How to make Chung Cake and bring it to the market to sell - Gardening | ...

Introduction Chung Cake (Bánh Chưng) is a traditional Vietnamese dish, especially popular during the Lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations. It’s a square-shaped cake made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in green dong leaves. If you’re interested in making Chung Cake and selling it at the market, this guide will take you through the entire process, from preparation to packaging and marketing.

1. Ingredients and Materials

To make Chung Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Sticky rice (glutinous rice) - 1 kg
• Mung beans (hulled and split) - 500 g
• Pork belly - 500 g
• Dong leaves (or banana leaves if unavailable) - about 20 large leaves
• Cooking twine or bamboo strings
• Salt - 1 tbsp
• Pepper - 1 tsp

2. Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Sticky Rice: Soak the sticky rice in water for 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain and mix with a pinch of salt.
• Mung Beans: Soak the mung beans in water for 4 hours. Drain, then steam them until soft. Add a pinch of salt and mash them into a paste.
• Pork Belly: Cut the pork belly into thick strips, season with salt and pepper, and set aside for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Dong Leaves

• Wash the dong leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
• Blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds to make them pliable.
• Cut the leaves into the appropriate sizes, removing any thick veins that could make wrapping difficult.

Step 3: Assemble the Chung Cake

• Lay 4 large dong leaves on a flat surface, overlapping to form a cross.
• Place a layer of sticky rice in the center of the leaves.
• Add a layer of mung bean paste on top of the rice.
• Place a strip of seasoned pork belly on the mung beans.
• Cover the pork with another layer of mung bean paste, followed by another layer of sticky rice.
• Fold the leaves over the filling to form a square package.
• Tie the cake securely with twine or bamboo strings.

3. Cooking the Chung Cake

• Place the wrapped Chung Cakes in a large pot.
• Fill the pot with water, ensuring the cakes are fully submerged.
• Boil the cakes for 8-10 hours, adding more water as needed to keep the cakes submerged.
• Once cooked, remove the cakes from the water and press them under a heavy object to remove excess water.

4. Packaging and Presentation

• After the cakes have cooled and dried, you can wrap them in additional clean dong leaves or food-grade plastic wrap to preserve freshness.
• Attach a label that includes the date of production, ingredients, and any relevant branding information.

5. Bringing Chung Cake to the Market

Step 1: Understand Your Market

• Research your target audience: Are they local families, tourists, or expatriates? Understanding your customers will help you tailor your marketing efforts.

Step 2: Set Up Your Production Facility

• Ensure your kitchen or production area meets local food safety standards. This might involve obtaining necessary permits or certifications.

Step 3: Pricing Your Chung Cake

• Calculate your costs, including ingredients, labor, and overhead, to determine a profitable yet competitive price point.
• Consider offering different sizes or packaging options to appeal to various customers.

Step 4: Marketing and Sales Strategy

• Branding: Create a brand name and logo that reflect the cultural significance of Chung Cake.
• Packaging: Invest in attractive, eco-friendly packaging that highlights the traditional nature of your product.
• Online Presence: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote your product. Share the story behind your Chung Cakes and the traditional methods you use.
• Local Markets: Set up stalls at local markets or festivals, especially during the Tết season. Offer free samples to attract customers.

Step 5: Distribution and Sales

• Consider collaborating with local grocery stores, restaurants, or online food delivery services to expand your reach.
• Keep track of sales and customer feedback to continually improve your product and service.

Conclusion

Making and selling Chung Cake can be a rewarding venture, allowing you to share a piece of Vietnamese culture while also creating a profitable business. By following these steps, you can bring this traditional delicacy to a wider audience and make your mark in the market. Good luck, and may your Chung Cakes bring joy to many tables!