A small alleyway in Ho Chi Minh City, specifically at 1172 Phạm Thế Hiển in Bình Đông Ward, is experiencing its annual busy season as the Đoan Ngọ festival approaches. For over half a century, this “bánh ú” (sticky rice cake) making community has consistently produced the traditional cakes, maintaining a familiar flavor for locals. Despite the rapid urbanization of the city, the production of these cakes continues uninterrupted. The alleyway, known locally as “xóm bánh ú,” remains dedicated to preserving this cultural practice. The cakes are particularly associated with the Tết Đoan Ngọ, a Lunar New Year festival. This continued tradition offers a taste of heritage amidst modern development.
