Rice Cake Making

Introduction to Bánh Dày (Hmong Rice Cake)

According to a Hmong legend, the King of the Hmong people held a competition to determine the future husband of his youngest daughter. A man named Nuj Nplhaib won the competition, and also the princess’s heart.

However, not long after, the princess was captured by an evil tiger. Nuj Nplhaib was determined to rescue his wife from the clutches of the tiger. He brought along rice cakes on his journey for sustenance.

After three years, Nuj Nplhaib finally located his wife in a cave, which was guarded by numerous tigers. He successfully defeated them and was finally reunited with his wife. Bánh Dày represents good luck and love, reflecting Nuj Nplhaib's devotion to his wife.

Bánh Dày is commonly eaten during Tết holiday (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) and is gifted to family and loved ones. It can be enjoyed grilled, fried or right after shaping it and is served with a honey dip.

Workshop Details

Follow your respective homestay owners as they bring you on an hour-long experience of rice cake making! Prior to the session, the instructors would have already prepared a viscous mixture of sticky rice and water, already steamed for an hour or so. Then, you would be given the task of pounding the dough, ensuring the consistency and texture of the mixture. Following this, you can then shape the dough into the signature round shape of the Bánh Dày, and enjoy it wrapped in Phrynium leaves.

Price: 100,000 VND/kg of rice cake

Duration: 1 Hour

Location: Respective homestays

To sign up, please contact your respective homestay owner, who will make arrangements for you.

More information is available here (A Chu, A Long, A Nha).