On the afternoon of April 3, in celebration of the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City Cultural and Historical Park organised the 7th Chung cake wrapping and cooking competition, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic participants.
More than 40 teams took part in the contest, each tasked with wrapping and cooking 19 Chung cakes which are Vietnam’s traditional square sticky rice cakes within a set timeframe at the Hung Kings Memorial Temple, located within the park grounds.
Participants brought carefully prepared ingredients, including glutinous rice, mung beans, pork, dong leaves, and bamboo strings, all of which were rigorously inspected before use.
Artisan Nguyen Thi Thuy from Binh Tan District shared, “This is my seventh year participating. My entire neighbourhood is excited to be part of such a sacred and meaningful event.”
Soldiers from Corps 34 also showcased their Chung cake wrapping skills. Entries were judged based on size, shape, colour, and flavour.
Meanwhile, members of the Air Defence Missile Regiment 263 meticulously prepared their fillings, producing neatly wrapped Chung cakes that embodied traditional taste and craftsmanship.
Amid the lively atmosphere, many teams dressed in traditional attire, carefully folding each Chung cake as a display of both skill and cultural pride.
After wrapping, teams arranged and decorated their Chung cakes for presentation and judging, accompanied by explanations of the symbolic meaning behind their creations.
Lieutenant Pham Cong Minh from Military Region 7 noted, “We joined to learn, pay tribute to our roots, and strive to maintain our achievements.”
“This is my first time taking part in such an activity. I’ve learned so much about the tradition of gratitude,” shared soldier Nguyen Cong Tinh.
By the morning of April 4, teams completed their displays and presented their entries to the judging panel. The highest-scoring Chung cakes will be offered during the official Hung Kings’ commemoration on the 10th day of the third lunar month.
According to the organisers, this event is not merely a contest, but a heartfelt cultural activity honouring the Hung Kings, celebrating national gratitude, and passing on the tradition of remembering one's roots.
The Hung Kings Memorial Temple at the Cultural and Historical Park promises to be a major cultural attraction during the Hung Kings’ holiday this year, with a wide range of traditional festivities on offer.
