Offering Tray to Mr. Apple: A Delightful and Affordable Menu

The worship ceremony of Mr. Cong Ong Tao is a cherished cultural tradition in Vietnam. As the new year approaches, families across the country prepare different offerings to honor this revered figure. In this article, we present a suggested platter that costs only 300,000 VND ($13) but is rich in delicious dishes suitable for everyone.

A Brief Introduction to the Ceremony

The worship ceremony of Mr. Cong Ong Tao takes place on December 23rd in the lunar calendar. This long-standing cultural beauty ushers in the new year with reverence and gratitude. Each family and region has its own unique way of preparing the offerings, creating a diverse culinary landscape.

An Affordable and Mouthwatering Offering Tray

Here’s our recommended platter to worship Mr. Cong Ong Tao, costing just 300,000 VND. Packed with a variety of flavorful dishes, it offers the perfect balance of quality and quantity, appealing to all ages. Let’s explore the menu:

1. Gac Sticky Rice (20,000 VND)

Ingredients: Sticky rice with yellow flowers, fresh gac fruit.

2. Snail Spring Rolls (60,000 VND)

Ingredients: Stuffed snails (48,000 VND), additional ingredients (12,000 VND).

3. Fried Pork Belly (60,000 VND)

Ingredients: Pork (45,000 VND), fried dough (6,000 VND), flour + chicken eggs (9,000 VND).

4. Papaya and Shrimp Salad (60,000 VND)

Ingredients: Shrimps (50,000 VND), papaya, carrots (10,000 VND).

5. Soup “Pink Hovering Clouds” or Tomato Egg and Mushroom Soup (15,000 VND)

Ingredients: Tomatoes, eggs, small chicken thighs.

6. Seared Goose Breast (45,000 VND)

Approximately 250 grams.

7. Fruit: Northern Whip (20,000 VND)

500 grams.

8. Other Expenses (20,000 VND)

Includes vegetables and spices.

Now that you have a glimpse of the delightful menu, let’s dive into some instructions for the main courses.

a) Snail Spring Rolls

Prepare the filling by mixing soaked snails with raw pork, vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms, purple onions, onion oil, and seasonings. Soften the rice paper rolls before wrapping the filling inside. Fry the rolls twice for extra crispiness.

b) Fried Pork Belly

Marinate thinly sliced pork loin with fresh milk, sugar, salt, and pepper. Dip the meat in a flour mixture and then coat it with breadcrumbs. Fry until both sides are golden brown.

c) Gac Sticky Rice

Soak and wash the sticky rice before mixing it with Gac fruit. Cook the mixture until the rice is tender, adding sugar to taste.

d) Papaya and Shrimp Salad

Grate carrots and soak them in ice water. Boil and cool the shrimp, then mix them with fish sauce, sugar, and lemon. Plate the salad and garnish with herbs, fried onions, and roasted peanuts.

These are just a few highlights from the extensive menu. Feel free to explore the other dishes and follow the detailed instructions available in the original article.

To learn more about this cultural tradition, visit Truth and Hope, a platform dedicated to spreading awareness about Vietnamese customs and traditions.

May these offerings bring you and your loved ones joy and blessings in the coming year.

Article by: Bui Thuy