Unique Tet cuisine of ethnic groups in Nghe An highlands
(Baonghean.vn) - Each ethnic group in the highlands of Nghe An such as Thai, Mong, Kho Mu all have their own unique culinary culture. When Tet comes, they prepare typical dishes for their families to worship their ancestors and welcome guests.
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Each ethnic minority in Western Nghe An has its own Tet, however, nowadays, they also celebrate the traditional Lunar New Year of the entire Vietnamese nation. |
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Among the dishes during Tet, Ruou Can is an indispensable drink of the Thai and Kho Mu people. The length of each party depends on the amount of Ruou Can prepared by the host. |
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For the Khmu people, pumpkin is a must-have dish on the Tet offering tray to show the loyalty and gratitude of descendants to their ancestors. |
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In addition, this community also has grilled fish, or fish moọc. According to belief, fish is used as an offering to pray for a new year of favorable weather and wind. |
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New Year's offerings of the Khmu community. |
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There is one thing that is different in the Thai community, that is, their Tet meal must include grilled pork, purple wine, and Chinese sausage. |
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Thai sausage |
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Families who prepare more carefully have an additional dish of moss. Moss is collected from streams and cleaned through many stages before being processed. |
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For the Mong people, during Tet or any important event, pork is an important food. Part of the pig is used for eating, and part is given to the shaman and relatives on the mother's side. |
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The Mong people clean and dry the intestines on the kitchen loft, then process them into "nhu du" (a type of sausage but with sticky rice and many other spices) to serve to distinguished guests. |
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In addition, some families, including Thai, Mong or Kho Mu, stock up on some dried wild mouse meat as food for Tet. |