Vietnamese in China Cook Banh Chung to Welcome Year of Tiger

The event is an opportunity for overseas people, especially the young generation, to preserve and nurture the traditional culture of the nation.

On this occasion, representatives of the Consulate General of Vietnam wished the overseas community a happy new year. Information about the country's situation was sent to the community to encourage them to overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic.

Vietnamese people living in Shanghai teach each other how to wrap banh chung. (Photo: Baoquocte)

Consul General Ninh Thanh Cong believes that with the strong development and frequent exchanges, the Vietnamese community in Shanghai would continue to promote solidarity among its members and the sentiment toward the homeland.

About 1,000 Vietnamese people are living, studying and working in Shanghai. Participating in this activity, many expressed their emotions and joy. Even though they are far away from their homeland, they are still able to celebrate Tet in the traditional way.

The wife of Consul General Ninh Thanh Cong instructs Chinese friends how to pack Vietnamese banh chung. (Photo: Baoquocte)

Meanwhile, in Beijing, the Vietnamese Embassy to China holds an annual gathering for the overseas community ahead of Tet. Due to the pandemic, this year's event took place on a small scale.

Many Vietnamese people cannot return home to reunite with their families during Tet because of the pandemic. However, they can still enjoy the Lunar New Year celebration in an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

Speaking on this year's Tet gathering event, the Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai said through the activity, the Vietnamese Embassy in China also wished all overseas people a warm Tet. The embassy hopes they always look toward the homeland.

(Photo: Baoquocte)

Consul General Ninh Thanh Cong and his wife attended the event. (Photo: Baoquocte)

Ngo Phuong Lan, a Vietnamese in China said: "Like other Vietnamese living abroad, I am very emotional when I can participate in wrapping banh chung when Tet comes. This activity is very meaningful for the children who are far from home, far from the fatherland."

These days, Beijing is entering spring, yet the temperature is still below 0 degrees Celsius. In contrast to the cold weather, a warm atmosphere filled the embassy's kitchen. Happy adults instruct excited children on how to make traditional banh chung.

Chu Thi Minh Thao, a newcomer, said it was the first time she welcomed Tet in China. "I feel lucky to join the event, to wrap banh chung with the embassy. It is such a meaningful activity. It reminds me of Vietnam and eases my homesickness."

Unlike Thao, Tran Thu Hang has welcomed three Tet in Beijing. Unable to go home, Hang appreciates the meaningful activity. “I feel very happy because I have not been able to celebrate Tet in my hometown for three years due to the pandemic. I am touched to be able to make banh chung in a foreign land," Tran Thu Hang confided.

Children are also excited when they first experience wrapping banh chung. (Photo: Baoquocte)

Tuong Van, an overseas Vietnamese in Shanghai, regularly guides others to make banh chung. She said the event was an opportunity for the community to gather in a warm atmosphere, bringing Tet closer to people living far from the country. (Photo: Baoquocte)

Although China and Vietnam are neighbors and both celebrate Lunar New Year, it still takes effort to buy ingredients to make traditional banh chung.

Dao Quang Huy, who is in charge of the embassy's kitchen, said: "Preparation has been going on for a week. We had to order dong leaves from Vietnam and prepare beans and rice. Dong leaf needs to be washed a day before wrapping. Although we worked very hard, we still enjoy the atmosphere because it does feel like Tet in Vietnam."

(Photo: Baoquocte)

(Photo: Baoquocte)

About 1,000 Vietnamese people are living, studying, and working in Shanghai, China. (Photo: Baoquocte)

(Photo: Baoquocte)

Vietnamese in Beijing make banh chung. (Photo: VOV)

(Photo: VOV)

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