Five-colored sticky rice – A culinary pride of the Tay people

Five-colored sticky rice is a traditional dish emblematic of the Tay ethnic group and has long been an indispensable part of the Lunar New Year feast in Tuyen Quang province. The name “five-colored” comes from its vibrant palette of red, green, white, purple, and yellow - each hue symbolizing one of the five elements in Eastern philosophy.

Five-colored sticky rice.

Apart from the natural white of the glutinous rice, the other colors are created using entirely natural ingredients such as forest leaves, roots, and stems, with absolutely no industrial dyes.

Thanks to its eye-catching colors, distinctive aroma, and the soft, chewy texture of upland glutinous rice, this dish is not only delicious but also rich in cultural meaning. During festivals, New Year celebrations, or community events, five-colored sticky rice is always present as a symbol of unity, prosperity, and harmony.

Five-colored sticky rice is an indispensable part of Tuyen Quang’s cuisine, a source of pride for local people and a vivid reflection of their cultural heritage.

Le Lam