In the lead-up to the Vietnamese New Year, the people of Vietnam are busy preparing for the traditional worship of the Kitchen Gods (Ong Cong Ong Tao) on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month. The market for offerings to the Kitchen Gods is bustling with a variety of items, including carp, which is considered essential for the ceremony.
While live carp are still popular, this year, carp-shaped foods are taking center stage, with many families opting for innovative treats such as carp-shaped jellies, sticky rice, cakes, and steamed buns to refresh their ancestral worship rituals.
Online marketplaces are buzzing with artisanal carp-shaped jellies that are beautifully designed in 3D and 4D styles. These jellies offer a refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness. Each set of carp jellies is priced between 100,000 and 180,000 VND, with specific prices depending on the size and number of jellies in the set.
Carp-shaped jellies are a popular choice for the worship of the Kitchen Gods. (Illustrative image: Internet)
Ms. Dung Le, an online trader of carp-shaped jellies in Long Bien district, shared that the ingredients for this delicacy are simple and natural, including jelly powder, condensed milk, coconut milk, and natural colors derived from flowers, matcha powder, cacao, and coffee. With these natural ingredients, the carp jellies provide a refreshing alternative to the usual festive treats during Tet.
“I’ve been receiving dozens of orders since the 19th of the twelfth lunar month, and I will close the order book on the 21st to ensure timely delivery for my customers,” Ms. Le added.
Unique carp-shaped sticky rice and cakes for the worship of the Kitchen Gods. (Illustrative image: Internet)
Carp-shaped sticky rice, molded with gac fruit, is another eye-catching offering that has captured the interest of homemakers. Ms. Phuong, from Hai Ba Trung district, offers boxes of carp-shaped sticky rice for 60,000 VND (small) and 80,000 VND (large). The body of the carp is made from gac-colored sticky rice, while the tail and fins are crafted from mung beans.
This year also sees the introduction of unique carp-shaped cakes for the Kitchen Gods ceremony. A bakery described their product as predominantly red, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The cake features chocolate carp with gold dusting, complemented by chocolate coins, red paper fans, and decorative peach blossoms.
These carp cakes are priced at 180,000 VND per cake, suitable for 2-4 people, while a larger size, accommodating 5-10 people, is available for 270,000 VND. The cake’s base is made from soft and moist sponge cake, filled with a sweet and sour mix of mango jam and fresh mango and pineapple, making it an ideal treat for the Tet holiday.
Another “hot” item on the market for the Kitchen Gods worship is carp-shaped steamed buns, which look incredibly lifelike with their graceful and vibrant appearance. A box of these buns includes three large buns in yellow, red, or a combination of the two colors, along with three small buns, priced at 99,000 VND per box.
The eye-catching carp-shaped steamed buns attract the attention of consumers during the worship of the Kitchen Gods. (Image: Facebook)
These carp-shaped buns have a similar composition to regular steamed buns, with the exception of their intricate shaping and colorful appearance. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month and should be steamed before consumption.
Many consumers find the price of 100,000 VND per box of carp-shaped buns reasonable, considering the intricate craftsmanship and the inclusion of additional items.
“There are now many creative variations of carp-based offerings to meet the needs of those worshiping the Kitchen Gods. These options are especially convenient for busy individuals and families living in apartments or areas without easy access to ponds or lakes to release live carp,” shared Ms. Thanh Hoai from Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi. “After the ceremony, the family can enjoy these delicious treats together as a dessert,” she added.
