Bánh Cáy Thái Bình

1. Overview

Bánh cáy is a traditional cake from Thái Bình, a province in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. Known for its unique shape and rich flavor, bánh cáy is often associated with festivals, weddings, and significant cultural events. The name "cáy" refers to the shape of the cake, which is said to resemble a small fish. This sweet and chewy rice cake has become a symbol of the province's culinary identity.

2. Ingredients

Bánh cáy is made from simple, locally sourced ingredients:

• Sticky rice flour (nếp): The base of the cake, giving it a chewy and soft texture.

• Mung beans (đậu xanh): For the sweet filling, mung beans are cooked and mashed into a smooth paste.

• Coconut (dừa): Grated coconut is added to enhance the flavor and add a subtle sweetness.

• Peanuts (lạc): Crushed peanuts are mixed in for texture and nuttiness.

• Sugar and honey: To sweeten the mixture and give the cake its rich flavor.

• Sesame seeds: Often sprinkled on top for extra aroma and flavor.

3. How It’s Made

1. Preparation of the dough: Sticky rice flour is mixed with water and kneaded into a dough. The dough is then divided into small portions and shaped into little cakes.

2. Filling: The mung beans are boiled, mashed, and mixed with sugar, coconut, and peanuts to create a smooth, fragrant filling.

3. Shaping: Each piece of dough is flattened and a spoonful of the filling is placed inside. The dough is then folded around the filling and shaped into a fish-like form.

4. Steaming: The filled cakes are steamed until fully cooked and the texture becomes chewy and soft.

4. Flavor and Texture

• Flavor: The combination of sweet mung bean paste, the fragrance of coconut, and the nuttiness of peanuts creates a harmonious and rich flavor. The cake is not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

• Texture: The outer layer is chewy, soft, and sticky, while the filling is smooth and slightly creamy, with a crunch from the peanuts.

5. Cultural Significance

Bánh cáy is often seen at weddings, Tet celebrations, and other significant family events in Thái Bình. It symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, with its fish-like shape representing abundance and fertility. The cake is often presented as a gift or part of the festive food spread, making it a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike.

6. Where to Try It

Bánh cáy is most commonly found in Thái Bình province, especially at local markets or small family-run bakeries. If you visit Thái Bình, you can often find these cakes packaged in colorful boxes, perfect for taking home as a souvenir or gift. Many families in Thái Bình also make bánh cáy during the lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations.