Cutting banh chung with bamboo strips is the traditional method that our ancestors considered the standard; should we avoid using knives to cut banh chung?
Cutting banh chung with bamboo strips is the traditional method that our ancestors considered the standard; should we avoid using knives to cut banh chung?
According to traditional concept, when cutting banh chung, the ancients believed that the right way to cut the cake was to use the string that tied the cake, showing the skill and sophistication of the maker. After peeling the cake, the string is kept, torn into small pieces and then placed on the cake in a cross or diagonal shape, intersecting at the cake filling. Just by skillfully pulling the string, the cake will be divided into 4 or 8 equal parts, both beautiful and full of tradition.
Cutting banh chung with bamboo strips or with a knife, which way is more suitable?
People who cherish traditional values often emphasize cutting banh chung with bamboo strips. This not only shows attachment to ancient customs but also has practicality, especially in the difficult context of the past. When there was no dishwashing liquid and sanitary conditions were limited, cutting banh chung with bamboo strips helped avoid the inconvenience of having to wash a knife covered with sticky rice and grease, especially in the cold weather of Tet.
However, cutting banh chung with bamboo strips requires skill and meticulousness. If you are not careful or pull the bamboo strips in the wrong order, the filling can be pulled out, losing its aesthetic value. Therefore, since ancient times, the way to cut banh chung with bamboo strips has also been considered a measure of the housewife's diligence, skill and calm personality. Those who are impatient and hasty often cannot avoid ruining the traditional cake.
Cutting banh chung with bamboo strips requires meticulousness, carefulness and takes more time, so today many people prefer to use a knife to quickly divide the cake into 8 neat, sharp pieces without fear of crushing or pulling out the filling.
So should we cut banh chung with bamboo strips or with a knife? Each person will have their own answer depending on their preferences and experiences. Those who are meticulous, skillful and like to preserve traditional values often choose to cut banh chung with bamboo strips. Meanwhile, busy people who act decisively and quickly may prefer to cut banh chung with a knife.
According to traditional concept, when cutting banh chung, the ancients believed that the rice string used to tie the cake must be used to cut it properly, showing the skill and sophistication of the maker. Photo: Internet .
How to cut banh chung with bamboo strips
This is a way of cutting the cake that honors the skill, sophistication and composure of the person doing it, and at the same time shows respect for the traditional dish of the nation. The process is quite simple but requires patience and skill:
- When peeling off the dong leaves and taking out the banh chung, keep one or two strings to tie the cake, tear the strings into small strands.
- Place the banh chung on a plate, arrange 2 bamboo strips in the middle to form 4 squares, then arrange 2 bamboo strips diagonally across the 4 corners to divide the banh chung into 8 pieces. Remember the order of the bamboo strips so that when pulling, it will not cause displacement and crush the cake (you can mark the order by tying a knot at the beginning of the bamboo strips).
- Gently press the strings so they stick firmly to the cake, making it easier to pull the strings without exposing the cake filling. Pull the strings from the outside in according to the marked order.
- Use your hand to hold the end of the string where it sticks to the banh chung and gently pull it out horizontally; do not lift the string bunch up too high to avoid loosening the filling.
How to cut banh chung with a knife without fear of sticking
Cutting banh chung with a knife is a quick and convenient method, especially suitable for busy people who do not want to waste time on complicated steps or are not skillful and meticulous enough. With the support of plastic wrap, the disadvantage of the knife sticking is also eliminated.
- Prepare a long, sharp knife and a layer of plastic wrap. Use plastic wrap to wrap around the knife to prevent the cake from sticking to the blade. This will keep the knife clean, allowing you to easily cut the cake without worrying about sticky rice or grease sticking to the knife.
- Peel off the dong leaves and place the cake on a plate.
- Use a knife to cut the banh chung into 8 pieces as described above or into bite-sized pieces according to personal preference.
Source: https://nongsanviet.nongnghiep.vn/cat-banh-chung-nen-dung-lat-hay-dao-thi-tot-hon-d417180.html
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