Out of all the traditional emblems of Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết), perhaps none is as old and revered as “Bánh Chưng” and “Bánh Giầy,” or glutinous rice cakes stuffed with mung beans and (traditionally but not always) pork fillings. “Bánh Chưng” and “Bánh Giầy” are synonymous with Tết and come with a folklore as old as time, and one that elders ensure is passed down every generation, as our very culture is rooted in this story. The legend has it…..

Once upon a time in Vietnam, during the 6th dynasty, King Hùng Vương gathered his sons and proclaimed “Whoever amongst you can gift me the most precious food in all Heaven and Earth, shall inherit my throne.” 

All the princes dispersed to search for the most luxurious dishes. The king’s 18th son, Lang Liêu, a gentle and poor motherless orphan, could not afford such extravagance. One night, an angel visited Lang Liêu in a dream and advised, “In all Heaven and Earth, nothing is more precious than rice.”

Upon awakening, Lang Liêu cooked glutinous rice into a square loaf, representing the Earth, with a center stuffed with mung beans and pork, representing the children of Earth, and he named it “Bánh Chưng.”

He then cooked fine glutinous rice into a round loaf, representing Heaven, and named it “Bánh Giầy.” He wrapped them in green leaves to symbolize the love of parents.

Impressed with his unique gift, the king passed the throne on to Lang Liêu. And now, “Bánh Chưng” and “Bánh Giầy” are eaten every Tết to celebrate the love of Heaven and Earth.