Binh Dinh, the land of martial arts, is not only famous for its poetic beaches and heroic historical sites but also captivates visitors with its rich and distinctive cuisine. Among countless delicacies, Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ stands out as a symbol, a rustic local treat that embodies the essence of nature and the skillful hands of the people of Xu Nau. Join Discovery to Wonders on a fascinating culinary journey to explore this renowned specialty!
1. Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’: The Quintessence of Traditional Cuisine
1.1. Introduction to ‘Banh It La Gai’
‘Banh It La Gai’ is more than just a dish; it’s a cultural element, a traditional beauty of the people of Binh Dinh. For generations, this small, exquisite cake has been an indispensable part of Tet holidays, weddings, death anniversaries, or simply a local gift to convey affection. The familiar folk verse “If you want to eat ‘Banh It La Gai’, marry a man from Binh Dinh for a long journey” truthfully depicts the special status of ‘Banh It La Gai’ in the hearts of the locals.
Banh It La Gai – A traditional dish of the people of Binh Dinh
What makes ‘Banh It La Gai’ so appealing is its unique flavor, the delicate harmony between the sweetness of sugar, the buttery richness of green beans or coconut, the fragrant aroma of ‘la gai’ leaves, and the chewy texture of glutinous rice flour. All these elements combine to create an unforgettable culinary experience, making anyone who has ever tasted it remember the flavor of this homeland forever.
1.2. Origin and Cultural Story
The origin of ‘Banh It La Gai’ is linked to the legend of Prince Lang Lieu and the story of ‘banh chung’ and ‘banh day’ (traditional Vietnamese cakes for Tet). Legend has it that the youngest princess of Hung King created ‘Banh It La Gai’ by combining the soft, chewy crust of ‘banh day’ with the savory, fragrant filling of ‘banh chung’. The name “banh it” (literally “little cake”) also originates from this tale, as an affectionate name for the cake created by the youngest princess.
Binh Dinh 'Banh It La Gai', a traditional dish often appearing in festivals in Xu Nau
Since then, ‘Banh It La Gai’ has gradually become a popular dish among the people, especially in Binh Dinh. Through historical ups and downs, ‘Banh It La Gai’ still maintains an important position in the culinary culture of the locals. More than just a dish, ‘Banh It La Gai’ embodies deep cultural and spiritual values, serving as a link between the past, present, and future.
1.3. Distinctive Flavor and Differences
Compared to other types of ‘banh it’ across the country, Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ has a distinctive flavor that is unmistakable. The secret lies in the fresh ‘la gai’ leaves and the meticulous, elaborate preparation process. The ‘la gai’ leaves selected must be young but not too tender, nor too old, then they are thoroughly boiled and pounded to create the characteristic black color and rich aroma for the cake crust.
Quy Nhon 'Banh It La Gai', a specialty with a unique and appealing flavor
The crust of Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ has a characteristic glossy black color, soft and chewy but not mushy, with a natural fragrant aroma of ‘la gai’ leaves. The filling is usually green bean or coconut, skillfully cooked to have a moderate sweetness, buttery richness, and not be dry. When enjoying, diners will feel the wonderful harmony between the chewy, fragrant crust and the sweet, buttery filling, creating a uniquely irresistible flavor.
2. Journey to Discover the Flavor of Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’
2.1. Selected Ingredients, Unique Preparation Secrets
To make delicious and authentic ‘Banh It La Gai’, the people of Binh Dinh always pay attention to the selection of ingredients. ‘La gai’ leaves must be fresh, without pests or diseases, harvested in the early morning to maintain their freshness. Glutinous rice flour must be of good quality, fragrant and sticky, finely ground so that the cake crust is soft. Green beans and coconut must also be fresh and of good quality.
Ingredients for Binh Dinh 'Banh It La Gai' include 'la gai' leaves, ginger, glutinous rice flour, green beans, shredded coconut, sugar, salt, cooking oil, banana leaves
The process of making ‘Banh It La Gai’ also requires meticulousness and skill. ‘La gai’ leaves, after being boiled and pounded, are mixed with glutinous rice flour, sugar, ginger, and a little cooking oil to create the cake crust. The filling is made from green beans or coconut, cooked with sugar and other spices. The wrapping stage is also very important, requiring the wrapper to have skillful hands to shape the cake beautifully and wrap it tightly so that the cake does not burst when steamed.
2.2. Types of ‘Banh It La Gai’ Fillings: Green Bean, Coconut, and More
Traditional Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ fillings mainly come in two types: green bean and coconut. The green bean filling has a buttery, slightly sweet taste, often combined with a little shredded coconut to enhance the flavor. The coconut filling has a rich, sweet, and fatty taste, often combined with roasted peanuts to add crispiness and aroma.
How to make 'Banh It La Gai' with green bean filling, one of the popular filling variations
In addition to the two traditional fillings, nowadays, Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ also has many filling variations such as meat filling, shrimp and meat filling, black sesame peanut filling, etc., to meet the diverse tastes of diners. Regardless of the filling, ‘Banh It La Gai’ still retains its characteristic flavor and unique appeal.
2.3. Enjoying ‘Banh It La Gai’ the Right Way
To enjoy ‘Banh It La Gai’ the right way, you should eat it while it’s still warm. At that time, the crust will be softest and chewiest, and the filling will be most fragrant and delicious. ‘Banh It La Gai’ is often served with a cup of hot tea, creating a perfect combination, helping to balance the sweetness of the cake and enhance its delicious flavor.
To eat 'Banh It La Gai', enjoy it while it's warm to fully appreciate the flavor
‘Banh It La Gai’ is not only a snack but also a meaningful gift to give to relatives and friends. If you have the opportunity to visit Binh Dinh, don’t forget to buy ‘Banh It La Gai’ as a gift; recipients will surely feel your heart and the special flavor of this specialty.
3. Make ‘Banh It La Gai’ at Home: Authentic Binh Dinh Recipe
3.1. Prepare Ingredients
To make ‘Banh It La Gai’ with green bean filling (for about 12 cakes), you need to prepare the following ingredients:
Ingredients for the crust:
- Fresh ‘la gai’ leaves: 300g
- Glutinous rice flour: 250g
- White granulated sugar: 100g
- Fresh ginger: 80g
- Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
Ingredients for the filling:
- Skinless green beans: 150g
- White granulated sugar: 110g
- Shredded coconut: 150g
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Other ingredients:
- Fresh banana leaves: 6 leaves
- Roasted white sesame seeds: 30g
- Cooking oil for greasing banana leaves and cakes
3.2. Detailed Steps to Make ‘Banh It La Gai’ with Green Bean Filling
Step 1: Prepare ‘la gai’ leaves:
- Remove stems from ‘la gai’ leaves, tear into small pieces, wash thoroughly.
- Boil ‘la gai’ leaves with a few slices of ginger for about 10-15 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Remove ‘la gai’ leaves, let them cool slightly, then put them in a blender and blend until smooth (or pound until smooth).
Step 2: Make the crust:
- In a large bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, blended ‘la gai’ leaves, sugar, cooking oil, and a little water (if needed).
- Knead the dough until it is smooth, pliable, and not sticky. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Make the filling:
- Soak green beans in warm water for about 2-4 hours, then steam until cooked.
- Blend steamed green beans with sugar and a little water until smooth.
- Pour the blended green beans into a pan, cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the green bean filling is dry and not sticky.
- Add shredded coconut and cook together for about 5 more minutes.
- Let the filling cool slightly, then shape into small, bite-sized balls.
Step 4: Wrap and steam the cakes:
- Wash banana leaves, wipe dry, and soften them by passing them quickly over a flame.
- Grease banana leaves with a thin layer of cooking oil.
- Take a sufficient amount of dough, roll it out thinly, place a green bean filling ball in the center, and shape it into a ball again.
- Place the cake on a banana leaf, sprinkle roasted white sesame seeds on top, wrap the cake into a triangle or cylindrical shape as desired.
- Arrange the cakes in a steamer, steam for about 30 minutes until the cakes are cooked.
Detailed steps to make 'Banh It La Gai', easy to make at home
3.3. Variations with Fragrant and Fatty Coconut Filling
If you love the sweet and fatty taste of coconut, you can try making ‘Banh It La Gai’ with coconut filling. The method for making the crust is similar to that for the green bean filling. The coconut filling is made by cooking shredded coconut with sugar, adding a little ground roasted peanuts to enhance the flavor and crispiness.
Binh Dinh 'Banh Gai' with coconut filling, an appealing variation with a sweet and fatty flavor
How to make coconut filling:
- Shredded coconut: 300g
- White granulated sugar: 210g
- Ground roasted peanuts: 150g
- Filtered water: 150ml
- Tapioca starch: 1 tablespoon
How to cook coconut filling:
- Boil sugar with filtered water until sugar dissolves and thickens slightly.
- Add shredded coconut and cook together, stirring constantly over low heat until coconut absorbs sugar and becomes slightly dry.
- Add ground roasted peanuts and tapioca starch (dissolved in a little water), stir well, then turn off the heat.
- Let the filling cool slightly, then shape into small balls.
3.4. Tips for Making Successful ‘Banh It La Gai’
- Choose fresh ‘la gai’ leaves, not too old or too young.
- Pound ‘la gai’ leaves really smooth so that the cake crust is smooth and chewy.
- Knead the dough thoroughly so that the dough is pliable, not dry or sticky.
- Cook the filling over low heat, stirring constantly so that the filling does not burn and has a moderate chewiness.
- Wrap the cakes evenly and tightly so that the cakes do not burst when steamed.
- Steam the cakes for enough time so that the cakes are cooked through and deliciously chewy.
4. Where to Buy Delicious and Authentic Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’?
4.1. In Binh Dinh
If you have the opportunity to visit Binh Dinh, it is not difficult to find ‘Banh It La Gai’ everywhere, from traditional markets, specialty stores to street vendors. Some famous addresses known to many people include:
- My Trinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ Craft Village: This place is considered the “cradle” of Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’, with many households making cakes using traditional methods.
- Quy Nhon Market: At Quy Nhon Market, you can find many stalls selling ‘Banh It La Gai’ with a variety of types and prices.
- Binh Dinh Specialty Stores: Many specialty stores on the streets of Quy Nhon also sell beautifully packaged ‘Banh It La Gai’, suitable as gifts.
4.2. Buy Online and in Other Provinces/Cities
If you do not have the conditions to go to Binh Dinh, you can still enjoy authentic ‘Banh It La Gai’ by buying online or finding them at Central region specialty stores in other provinces and cities. Many Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ production facilities have expanded online distribution channels, delivering to your door nationwide.
Buy authentic Quy Nhon Binh Dinh 'Banh It La Gai' at reputable specialty stores
You can find Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ for sale at Cohaxunau.com website, which provides authentic Central region specialties, ensuring quality and authentic Binh Dinh flavor.
5. Cultural and Spiritual Values of Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’
‘Banh It La Gai’ is not just a dish, but also a cultural element, a symbol of Binh Dinh. This small cake contains the dedication, skill, and love for the homeland of the people of Xu Nau. ‘Banh It La Gai’ often appears on Tet holidays, weddings, death anniversaries, expressing sincerity, respect, and wishes for a prosperous and happy life.
Binh Dinh 'Banh It La Gai' specialty as a gift, a meaningful gift showing unique culinary culture
Enjoying ‘Banh It La Gai’ is not only a culinary experience but also an opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and people of Binh Dinh. The distinctive flavor of ‘Banh It La Gai’ will make you remember this land of martial arts forever and want to return to discover more interesting things.
Conclusion
Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’ deserves to be one of the most famous culinary specialties of Vietnam. From its unique flavor, natural ingredients, elaborate preparation process to deep cultural and spiritual values, ‘Banh It La Gai’ has conquered the hearts of many diners. If you are a food lover and want to explore traditional cultural beauties, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this famous Binh Dinh ‘Banh It La Gai’. Come to Binh Dinh or order online today to experience the wonderful flavor of this local delicacy!