In the lead-up to the Lunar New Year, the people of Vietnam are busy preparing for the traditional ceremony of worshipping the Kitchen Gods (on the 23rd of the Chạp month). This year, the market for offerings to the Kitchen Gods is vibrant, with a variety of items, including carp fish. However, alongside live carp, this year, carp-shaped food items are taking center stage, with many families opting for a more innovative approach to their offerings. These include jellies, sticky rice cakes, and even cakes and steamed buns, all molded in the shape of carp.
Currently, online markets are buzzing with artisanal carp-shaped jellies, designed with intricate 3D and 4D details. These jellies offer a refreshing, mildly sweet taste and are priced between 100,000 and 180,000 VND per set. Specifically, a set of three small carp jellies with a diameter of 16cm costs 100,000 VND, while a set of three larger carp jellies with a diameter of 20cm is priced at 180,000 VND per box.
Carp-shaped jellies are a popular choice for the Kitchen Gods ceremony. (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: jelly powder, condensed milk, coconut milk, and natural coloring from flowers, matcha powder, cacao, and coffee. With these natural ingredients, the carp jelly is believed to help offset the richness of traditional Lunar New Year dishes.
“I’ve been receiving dozens of orders since the 19th of the Chạp month, and I will close orders on the 21st to ensure timely delivery to my customers,” Ms. Le added.
Unique offerings of carp-shaped sticky rice cakes and cakes for the Kitchen Gods ceremony. (Illustrative image: Internet)
Carp-shaped sticky rice cakes are also attracting homemakers’ attention. Ms. Phuong, from Hai Ba Trung district, offers boxes of carp-shaped sticky rice cakes with gac (a type of fruit with a deep red color) for 60,000 VND for a small box and 80,000 VND for a larger one. The body of the carp is made from the sticky rice, while the tail and fins are crafted from mung beans.
This year also sees the introduction of carp-shaped cakes for the Kitchen Gods ceremony. A bakery shared that their product features a predominant red color, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The cake is adorned with chocolate carp, covered in golden foil, along with 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, and 270,000 VND for a larger size, serving 5-10 people. The cake has a soft, moist sponge base, filled with a sweet and sour mix of mango and pineapple, a perfect treat for the festive season.
Steamed buns shaped like carp are also a “hot” item in this year’s market for Kitchen Gods offerings. A box of carp-shaped steamed buns includes three large buns in yellow, red, or a combination of the two colors, along with three smaller buns, priced at 99,000 VND per box. These buns are a vivid replica of carp, with graceful curves and vibrant colors.
The unique carp-shaped steamed buns capture the attention of consumers during the Kitchen Gods ceremony. (Image: Facebook)
These steamed buns have a similar composition to regular buns, differing only in their shape and color. 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 steamed buns reasonable, considering the intricate craftsmanship and the inclusion of additional items. “There are now many creative variations of carp offerings to suit the needs of modern consumers. For those living in apartments or far from ponds or lakes, these beautiful food items are a convenient choice. After the ceremony, the family can enjoy them as a dessert,” shared Ms. Thanh Hoai from Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi.
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