Unique Tet cuisine of ethnic groups in the highlands of Nghe An
(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.
![]() |
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. |
![]() |
Among the dishes during Tet, rice wine is an indispensable drink of the Thai and Khmu people. The length of each party depends on the amount of rice wine prepared by the host. |
![]() |
For the Khmu people, on the Tet offering tray, pumpkin is a must-have dish to show the loyalty and gratitude of descendants to their ancestors. |
![]() |
In addition, this community also has grilled fish, or fish mooc. According to belief, fish is used as an offering to pray for a new year of favorable weather and rain. |
![]() |
New Year's offerings of the Khmu community. |
![]() |
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. |
![]() |
Thai sausage dish. |
![]() |
Families who are more careful in their preparation have an additional dish of moss. The moss is scooped up from the stream and cleaned through many steps before being processed. |
![]() |
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. |
![]() |
The intestines are cleaned and dried by the Mong people in the kitchen loft, then processed into "nhu du" (a type of sausage but the filling is sticky rice and many other spices) to serve distinguished guests. |
![]() |
In addition, some families, including Thai, Mong or Khmu, stock up on some dried wild rat meat as food for Tet. |