Business

Banh troi and banh chay in high demand during Han Thuc Festival

Hai Phong News • 19/04/2026 08:24

The Han Thuc Festival, falls on the third day of the third lunar month, is a time when Vietnamese families prepare traditional dumplings to offer to ancestors and honor their roots.

Banh troi and banh chay are popular choices during the Han Thuc Festival.

Brisk trading ahead of the festival

From early morning, many stalls in Hai Phong were busy preparing ingredients, shaping and boiling banh troi and banh chay to meet rising demand.

At Co Dao Market on Tran Nhat Duat Street in Ngo Quyen Ward, a steady flow of shoppers created a bustling atmosphere.

Prices of the dumplings have remained relatively stable this year, little changed from a year earlier, traders said, while demand has increased noticeably in the days leading up to the festival.

Nguyen Thu, a stall owner at the market, said banh troi remains the most popular item thanks to its soft texture and mild sweetness, appealing to a wide range of customers. Sales during the peak period are about three times higher than on normal days, requiring sellers to work continuously to keep up with demand.

Banh troi is typically sold at 8,000–20,000 dong per serving, depending on the number of dumplings, while banh chay is priced at 8,000–15,000 dong per serving.

Alongside ready-made cakes, the trend of making dumplings at home has grown in recent years. Many stalls now offer convenient ingredient kits, allowing households to prepare the dishes more easily and save time at home.

Beyond traditional flavors, the market has also seen greater variety in colors, with dough colored with natural ingredients such as pandan leaves, turmeric and gac fruit.

Preserving cultural values

This year’s festival falls on a weekend, making it easier for families to gather. Many people choose to prepare dumplings at home rather than buy them, both to save costs and to create a warm atmosphere.

For families with children, making dumplings together has become a meaningful activity that helps them better understand traditional customs.

banh-troi-3(1).jpg — Many schools organize hands-on sessions for students to make banh troi and banh chay.

Minh Nguyet, a resident of Gia Vien Ward, said making the dumplings is not overly complicated but requires care and skill. She said sincerity is key as the dishes are offered to ancestors.

Schools across Hai Phong have also organized hands-on activities for students, giving them an opportunity to learn about the festival while developing practical skills.

The vibrant market activity ahead of the festival reflects not only consumer demand but also the enduring preservation of traditional cultural values across generations.

Hai Phong News