to welcome the new year with joy, prosperity, and togetherness.