Binh Thuan won A prize at the Folk Cake Competition in 2024

The competition at the 2024 Folk Cake Competition had 36 units, with 125 contestants competing with 56 types of traditional cakes from various provinces and cities including Hau Giang, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, An Giang, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Tay Ninh, Thua Thien Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho city. Binh Thuan’s entry was prepared by chefs Mai Van Linh and Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen.

The ingredients for making “bánh hòn” include glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, grated coconut from Rang (Phan Thiet) served with peanut salt; “bánh quai vạc” is made from rice, tapioca starch, and Binh Thuan sea shrimp as filling, served with chili fish sauce prepared from delicious Phan Thiet fish sauce. Besides introducing the unique cakes of Phan Thiet - Binh Thuan, “bánh hòn” and “bánh quai vạc” were decorated attractively amidst a model of the Ca Ty river, water tower, and the Tran Hung Dao and Le Hong Phong bridges made from vegetables. Additionally, other local special cakes such as “bánh cốm,” “bánh rế,” and “bánh tráng dừa mạch nha” were showcased.

According to the judges’ evaluation, the two types of cakes from Binh Thuan have a “delicious” taste that is very suitable for a wide range of palates, showcasing harmony (color, shape, taste…) of the accompanying ingredients for each cake, beautiful decoration, significance, especially the preparation of the dipping sauce for “bánh quai vạc.” The presentation about tourism in Phan Thiet - Binh Thuan, the meaning of the names, origins, and preparation methods of the two traditional cakes from the region also pleased the judges.

In addition to the A prize for outstanding artisans, Binh Thuan Tourism organized by the Provincial Tourism Promotion Information Center also received a commendation from Can Tho city for its outstanding performance in the Folk Cake Competition and the demonstration of making various traditional cakes from Binh Thuan within the framework of the 11th Southern Folk Cake Festival in 2024, held in Can Tho city from April 17th to 21st.