[Photos] Ninh Giang ramie cake: New features, old soul

Together with banh dau xanh (mung bean cake), banh gai is one of rustic gifts imbued with the flavor of the homeland and favored by many customers in and outside the province


Ramie leaves are an indispensable ingredient that creates the black color of banh gai. They are milled and mixed with sticky rice powder and sugar to make the cake's crust


In the past when food was expensive, the stuffing of banh gai was mainly made from peanut, green bean, and lard. Nowadays, ingredients are much more abundant but still very rustic, including squash, coconut, lotus seed, sesame, etc., and that's why banh gai is more delicious than before


While many types of cakes have luxurious covers, banh gai is still wrapped with banana leaves, creating a unique flavor for the cake


At present, many stages of banh gai making such as flour milling, stuffing mixing, and cake steaming are done by machine, ensuring food hygiene and safety and reducing labor


Hundreds of hot cakes can be made in just one hour


A standard banh gai must have a shining black, smooth, and pliable crust and sweet, fragrant, and rich stuffing


The simplicity and purity of banh gai have made many people fall for and can conquer the pickiest customers

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