Traditional customs on Tet meal holiday tray in Vietnam

The Tet meal is a beautiful cultural tradition, symbolizing prosperity and family reunion. The meals in each region in Vietnam reflect the distinct lifestyles of their respective places. Let Cá Gỗ Vietnamese Restaurant tell you how the Tet meals are prepared in different areas and the cherished customs behind this complete and meaningful feast.

I. What does the Vietnamese Tet meal tray consist of?

The Tet meal is meaningful for every Vietnamese family, cherished and passed down through generations. Beyond being a feast, each dish in the Tet offering reflects hopes for a new year filled with peace and prosperity. The Tet meals in each region showcases unique characteristics, celebrating the rich diversity of Vietnam’s culture and people.

In the North, the Northern Tet meal is meticulously prepared, with a full array of main courses, side dishes, and desserts to embody people’s disciplined nature. The meal is colorful, appealing, and seasoned with light, mild flavors, reflecting the preference for subtle this region’s tastes.

In contrast, the Central Tet meal mirrors the simplicity and humility of its people, yet remains sumptuous. The dishes are often portioned for convenience and arranged neatly and beautifully on plates. Additionally, white porridge and sweets are traditionally prepared as part of the ceremonial offerings.

Meanwhile, the Southern Tet meal exudes a sense of warmth and familial connection. The table is usually filled with familiar everyday dishes, though elevated in presentation and preparation. Southerners take a more relaxed approach, focusing less on rigid rules and more on creating a clean, delicious, and welcoming feast.

II. Vietnamese Tet meal arrangement customs

Beyond the significance of the Tet meal itself, Vietnamese families have passed down customs of selecting and arranging the Tet meal to preserve its traditional values.

1. Choose Tet meal dishes suitable for each region

Tet meal symbolizes family reunion and ancestral reverence in Vietnamese culture. It serves as a connection between family members when everyone gathers to share delicious dishes and cherish one another’s presence. Thus, the selection of dishes for the Tet meal reflects each household’s sincerity and holds profound spiritual meaning.

The Northern Tet meal features Chung cake as its centerpiece, representing abundance and prosperity. Other dishes like boiled chicken, fried spring rolls, and bamboo shoot soup carry additional meanings, symbolizing wealth, good fortune, and unity.

As a cultural crossroads, the Central Tet meal often includes Chung cake and Tet cake. Complementary dishes such as pickled pork, pickled vegetables, fermented pork rolls, and beef sausage add to the meal’s richness and bold flavors. These offerings reflect the resilience and simplicity of the Central Vietnamese people.

In contrast to the North, the Southern Tet meal highlights Tet cake instead of Chung cake. Essential dishes include caramelized pork with eggs, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. Other staples like stuffed bitter melon soup, pickled bean sprouts, and pickled scallions are believed to ward off misfortune and welcome a hopeful new year.

2. Choose harmonious and eye-catching bowls and plates for Tet meal

Tet meals not only demand a variety of dishes but also emphasize harmony and meticulousness in selecting serving ware. Plates and bowls used throughout the year often show wear and tear, hence, many families purchase new ones during Tet to bring good fortune.

People typically prefer matching sets of serving ware in elegant colors like white, jade green, or gold. Traditional designs such as apricot blossoms and cranes are popular choices, adding a sense of sophistication and symbolizing peace and prosperity.

In terms of arrangement, the Central and Southern regions use individual dishes that are served separately on plates or in bowls. Meanwhile, the Northern region often presents food in a large central bowl surrounded by uniquely shaped plates, all resembling a visually appealing “snack tray.” 

3. Arrange dishes according to certain principles

The Vietnamese Tet meal is always neatly arranged and abundantly filled, embodying hopes for a prosperous new year. Even in families facing financial difficulties, Tet meals are more lavish than usual, reflecting respect for ancestors.

In the North, the Northern Tet meal often follows the traditional rule of “four bowls, four plates”. It symbolizes the four pillars of the universe, four seasons, and four cardinal directions. The four bowls typically include foods like bamboo shoot soup and stews. Meanwhile, the four plates are made up of dry dishes such as boiled chicken, pork sausage, Chung cake, and pickled onions. 

In the Central region, the number five, or the “five fortunes” reflects the belief in the blessings. As such, the Tet meals usually features five distinct dishes, symbolizing completeness and harmony. In contrast, the Southern Tet meal is divided into smaller portions and served individually on plates or bowls. This approach creates a sense of balance without strict adherence to specific rules but maintains visual harmony.

4. Combine with a five-fruit tray

The five-fruit tray, is an indispensable symbol of Vietnamese Tet, embodying the hopes and aspirations of the people during the New Year. Each type of fruit carries a positive message, reflecting wishes for a year of peace, prosperity, and abundance.

The number “five” in the five-fruit tray represents the five elements in Eastern philosophy: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. It also symbolizes the wish for five blessings entering the home: wealth, longevity, peace, virtue, and a good end. Guided by these meanings, families choose fruits with colors that correspond to these elements.

In the North, the five-fruit tray often includes green bananas, yellow pomelos, kumquats, and dragon fruits, arranged to balance colors and meanings. Green bananas form the base, symbolizing protection and support, while yellow pomelos signify wealth. Kumquats and dragon fruits bring luck, and peaches herald spring and joy.

In the Central and Southern regions, the five-fruit tray is arranged differently, with fruits like custard apples, coconuts, papayas, mangoes, and figs. These are creatively displayed to convey the phrase “cau dua du xai sung”, which translates to a wish for sufficiency, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year.

III. Experience in arranging Tet meal correctly and meaningfully

The Tet meal embodies cultural richness, reverence for ancestors, and heartfelt wishes for a prosperous New Year. Its presentation should align with tradition while accommodating the unique circumstances and conditions of each family.

When arranging dishes for the Tet ancestral offering, balance and harmony between the items are key. Main dishes should be placed at the center to draw attention, while side dishes should be positioned around them. This arrangement enhances the visual appeal and demonstrates aesthetic care.

Another point is the consistency of the tableware. Bowls and plates must be clean, free of chips, and harmonized in color and style for a cohesive look. Besides, tablecloths or placemats featuring Tet motifs, such as apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, or vibrant red and gold hues, can add a festive touch.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of the Tet meals is the sincerity with which it is prepared and presented. Whether simple or lavish, the meal reflects the family’s gratitude to their ancestors and their hopes for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead.

IV. Conclusion

The Tet meal is more than a traditional feast, it is a profound expression of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. It embodies reverence for ancestors and heartfelt wishes for a prosperous, joyful new year. From selecting dishes to arranging the meal and incorporating feng shui elements, every detail reflects the deep cultural significance of Vietnamese families. 

At Ca Go Vietnamese Restaurant, we take pride in serving traditional Tet meals that capture the essence of Vietnamese culture. Enjoy authentic Tet flavors with your family and loved ones in our culturally rich and inviting atmosphere. Create cherished moments this New Year with us!

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Contact information: 

Cá Gỗ Vietnamese Restaurant – Homely Litting Dining 

Add: 3rd Floor, 278 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang

Hotline: (+84) 236 2228 666 

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