‘Banh chung’ (square glutinous rice cake) and ‘banh tet’ (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes) are indispensable dishes during Tet Festival. Therefore, in these days leading up to Tet, the traditional markets across the city have been seen rising demand for green dong (Phrynium placentarium) leaves, banana leaves, and split bamboo strings, which are used to wrap the traditional cakes.

Below are some amazing photos, captured by our reporter Xuan Son, which depict the bustling atmosphere at Tet markets.

The majority of dong (Phrynium placentarium) and banana leaves are sourced from such Quang Nam Province’s localities as Nam Giang, Dai Loc, and Duy Xuyen.

Mrs Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, 65, residing in Cam Le District’s Hoa Phat Ward has had 40 years of selling cake-wrapping leaves. Each year, she only sells these types of leaves in these days leading up to Tet.

A bundle of 50 ‘dong’ leaves costs 50,000 VND

‘Dong’ leaves are soaked in water regularly to ensure their freshness and cleanliness

‘Dong’ leaves are used to wrap ‘banh chung’, and each cake wrap requires between 3 and 4 dong leaves.

Meanwhile, banana leaves are used to wrap ‘banh tet’. Per kg of banana leaves are sold between 10,000 VND and 15,000 VND.

Split bamboo strings

‘Dang’ - one type of bamboo - is split into tapes

Bundles of split bamboo strings are offered at the price of 10,000 VND each

In these days leading up to Tet, traditional markets across the city are always bustling and crowded as people are rushing to buy ‘dong’ and banana leaves to wrap ‘banh chung’ and ‘banh tet’.

By XUAN SON - Translated by MAI DUNG