Lotus flower is a so beautiful flower. While in Buddhist thought, the lotus is precious and occupies a very important position, this flower symbolizes friendly nature, elegant style, spirit “rising up” in all adversities of the Vietnamese people. From the influence on spiritual life, lotus flowers break into Vietnam cuisine.
The parts of the lotus flower are made into typical dishes bearing a Vietnamese flavor such as lotus buds, lotus jam, lotus tea, etc. These dishes are not only delicious, eye-catching but also nutritious as a medicine for the King. Let’s accompany Vietnam cooking class to have a better understanding of the dishes made from lotus. You can cook by yourself for your relatives and friends.
Lotus Tea
Many foreigners know lotus tea and desire to try it. Drinking tea is not only to quench the thirst but also to enjoy the art of showing the culture of the country and people. Imagine that it is so wonderful that you are sitting in a small corner of Old Quarter and enjoying the tea beside delicious peanut candy. Are you looking a valuable experience like that, hanoi street food tours are always available to help you.
You can see how people make a tea and hear how to keep the flavor long. Sort of after being extracted from fresh lotus, the stigmas have to take the home immediately to be marinated with tea to keep the fragrance. It is so delicate. I will tell you now but when you can see in direct you are able to feel the whole beauty. Put the lotus into the cup, use boiling water to soak, after about 2 minutes, the lotus will blossom. Adding to sugar and a spoon of coffee stir gently.
Che Sen
Elegant royal dessert is very simple with just 3 ingredients: lotus seeds, longan and sugar. However, this is considered as the most delicate cuisine of Hue royal court. This high quality lotus tea can not be eaten in a hurry because when it comes into the mouth, it only senses the pale taste of the cooked fruit. But if you enjoy slowly with the water you will feel the sweet taste and aroma of lotus in the mouth. This delicious dish does not enjoy always but eats in a certain time. You have to wait until July in lunar when longan trees have a lot of fruits. At that time, you are able to taste an authentic delicious dish.
Within the lovely capital, there is a world of cuisine made from lotus, I just mention some of them. If you have a passion for discovering the world, book hanoi traditional food which always offers valuable experiences.