Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Thanh Tri Commune's centuries-old craft of making steamed rice rolls has been honored as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting Hanoi’s unique culinary heritage and cultural identity.
THE HANOI TIMES — The traditional craft of making banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) in Hanoi’s Thanh Tri Commune has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in the categories of folk knowledge and traditional craftsmanship.
Thanh Tri's banh cuon becomes a favorite of Vietnamese and foreign visitors to Hanoi. Photo: Phuong Bac
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism tasked local authorities with safeguarding, managing and promoting the craft in line with cultural heritage laws.
This includes passing skills to younger generations, building the “Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls” brand through tourism and e-commerce and ensuring the trade continues to thrive as a cultural symbol of the capital.
For centuries, Thanh Tri villagers have perfected the delicate art of banh cuon from selecting and grinding rice to steaming thin, silky sheets with meticulous precision.
Unlike stuffed rice rolls found elsewhere, Thanh Tri’s version is plain, eaten cool with cinnamon pork or meatballs and dipped in sweet-sour fish sauce.
More than just food, banh cuon embodies community pride and the cultural soul of the village.
Its recognition as intangible heritage honors generations of artisans who have preserved the tradition and paves the way for it to shine as a unique cultural and tourism product of Hanoi.
