The cake is not only made during the Tet holiday of the ethnic Cao Lan group but has also become a popular dish at festivals, fairs, and local markets both inside and outside the province.

The Cao Lan people call it 'chim gau' cake because the outer layer of the cake is made from wild pineapple leaves - a medicine, which are knitted into the shape of a spotted dove, or ‘chim gau’ in Vietnamese.

The main ingredient of the cake is sticky rice mixed with a little salt in order to create a bold flavour. The filling is made from green beans and pork. Then, they stuff the rice into the pre-woven spotted dove-shaped leaves until the rice fully fills the form. Finally, the leaves are tightly knitted shut.

The cake is well cooked after 12 hour, then let drain and cut it in half to taste.

In addition to the shape of spotted dove, the Cao Lan people also create the cake into many shapes like cicadas and toads. Because they believe that each animal has its own meaning, symbolising the desires and aspirations for a prosperous life and abundant crops.