1. Introduction to Banh Chung Lang Dam, a culinary symbol of Ha Nam

1.1. Where is Banh Chung Lang Dam? Why is it famous?

Located in Bich Tri village, Liem Tuyen ward, Ninh Binh province, Lang Dam is famous for its traditional banh chung making craft. The reputation of Banh Chung Lang Dam has been affirmed as a culinary essence of the North. Most families in the village are proficient in the banh chung wrapping technique, and this secret is passed down from generation to generation.

Banh Chung Lang Dam stands out with its manual wrapping technique, without using molds, yet maintaining a square, firm shape. The cake's casing is a glossy green from dong leaves, enveloping a filling that blends the chewiness of sticky rice, the nuttiness of green beans, and the richness of pork. Each cake embodies the meticulousness and skill of the artisan.

The unique secret, especially the method of boiling with rainwater in traditional tin pots, has created a distinctive flavor, making Banh Chung Lang Dam a famous specialty in the North. The cakes can be preserved for a long time, making them very suitable as gifts or for display on Tet holiday altars.

1.2. History and origin of the Banh Chung Lang Dam making craft

Lang Dam has been famous for its banh chung making for generations. Initially, the cakes were only made for families and villagers, but gradually, banh chung making became the main livelihood for many households. It is one of five famous banh chung making villages in the North. The secrets and techniques of making the cakes are passed down among families, through many generations, as exemplified by artisan Pham Van Luan, who continues to preserve and develop it.

Banh Chung Lang Dam is not just a traditional dish, but also plays an important role in the cultural life of the people. The cakes are consumed year-round, especially bustling during the full moon, the first day of the lunar month, and most importantly, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year). During ancestral anniversary ceremonies or holidays, the delicious banh chung is an indispensable offering, showing the respect of descendants towards their ancestors.

More than just a livelihood, making banh chung has become a distinctive cultural feature of Lang Dam. Almost all families in the village participate in this work, from preparing ingredients to wrapping and boiling the cakes. The close connection in each stage has created an invisible bond, helping generations in the village become more connected and united in preserving the traditional craft of their ancestors.

Banh chung Lang Dam has become a famous specialty in the locality for many years. (Source: Collected)

2. Process of making Banh chung Lang Dam

2.1. Traditional ingredients: Glutinous rice, green beans, pork, dong leaves

The first step to making a standard Banh chung Lang Dam lies in the meticulous selection and processing of ingredients. Glutinous rice is carefully selected, usually Hai Hau golden flower glutinous rice, known for its chewy and fragrant properties. Green beans must be plump and whole, with skins intact. After purchasing, artisans soak and peel the beans themselves, ensuring they are both tender and retain their characteristic aroma. The pork used for the filling is fresh, fatty pork belly, cut into neat square pieces and seasoned appropriately.

The dong leaves used for wrapping must be large, green, intact, neither too old nor too young, harvested from nearby areas like Duy Tien. After purchase, the leaves are washed and thoroughly dried. The combination of these four basic ingredients, along with skilled hands and village secrets, creates the distinctive, unmistakable flavor of Banh chung Lang Dam .

2.2. Manual stages

The process of making Banh chung Lang Dam is a series of meticulous manual stages, requiring dexterity and experience. The rice, after soaking in rainwater, is wrapped entirely by hand without a mold. Notably, each cake is "shaped" in just 2-3 minutes, yet remains square, firm, and uniform. After wrapping, the cakes are boiled in traditional tin pots with rainwater for about 10 hours. The fire is kept consistently steady so the cakes cook thoroughly, become chewy, and retain their full flavor. Finally, the cakes are removed, washed, and pressed flat to drain, making them firm, smooth, and long-lasting.

The process of tying with strings also demonstrates the artisans' refinement. Bamboo strings are typically used, dividing the cake into eight or ten segments in the traditional way. The strings need to be tied just right, firm enough to keep the cake intact during boiling, but not so tight as to tear the leaves. A characteristic of delicious Banh chung Lang Dam is that after boiling, the cakes still maintain a uniform shape and have the attractive green color of the dong leaves.

2.3. Special secret: Rainwater for boiling and traditional tin pots

During the cake-making process, the people of Lang Dam always have a unique secret to create its distinct flavor. They use rainwater to boil the cakes. Rainwater is stored in large tanks, sufficient for year-round use, helping the cakes cook thoroughly, become chewy, and retain their natural delicious aroma.

After wrapping, the cakes are placed in traditional tin pots and boiled continuously for about 10 hours. The combination of rainwater and tin pots not only ensures the cakes cook evenly from inside out but also creates an unmistakable flavor, making Banh chung Lang Dam a famous specialty, different from ordinary cakes.

2.4. Enjoying Banh chung Lang Dam the right way

When enjoying Banh chung Lang Dam , one should untie the string in the middle or cut along the four corners, then slowly unwrap the dong leaves to keep the square cake intact. When cut, the outer sticky rice is glossy and fragrant; the green bean filling is smooth, the fatty pork belly is sweet and rich, with a hint of pepper.

The traditional way to enjoy it is with pickled spring onions, pickled lotus root, and green vegetables – a combination that both balances the richness and enhances the characteristic savory aroma of the ingredients. Additionally, many people like to cut it into small pieces and fry them until golden for a change of taste, adding a novel touch while preserving the traditional essence in every bite.

Each Banh chung Lang Dam is the result of the villagers' patience and passion for their craft. That flavor touches memories of festive Tet seasons and the cozy homes of Vietnamese family generations.

Each banh chung is the result of the meticulousness, dedication, and skill of the people of Dam Village. (Source: Nong Thon Viet Magazine)

3. Cultural and Economic Value of Banh Chung from Dam Village in 2025

3.1. Preserving Tradition, Bonding the Community

Banh chung from Dam Village has become a symbol that connects generations within the village. During the Tet season, all family members, from the elderly to the young, participate together in the various stages, creating a lively and cohesive atmosphere.

The craft of making banh chung has become a thread connecting the community, especially in the final days of the year when chatter and laughter echo throughout the village alleys. Every household eagerly prepares ingredients, wraps, and boils the cakes, clearly reflecting the picture of rural life with solidarity and harmony, contributing to preserving and developing the traditional craft left by our ancestors.

Through the process of making banh chung from Dam Village, the values of Vietnamese culture are passed down simply yet profoundly. Children learn patience and meticulousness from small tasks; adults impart knowledge and love for the craft. The convergence of tradition and modern life creates a strong community.

3.2. Banh Chung from Dam Village on the Map of Northern Specialties

Recognized by the State as a traditional craft village over 10 years ago, banh chung from Dam Village has become a famous specialty of the North. Beyond the boundaries of a traditional dish, the banh chung here is a symbol of essence and dedication, known and trusted by many.

Every Tet holiday, banh chung from Dam Village becomes a specialty loved by people from all over. Households in the village can wrap hundreds to thousands of cakes daily to serve customers in many places, from within the province to major cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Nam Dinh. The impression of the banh chung lies not only in its quality but also in its cultural value and the unique traditional story accompanying each product.

3.3. Economic Contribution and Traditional Craft Opportunities

The craft of making banh chung in Dam Village is a primary source of income, helping to improve the lives and provide employment for local residents. Dozens of families in the village are dedicated to this craft. During peak periods like the days leading up to Tet, the production atmosphere becomes extremely bustling, with thousands of cakes being produced daily. More importantly, this traditional craft also serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the secrets and cultural beauty of our ancestors will be continued and preserved.

The work of making banh chung has brought stable income to many households in Dam village. (Source: Collected)

4. Comparison of Dam village banh chung with other famous banh chung villages

4.1. Tranh Khuc Banh Chung Village (Hanoi)

Dam village banh chung (former Ha Nam) and Tranh Khuc banh chung (Hanoi) are both famous traditional craft villages, sharing the secret of hand-wrapping cakes and using high-quality ingredients. However, each type of cake has its own characteristics that make its brand. Dam village banh chung stands out with its secret of boiling with rainwater in traditional tin pots, bringing a unique, hard-to-imitate flavor. This craft village mainly focuses on serving the domestic market.

Meanwhile, Tranh Khuc banh chung takes a different approach, using electric pot boiling technology and especially focusing on improving product quality to meet OCOP standards. Thanks to this, Tranh Khuc banh chung is not only popular domestically but also reaches the international market, becoming a valuable export product.

Both villages contribute to enriching the culinary identity of the North, but each has its own strategy: Tranh Khuc develops on a large scale in a modern direction, Dam village banh chung persistently preserves traditional handicraft features.

Tranh Khuc banh chung is gradually approaching the international market. (Source: Collection)

4.2. Bo Dau Banh Chung Village (Thai Nguyen)

Bo Dau banh chung shares many similarities with other traditional craft villages like Dam village, but it has its own unique characteristics. The people here still maintain the technique of wrapping the cake entirely by hand, without using molds, yet the cakes are still square and firm. What makes Bo Dau banh chung different is the secret of boiling it with spring water from the rocky mountains, which gives the cake a distinctive flavor and retains the natural green color of dong leaves.

In terms of scale, this craft village once had nearly a hundred households participating in production, achieving high output during peak seasons. Bo Dau banh chung is consumed year-round by tourists and is striving to develop OCOP products to expand its market.

The square banh chung of Bo Dau village, Thai Nguyen. (Source: Collected)

4.3. Uoc Le banh chung village (Thanh Oai, Hanoi)

Dam village banh chung and Uoc Le banh chung are both traditional culinary quintessences, but each type has its own unique characteristics. Both villages share meticulousness in selecting high-quality ingredients, from yellow flower sticky rice to green beans and pork. The cake wrapping technique is also similar, both using skillful hands to create square, firm cakes without the need for molds.

However, the secret to boiling the cakes is the biggest difference. If Dam village banh chung is boiled with rainwater in traditional tin pots, then Uoc Le banh chung has its own secret, which is boiling with firewood in cast iron or tin pots and adding cold water during the boiling process to give the cakes a beautiful green color. In terms of scale, both craft villages produce large quantities to serve the market during Tet, with many households in Uoc Le capable of making thousands of cakes to meet customer demand.

People of Uoc Le chung cake village are busy making chung cakes for customers during Tet holiday. (Source: Collected)

5. Suggestions for buying Dam village chung cakes and combining with Ha Nam travel experiences 2025

5.1. Reputable addresses to buy Dam village chung cakes

To enjoy the authentic flavor of Dam village chung cakes, visitors should go to traditional households in Liem Tuyen ward. A familiar address for the villagers is the family establishment of Mr. Pham Van Luan, with many years dedicated to the traditional craft. Here, customers can not only buy delicious cakes but also have the opportunity to hear old stories and understand more about the village craft culture.

Nowadays, many households have utilized digital technology for more convenient sales. Customers can order Dam village chung cakes via phone, Facebook, or Zalo. Shipping services have also expanded to many provinces, ensuring fresh and delicious cakes reach customers.

To avoid buying products of unknown origin, visitors should choose reputable and widely advertised addresses. Authentic Dam village chung cakes will have a light aroma, uniformly square shape, and natural green dong leaves; the cakes will not have any unpleasant odor or unusual signs. Prices may vary depending on size and time, but the quality is always maintained stably.

5.2. Itinerary combining a visit to Dam village and nearby attractions

The journey to learn about Dam village chung cakes can be fully combined into a one-day cultural tour. In the morning, you can join the residents of Dam village to experience making cakes yourself, listen to the elders tell stories about the craft, and enjoy freshly baked hot cakes – a feeling very close to the rural life of the North of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, visitors can visit Sun World Ha Nam for entertainment and to admire the scenery, or visit Tam Chuc Pagoda – a prominent spiritual complex with impressive architecture and a serene atmosphere. Ending the day's tour with a dinner featuring many rustic dishes and countryside flavors will create an unforgettable experience.

This itinerary is suitable for families with young children, groups of young people interested in traditional culture, or international tourists who want to explore Vietnamese culture. Dam village chung cakes are not only material gifts but also a "bridge" to explore more deeply the meaning and spirit of the Northern Vietnamese countryside.

Tourists should visit households in Liem Tuyen ward to buy authentic Dam village chung cakes. (Source: Collected)

6. Tips for preserving and enjoying authentic Dam village chung cakes

To preserve Dam village chung cakes, you need to pay attention to temperature and method. The cakes can be kept at room temperature for 5 to 7 days if preserved correctly. You should place the cakes in a cool, airy place, avoiding direct sunlight and high humidity. A small tip is to wrap the cakes in newspaper or clean cloth instead of plastic bags, which helps prevent steaming and spoilage.

If you want to preserve them longer, you can store the cakes in the refrigerator's cool compartment; they will remain fresh and delicious for 10-15 days. When using, just reheat them using a microwave or steam them. For freezing to store the cakes for 2-3 months, cut the cakes into pieces, wrap them tightly, and place them in the freezer. To prevent the cakes from drying out when reheating in a microwave, you can place a small cup of water alongside.

It is important to properly preserve banh chung to fully enjoy its delicious taste. (Source: Collected)

Banh chung Lang Dam is a culinary cultural heritage of the Northern Delta region, connecting generations, leaving a distinct mark on Vietnam's specialty map in 2025. When enjoying it, you not only experience its delicious aroma but also contribute to preserving and developing the traditional values of your homeland. Visiting Lang Dam, you will experience and bring home banh chung cakes that are rich in Vietnamese culture.