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, food items shaped like carp are taking center stage. Families are opting for innovative alternatives 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 and are priced between VND 100,000 and 180,000 per set. Specifically, a set of three small jellies with a diameter of 16cm costs VND 100,000, while a set of three larger jellies with a diameter of 20cm is priced at VND 180,000 per box.
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 coloring from flowers, matcha powder, cacao, and coffee. With these natural ingredients, the carp-shaped jelly is believed to help balance the heavy flavors often associated with traditional Vietnamese New Year cuisine.
“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 to 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, crafted by skilled homemakers, is another eye-catching offering. Ms. Phuong, a resident of Hai Ba Trung district, shared that each box of carp-shaped sticky rice costs VND 60,000 for a small box and VND 80,000 for a larger one. The body of the carp is made from sticky rice, while the tail and fins are creatively shaped from mung beans.
This year also sees the introduction of unique carp-shaped cakes for the worship of the Kitchen Gods. A bakery described their product as predominantly red, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The cake features chocolate carp with a golden coating, complemented by chocolate coins, red paper fans, and decorative peach blossoms.
These carp-shaped cakes are priced at VND 180,000 per cake, suitable for 2-4 people, while a larger size, accommodating 5-10 people, costs VND 270,000. 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 festive season.
Steamed buns shaped like carp are also a trending item in this year’s market for Kitchen God offerings. A box of carp-shaped buns, including three large buns in yellow, red, or a combination of the two colors, along with three smaller buns, costs VND 99,000. These buns are visually striking, with their lifelike depiction of carp, showcasing graceful curves and vibrant colors.
The eye-catching carp-shaped steamed buns attract the attention of consumers during the worship of the Kitchen Gods. (Image: Facebook)
In terms of ingredients, these carp-shaped buns are similar to traditional steamed buns, with the main difference being 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 have commented that the price of VND 100,000 per box of carp-shaped buns is reasonable, considering the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating these unique treats. The box also includes additional items, making it a great value proposition.
“There are now many creative variations of carp-shaped offerings available for those worshiping the Kitchen Gods, which is very convenient for busy modern-day families. For those living in apartments or away from ponds or lakes, these beautiful food items are a great alternative. After the worship ceremony, the family can enjoy them as a delicious dessert,” shared Ms. Thanh Hoai, a resident of Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi.
