Here are some must-have dishes enjoyed by families in southern Vietnam during their Lunar New Year celebrations. 

Chef Tran Ngoc Sang from Ho Chi Minh City said the most indispensable dishes for Tet in the south are cylindric glutinous rice cake (banh tet), pork-stuffed bitter melon soup and braised pork with eggs. Dishes like shredded chicken and dried shrimp alongside pickled cu kieu (Chinese onion) are also popular.

Southerners believe pork-stuffed bitter melon soup could help dispel past hardships and welcome in a happy new year.

The simple soup with bitter melon stuffed with grounded pork or fish also features shredded mushrooms and scallions. The broth is typically sweet, creating a delicious contrast with the bitter fruit.

Braised pork is another popular dish, often appearing in Tet meals. As Tet approaches, people visit the market to buy delicious cuts of pork belly, dozens of duck eggs and fresh coconut, all cooked together in a pot.

This yummy dish can be eaten for many days, saving plenty of cooking time and going well with rice.

Tet is not complete without boiled chicken. The chicken’s wings must be tied when boiled, with the outcome a shiny yellow skin without a single crack.

It can be shredded to make salad or cut into slices to enjoy with salt and pepper sauce with lime leaves.

Traditional banh tet is always present during a Tet meal in the southern region. The cake is made of glutinous rice, soft green beans and seasoned meat. Family members often make the cakes together, from packing to boiling them, creating a warm reunion atmosphere.

People believe the color red brings luck, making red dishes during Tet holidays a very popular choice. In particular, fresh sausage (lap xuong) made from pork is loved by many for its top-notch taste, quick processing time and long shelf life.

In order to complement Tet dishes, families often add pickled cu kieu to meals. Southerners often eat pickled cu kieu alongside dried shrimp or braised pork.

Watermelons are a familiar feature on family altars during Tet. Many people believe if you have a watermelon that is thick, red, juicy and sweet on the new year, it will signal luck. In addition, this is also a fruit with a lot of fiber and vitamins that perfectly complements protein-rich Tet meals.

In addition to savory dishes, Tet candied fruits and vegetables (mut) are must-have items.

They are typically made from a variety of fruits and vegetables, with a variety of flavors, colors and aromas. They often go with a hot cup of tea to express one’s wish for a sweet, warm and happy year.

Melon seeds are familiar on Tet holidays next to mut. They contain many additional nutrients for the body like vitamins, magnesium and iron The seeds are a low-calorie, healthy and suitable snack for those who want to diet on Tet.