Phu The cakes preserve distinctive traditional flavour of Bac Ninh

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Phu The cakes have a distinctive delicate sweetness. (Photo: Viet Hung – VNA)
Drying the leaves before using them to wrap the cakes. (Photo: Viet Hung – VNA)
The cake’s outer layer is made from glutinous rice and coloured naturally with gardenia fruit. (Photo: Viet Hung – VNA)
Wrapping the cakes. (Photo: Viet Hung – VNA)
Making Phu The cakes at a facility in Dinh Bang. (Photo: Viet Hung – VNA)
Finished Phu The cakes. (Photo: Viet Hung – VNA)
Phu The cakes preserve distinctive traditional flavour of Bac Ninh
Phu The cake (also known as xu xe cake) has long been a cultural symbol of Bac Ninh - the King Bac region. These small, square cakes are wrapped in green leaves. Inside is a translucent layer of glutinous rice dough embracing a filling of mung bean and coconut, creating a delicate, mildly sweet flavour. The cake symbolises fidelity and enduring affection, and often appears at wedding ceremonies and on Lunar New Year feast trays as a wish for reunion and fulfilment.