Download Free Audio of When I read this question, the first thing that sp... - Woord

Read Aloud the Text Content

This audio was created by Woord's Text to Speech service by content creators from all around the world.


Text Content or SSML code:

When I read this question, the first thing that springs to my mind is Banh Chung in Vietnamese, which translates roughly to sticky rice cake. You know, it’s one of the traditional foods in my country on Tet holiday. The main ingredients of Banh Chung are glutinous rice, mung beans, fatty pork and spices such as salt, pepper and fish sauce. The pork is seasoned, tucked into the rice and bean paste, wrapped in lá Jong, a leafy plant before being boiled for 6 to 8 hours. Sometimes, in order to give the resulting wrap a better shape, square wooden moulds are used. When it comes to the reasons why I’m really keen on this traditional food, I have to say that Banh Chung has a very valuable cultural and historical meaning. It is said to have been created by a Vietnamese prince, Lang Lieu, along with Banh Day. The two dishes symbolised the Earth and the Sky and were made to express the gratitude to the ancestors. On top of that, I still remember when I first ate this dish, I was totally hooked and blown away by its irresistible taste and aroma, I have to say that it was every bit as delicious as it sounded. Besides, making bánh Chưng is a family tradition and a special time for grandparents and parents to tell old stories, gossip and wait for the countdown, which can really strengthen the relationships among family members. So if I had to talk about one of my country’s traditional products, it would have to be Banh Chung.