Hoa Thủy Tiên - Water Angel/Fairy Flower

Hoa Thủy Tiên literally translates to "Water Angel/Fairy Flower". It's, or shall I say "her" botanical name is narcissus tazetta and they're a variety of narcissus (daffodil, paper whites, etc...). The bulbs are forced in water to set off graceful flowers for Tết - Chinese/Vietnamese/Lunar New Year. Thus, the name "Water Angel/Fairy". Angel or Fairy? In Vietnamese, Tiên is a mythical being from the heavens who is beautiful and graceful while...

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Thorns and Worms - Bánh Gai/Bánh Đuông

Vietnamese 101....Bánh = pastryGai = thornĐuông = a type of worm, found in the heart of coconut and palm treesThus gives us the name for these cookies.They are somewhat related to "Dragon Cookies" which are found in other Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia during Chinese New Year. The Vietnamese version is a bit more complicated in ingredients.  In this speciality, traditional Southeast Asian ingredients such as tapioca starch and coconut...

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