Bánh phu thê facts for kids
![]() Bánh phu thê, a Vietnamese dessert made with mung beans
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Type | Sweets |
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Course | Dessert |
Place of origin | Vietnam |
Region or state | Southeast Asia |
Main ingredients | Mung beans |
Similar dishes | Mont phet htok |
Bánh phu thê (pronounced 'ban foo tay'), also known as bánh xu xê, is a special Vietnamese dessert. Its name means 'husband and wife cake,' which tells you a lot about its importance! This sweet treat is made from rice and has a yummy filling of mung beans. It's often wrapped in pandan leaves, which give it a lovely smell and a natural green color.
Contents
What is Bánh Phu Thê?
This traditional Vietnamese cake is made with simple ingredients. The main part of the cake is often made from rice flour, which gives it a soft, chewy texture. Inside, you'll find a sweet and creamy filling, usually made from mung beans.
How is it Made?
Making bánh phu thê is a careful process. First, the rice flour is mixed to create the outer layer. Then, the mung beans are cooked, mashed, and sweetened to make the delicious filling. The cake is often wrapped in fresh pandan leaves. These leaves are not just for wrapping; they also give the cake a wonderful, unique scent and sometimes a light green color.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Bánh phu thê translates to 'husband and wife cake'. This name is very important because it shows the cake's special meaning in Vietnamese culture. It represents the strong bond and love between a husband and wife.
Symbol of Togetherness
The cake's round or square shape often symbolizes the sky and earth, or the harmony of a couple. The sweet filling inside the soft outer layer represents the sweet and lasting love shared in a marriage. It's a beautiful way to show wishes for a happy and united future.
Bánh Phu Thê at Weddings
This dessert plays a very important role in Vietnamese wedding traditions. It's not just a tasty treat; it's a symbol of good luck and happiness for the newly married couple.
A Special Gift
In the past, a young man who wanted to marry a girl would offer bánh phu thê to her family. This was a way to show his serious intentions and respect. Today, it's common for the groom to send these cakes to the bride on their wedding day. This tradition symbolizes his wishes for a happy and sweet life together. The cakes are often part of the gifts exchanged between families during wedding celebrations.