Tết —that’s how Vietnamese people call the Lunar New Year—is the biggest event of the year. Regardless of who you are or how busy you are, Tết is a time to slow down and reflect, a time to spend well with your direct and extended family. The spirit and how the family is put first during this time are very similar to Christmas celebrations.
When I mention family, it doesn’t only include those who are alive but also the previous generations or family members who unfortunately passed away. I love this culture. I love the way we appreciate our roots and never forget them. That’s why, from New Year’s Eve, the ancestry shrines in each family are spotlessly cleaned and presented with colourful fruits, Sticky Rice Cakes, and the food we will celebrate and enjoy every day during Tết. Each household will be filled with the fragrance of burning incense sticks lit throughout Tết, usually until the third day of the new year.
Every day, my Mum would cook festive food, always slightly earlier than our mealtime, so that three times a day, the food could be presented to the shrine before we sat down to enjoy it together. It’s all about appreciation and respect for our ancestors and those who have passed away.
Tết is also the time for direct and extended families to come together for a meal. Kids are always very excited about Tết because that’s when they receive red envelopes filled with lucky money from the adults.
Now, I’m going to share with you The Most Popular Traditional Vietnamese Dishes that are likely to be on the dining table for Tết meals in households across Vietnam. The dishes may vary slightly from region to region, but they all carry deep cultural significance.
1. Vietnamese Sticky Rice Cake (Bánh Chưng, Bánh Tét)
One of the most iconic Tết dishes, Bánh Chưng (in the North) and Bánh Tét (in the South) are traditional sticky rice cakes made from glutinous rice, mung beans and pork, all wrapped in dong leaves and boiled for 8-10 hours. These cakes symbolise gratitude to ancestors and the harmony of the earth and sky.
Find out more about the dish and get the full recipe here.
2. Boiled Chicken (Gà Luộc)
A simple yet essential dish for Tết, Boiled Chicken is often served with thinly sliced lime leaves and a dipping sauce of salt, pepper and lime juice. It represents purity, prosperity and a fresh start for the new year.
3. Gấc Sticky Rice (Xôi Gấc)
This bright red sticky rice, naturally coloured with gấc fruit, is a favourite during Tết. The red hue symbolises luck, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year, making it a must-have on the table.
I usually add my twist to this dish by layering it with coconut mung bean paste and pandan leaf sticky rice, creating a vibrant and colourful dish that brightens up our Tết dining table. The combination of red, yellow and green not only makes the dish visually stunning but also adds a delightful variety of flavours.
You can get the full recipe for this dish here.
4. Pork Sausage Roll (Giò Lụa)
A delicious and smooth yet slightly crunchy Vietnamese Pork Sausage, Giò Lụa, is made from seasoned pork, wrapped in banana or dong leaves, and steamed or boiled. It’s a staple of the Tết feast, representing wealth and completeness.
Get the full recipe of my fresh, flavourful homemade version here.
5. Spring Rolls (Nem Rán)
No Vietnamese celebration is complete without crispy Spring Rolls! These rolls are a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables, savoury pork, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper and fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they’re perfect for special occasions.
Try my Mum’s recipe for Nem Rán here.
6. Pickled Vegetables (Hành Muối/Dưa Góp)
Pickled vegetables are always served to balance the richness of Tết dishes. From pickled onions (hành muối) to mixed pickles (dưa góp), these tangy delights refresh the palate and aid digestion.
You can find the full recipe for the Quick Vietnamese Pickles here.
7. Xôi Vò and Chè Bà Cốt
In my family, Chè Bà Cốt (Gingery Rice Pudding) is more than just a treat; it’s a tradition. My Mum has been preparing this dish on New Year’s Eve for as long as I can remember, making it an integral part of our New Year’s Eve ritual. We always enjoy it alongside Xôi Vò (Sticky Rice Coated in Mung).
Head over to Xôi Vò and Chè Bà Cốt blog posts to read more about these dishes and get the full recipes.
8. Glass Noodles with Bamboo Shoot Soup (Miến Măng)
A fragrant and comforting dish, Miến Măng features glass noodles served in a flavourful chicken broth with bamboo shoots and sliced chicken. It’s a Tet tradition, especially in Northern Vietnam.
Get the full recipe here.
9. Caramelised Pork Belly in Coconut Water (Thịt Kho Nước Dừa)
A Southern favourite, Thịt Kho Nước Dừa, combines tender pork belly and hard-boiled eggs simmered in a rich, sweet, and savoury sauce. The natural sweetness of coconut water enhances the dish, creating a beautifully balanced flavour. It symbolises family unity and is perfect for enjoying over rice.
Read more and get the full recipe here.
10. Stuffed Shiitake Mushroom and Lotus Seed Soup (Canh Mọc)
Stuffed Shiitake Mushroom and Lotus Seed Soup is a light and fragrant Vietnamese dish, perfect for Tết celebrations. Shiitake mushrooms are stuffed with Vietnamese pork sausage meat (giò sống) and simmered in chicken broth with tender lotus seeds, carrots and broccoli. This comforting soup is naturally sweet, packed with flavour and easy to make. It’s a traditional dish that brings warmth and balance to the rich Tết feast.
I’ve typed up the full recipe for this dish here.
11. Pomelo Salad (Gỏi Bưởi)
Gỏi Bưởi has made its way onto our Tết dining table to balance out the richness of traditional Tết foods. This refreshing salad combines juicy pomelo with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs and a tangy fish sauce dressing, creating a perfect contrast to the heavier dishes of the feast.
You can find the full recipe for this dish here.
12. Sticky Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup Pudding (Chè Trôi Nước)
A comforting and symbolic dessert for Tết, Chè Trôi Nước features glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste, served in a fragrant and warm ginger syrup. This sweet pudding represents family unity and smooth transitions into the new year. It’s a favourite in our household during Tết, bringing warmth and sweetness to the celebration.
I always add a twist to the traditional recipe by infusing natural colours into the sticky rice balls using beetroot juice, pandan leaf juice and sweet potato mash. This not only makes the dish more vibrant and visually appealing but also enhances its flavour, taking it to the next level.
Find out more about my Chè Trôi Nước version here.
Final Thoughts
Tết is not just about food – it’s about family, memories and the traditions that keep us connected across generations. Whether you’re celebrating Tết in Vietnam or anywhere else in the world, these dishes bring a taste of home and the spirit of the new year to your table.
I hope this round-up has inspired you to cook and enjoy some of these Vietnamese Tết delicacies. Which dish is your favourite? Let me know in the comments.
Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Happy Tết.
