The image of Pia cake (bánh Pía) has long been a symbol in Soc Trang’s culinary culture. It is not only a simple dish, but it is also a specialty associated with the traditional craft villages of the people here. In the past, this cake was related to the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, but now it is used at most times of the year.
History
Soc Trang Pia cake originated from Minh Huong people who migrated to our country in the 16th century. They brought home-flavored cakes with them when they came here. This dish was considered the moon cake of the Chaozhou people in the past. Therefore, the name also comes from the Chaozhou language, specifically the word “pia” with the pronunciation “pi-é” which translates to “cake”. Soc Trang has a Pia cake-making village in Thuan Hoa commune, An Hiep commune, Phu Tam commune, Chau Thanh district. Previously, Soc Trang Pia cake was made entirely by hand. However, with the current increasing demand, processes have had to be automated to be produced effectively by machines.
In 1963, Mr. Tran Cang – a famous Chinese businessman, took Pia cake from Tao Thanh business and sold it everywhere, such as Bien Hoa – Dong Nai, Lai Thieu – Binh Duong. At that time, he saw that these places had a lot of durian, so he brought it back and proposed to make a Pia cake with the filling of that fruit. This is also the origin of today’s Pia cake stuffed with green beans and durian.
The taste of Pia Cake
Soc Trang Pia cake has many thin layers of skin stacked on top of each other so that it can be peeled off easily. Therefore, Southern ethnic people also call this dish “bánh lột”. According to the people who make Pia cake in Soc Trang, in the past, the Chinese made this dish with roasted duck meat stewed with lamb and pork fat, the crust was made of millet or wheat flour and then grilled over charcoal. After coming to Soc Trang, they reprocessed it to gradually suit the taste of Vietnamese people by using easy-to-find and abundant local ingredients.
Soc Trang Pia cake is orange-yellow in color, small in shape, quite convenient, and bite-sized. When you take a bite and taste it, you will see that the quality is beyond your expectations. The cake is soft and delicious, especially there is Pia cake filled with durian, which has a sweet and fragrant taste. In addition, Pia cake also has many different fillings to meet customers’ needs, such as green beans, jam, taro, red beans, etc.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon worship ceremony, people choose this type of cake to offer and enjoy. Because this is the soul of the people of Soc Trang – The land of mixed cultural identities between Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer.
Outstanding value
Soc Trang Pia cake brings profits to businesses and manufacturers in the provincial market and the entire Southern region. Soc Trang Pia cake craft village has also helped create a fairly stable source of income for more than hundreds of households and families. It is also because of its economic benefits that the Soc Trang community is increasingly skilled and produces more professional goods.
Recommend some places to buy
- Tân Huê Viên: This is one of the largest Pia cake production factories in Soc Trang province. In Ho Chi Minh City, there are up to 18 supply agents for this business.
Address: An Hiep Commune, Chau Thanh District, Soc Trang Province
- Lập Hưng: The cake recipe here has been around for 80 years and has been passed down and preserved.
Address: No. 130 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Ward 4, Soc Trang City
If you are looking for a delicious and authentic Vietnamese dish, Bánh Pía Sóc Trăng is a great option. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone.
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