Banh Beng: A Culinary Symbol of the Pa Ko and Van Kieu People

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the Van Kieu and Pa Ko people in Quang Tri province's Huong Hoa and Dakrong districts prepare Banh Beng, a traditional glutinous rice cake. Young men and women pound the rice in a mortar, while mothers and elder sisters skillfully wrap the cakes. For the Van Kieu, Banh Beng symbolizes love, affection, and the story of the rice god, representing the purity of rice and gratitude towards nature. It's as essential to their New Year celebration as Banh Chung or Banh Tet is to the Kinh people. For the Pa Ko, Banh Beng honors the rice god and ensures a bountiful harvest. Legends abound, telling tales of love, loss, and respect, all intertwined with this simple yet profound food.