Amidst the scent of new rice and the green of dong leaves, Banh Chung wraps within it memories of reunion and the essence of the nation's traditional Tet spirit!
On the morning of January 21, 2026, Saigontourist Hospitality College, in collaboration with the Trade Union of Saigontourist Group, the Trade Union of Saigontourist Hospitality College, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the Indiana Soybean Alliance, and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, organized the 8th Training Session on Wrapping Traditional Banh Chung with U.S. Pork, in a bustling and warm spring atmosphere.
With all her culinary passion and years of accumulated teaching experience, Ms. Pham Thi Dong meticulously guided each participating team through every step, from selecting ingredients, butchering and preparing U.S. pork ribs, to mastering the technique of wrapping neat, visually appealing, and perfectly balanced Banh Chung.
One of the key factors contributing to the quality of Banh Chung is the filling. Notably, this year's competition filling is made with U.S. pork ribs. An important part of the training focused on techniques for selecting fresh and high-quality U.S. pork ribs and the proper butchering methods to ensure the ideal tenderness, fat content, and harmonious flavor.
The wrapping techniques introduced during the training are the result of research, refinement, and perfection, aimed at harmoniously blending traditional spirit with professional requirements in the modern culinary environment.
The training went beyond just skills; it was an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values of traditional Tet cuisine and to vividly feel the culinary spirit intrinsically linked to the responsibility of preserving national identity, while preparing thoroughly for the upcoming Traditional Banh Chung Wrapping Competition.
STHC consistently creates opportunities for students to nurture their professional passion through genuine culinary love and the dedication of its teaching staff. The training session has further inspired the contestants to step into the competition with solid skills, confident mindsets, and pride in traditional culinary values!
