(TAP) - Banh Phu The (Husband and Wife Cake) is a renowned traditional Vietnamese cake, closely associated with stories of steadfast and faithful love. In Vietnamese cultural life, the cake commonly appears at wedding ceremonies as a blessing for a fulfilling and enduring marriage. The harmony of its glossy green hue and delicate sweetness has created a lasting symbolic value, passed down through generations.
Banh Phu The, also known as Banh Su Se, originates from a folk legend dating back to the Ly Dynasty. According to the tale, when the husband set off on a long journey, his wife prepared small cakes, carefully wrapped in leaves, and sent them along as a simple gift. The cake is not just for eating along the way; it also reminds the recipient of the care and anticipation they receive back home.
Illustration. Source: tierra.vn
Beyond its symbolic meaning, Banh Phu The also stands out for its meticulous preparation. The outer layer is made from tapioca starch, giving the cake its characteristic chewy texture and subtle glossy appearance. When combined with gardenia fruit extract, the mixture takes on a gentle yellow hue, often regarded as a color associated with fidelity. To achieve the right elasticity, the batter must be carefully stirred over low heat until it cooks through and turns translucent. The filling is typically made from finely mashed mung beans with a rich, nutty flavor. The cooked beans are then sautéed with white sugar and shredded coconut, sometimes with the addition of lotus seeds to enhance the taste. The filling is mildly sweet and creamy, symbolizing the blessings of married life. The translucent, chewy outer layer of the cake encloses the golden-yellow filling, symbolizing protection and nurturing.
The cake is wrapped in two layers of square boxes. The outer layer is made of fresh coconut leaves or green banana leaves, while the inside is lined with thin cellophane or dried banana leaves. The square shape of the cake symbolizes the earth, enclosing the round center which symbolizes the sky. Once finished, the cakes are steamed for about 20 to 30 minutes to preserve their chewy texture and natural aroma.
Illustration. Source: tierra.vn
When enjoyed, the cake offers a soft, delicate, and unforgettable sweetness. The chewy, fragrant wrapper blends harmoniously with the rich, nutty mung bean and coconut filling. Over time, this delicacy has become a cherished feature of wedding customs and is also commonly chosen as a gift to express respect and affection.
Suzie My