Although they view the same moon, the cultures in Japan and Vietnam have distinct traditions regarding the moon-viewing festivities and the ways in which they are celebrated. In Japan, the culture of moon-viewing involves offering mooncakes and rice straws and quietly watching the moon; in Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is called Tet Trung Thu and the entire city is enveloped in a festive atmosphere with colorful lanterns, mooncakes, and the dancing of children. Although these two cultures share the same love for the moon, the ways in which they are celebrated reflect the different lifestyles and cultures of each country. Through the moon-viewing cultures of Japan and Vietnam, we introduce the stories of the moon and the people that have been passed down through these two countries.
Japanese Mid-Autumn Festival
Watching the moon rise in the autumn sky, feeling the changing seasons and thanking the blessings of nature are the essence of the “Moon Viewing Festival.” The festival of the fifteenth night, which features mooncakes and wild rice, celebrates the Japanese tradition of enjoying autumn flavors, rooted in ancient times.
🌕 Japanese Midsummer Moon Festival
A round moon floating in the autumn night sky. In Japan, it has long been said that when looking up at the moon, you can see a rabbit grinding rice cakes on it. On the fifteenth night, people stack white, round moon cakes and decorate them with reeds. The round shape of the moon cake, reminiscent of the full moon, symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and the hope that the following year will be a good one.
In addition to the mooncakes, enjoying ingredients that are in season in autumn such as sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes is also one of the important pleasures of the fifteenth night. By thanking the nature that has brought abundant harvests, we can enjoy the unique flavors of that season and feel the arrival of autumn.
Also, the beauty of the moon is enhanced by the swaying reeds. It is said that the reeds were decorated with the wish for a bountiful harvest because they resemble the ears of rice. People place them in places where the moon can be seen, quietly gazing up at the night sky. There, you can take a break from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the changing seasons slowly.
To celebrate a bountiful harvest and enjoy the autumn flavors under the moonlight. On the fifteenth night of the month, which has been passed down through the ages, the connection with the moon is felt, symbolizing gratitude for nature and a wish for abundant future harvests.
Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam presents a different look from the Mid-Autumn Festival in Japan. Unlike the Japanese moon-gazing ritual, in Vietnam, the smiles and cheerful voices of children fill the streets.
👩 Chi Hang
And it is said that there is also a beautiful woman named Chih-han living on the Moon. The stories of the Moon in Vietnam still live on today.
An essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the mooncakes (Banh Trung Thu/Banh Trung Tu). They come in baked and steamed varieties, and various ingredients are used, such as mixed nuts, mung beans, lotus seeds, and salted egg yolks. There are also many different shapes and designs, and beautifully packaged mooncakes are also popular as gifts for loved ones.
In the evening, the children walk through the city with lanterns in their hands and wear lion dance costumes to spend the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Surrounded by their families and friends, they eat mooncakes and fruits. The time of "Pha co" is when the children are most eagerly looking forward to. It is a time when everyone enjoys fruits and sweets, and the laughter of the children fills the air.
The lights of lanterns, the powerful lion dance, and the cheerful voices of children. Unlike the Lenten festival in Japan, where we quietly face the moon, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is a festive and warm autumn festival that fills the entire city with vitality.
To the city that celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival
In Vietnam, Mid-Autumn Festival begins not only on the day itself, but also a little earlier. Colorful lanterns and Mid-Autumn Festival-themed toys line the streets, and various mooncakes appear in stores. As the night approaches for spending time with family and loved ones, preparations gradually advance.
Mooncake｜An indispensable flavor for the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam
Mooncakes are indispensable for preparing for the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Vietnam, there are baked and steamed mooncakes, and traditional fillings include various ingredients such as mixed nuts, mung beans, lotus seeds, and salted egg yolks. In recent years, modern flavors using chocolate, matcha, cheese, and other ingredients have also emerged, making the variety even more diverse.
Mooncakes are not only enjoyed at home with family, but are also popular as gifts to convey seasonal greetings to those we care about and those we are grateful to. Beautifully packaged, Mooncakes have become a traditional part of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Lanterns｜Symbols of the Mid-Autumn Festival that Brighten the City
As Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, lanterns are displayed all over the city. There are a variety of types available, including "star-shaped lanterns," "rotating lanterns with internal mechanisms," and lanterns with various animal-themed designs.
Hang Ma Street is the most emblematic street of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hanoi. Lanterns, indispensable elements of the festival, are decorated and covered in vibrant colors. Just walking down Hang Ma Street makes you feel that the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is approaching.
Offering and Table for the Mid-Autumn Festival with Family
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, some families also prepare offerings consisting of mooncakes and fruits. The “Five Fruit Bowls” (Mam Ngu qua), which are made by arranging five different fruits, is one of the traditional offerings in Vietnam. It is not only used during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also at traditional events such as Tet, symbolizing the wish for wealth and happiness. Depending on regional and family customs, it may also be used in wedding ceremonies.
Not only can the fruits be served as is, but they can also be decorated into animals or other cute shapes. The table with colorful fruits and mooncakes is a unique scene of the Mid-Autumn Festival, where families gather and enjoy the season together.
Scenes to be seen on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is adorned with lively scenes such as the smiles of children, colorful lanterns, and the sound of drums resounding through the streets. As dusk falls, children walk with lanterns in their hands and the sounds of drums and lion dances begin to fill the streets. Finally, they enjoy "Pha co" together with their families and friends. Characters like Tu Quoi and Chi Han from old stories are also revered as symbols of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
🌕 Chu Quoy and Chih Han
Just as the rabbit of the Moon is beloved in Japan, in Vietnam, Tu Quoi and Chinh are known as symbols of Trung Tuong Festival. These two characters are from fairy tales and frequently appear at events and on stage to entertain children. When appearing at events, Tu Quoi and Chinh enjoy singing and dancing with the children. The stories that have been passed down from generation to generation are still one of the pleasant memories of Trung Tuong Festival.
🦁 Lion dance / Lion dance
The lion dance, performed in harmony with the powerful sound of drums and bells, also symbolizes the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. The colorful lions move gracefully, sometimes displaying humorous gestures as they tour the city. The lively sound and dynamic dance are highlights of the Mid-Autumn Festival that not only appeal to children but also adults.
🏮 The atmosphere created by the children
As the day fades into night, the children walk the streets with lanterns shaped like stars or animals, accompanied by their families and friends. The gentle light of the lanterns illuminates the night city, creating a festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival with the smiles and singing voices of the children. The sight of children walking with lanterns is a heartwarming scene unique to the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival.
🍎 Pha Co (Pha co)
After enjoying various events, you can spend time with your family and friends at "Pha Co". "Pha Co" is the time when you gather with your family and friends around a table filled with mooncakes, fruits, and sweets. At the end of a lively evening, you can spend time with your loved ones eating many delicious dishes that bring the Mid-Autumn Festival to life. This is also an important tradition that adds color to the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival.
A dish to enjoy autumn, the full moon
Watching the full moon rise in the autumn sky is the Japanese way of enjoying seasonal delicacies. In this article, we introduce you to “moon viewing dishes” that can help you experience the atmosphere of the season. These dishes are available at Japanese restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Peko Peko
Nguyen Thu Thuy
Pekopekopek is not just famous for its soba noodles; their sandwiches and omurice are also very popular, and they also offer a daily menu with plenty of vegetables. You can easily come in without feeling self-conscious, so please feel free to drop by anytime.
One day, 15 servings of handmade soba only
As a new challenge this year, we have brought in Tu Yi, a Vietnamese female chef who trained in authentic handmade soba in Nagano Prefecture. In addition to the popular "Zaru Soba", we will also offer a limited-time "Mooncake Soba" from September. This is a special dish made with buckwheat flour from Nagano Prefecture and Ha Giang, and finished with a flavorful sauce made with plenty of bonito flakes. Don't you feel the autumn in Hanoi with this fluffy Mooncake Soba?
Address: 43/36 Dao Tan, Giang Vo, Hanoi
Phone: 098-636-0264
Yaku: [Café] 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; [Omabanzai] 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Day off: Sunday
IG:pekopeko.chan
Fukada
Address: 74 Linh Lang, Giang Vo, Hanoi
Phone: 024-6682-7878
Open: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM / 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
LO: 21:30
FB: Fukada Japanese Restaurant
Takashi Fukuda
Fukada Takao
Thanks to everyone for making it possible to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Thank you so much! We will continue to deliver fresh and delicious fish dishes to everyone in Hanoi, ensuring that you are satisfied with our dishes. We look forward to seeing you!
Thanks to you, it's our 10th anniversary!
The Moon View dish offered by Fuka-ta, where you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh fish, is the "Sea Food Moon View Yuke," a luxurious dish that combines fresh fish sourced directly from the local market in Vietnam with rich egg yolks. This is a must-try item from veteran chef Fukata, who has over 20 years of experience in Vietnam. You can definitely feel the autumn season with this dish, which is a masterpiece created by Fukata, a veteran chef with over 20 years of experience in Japan. The relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant also includes private rooms, making it perfect for banquets and gatherings.
Mizuki
Gengvickhoun
Nguyen Bich Phuong
I make traditional Japanese sweets with the desire to spread the appeal of these sweets in my home country of Vietnam. We offer flower petal mochi, grass mochi, konnyaku mochi, water mochi, strawberry mochi, mochi ice cream, and takoyaki among other items. I would be happy if even a little bit of the Japanese flavor can be felt through these sweets.
Autumn-only mochi set
"Aki Mochi" delivered by a store owner who has trained in Japan. Inspired by the thought of bringing back beautiful memories of the seasons as autumn approaches, this product features three flavors: sakura, yuzu, and matcha-walnut, representing the seasons from spring to autumn and winter. Enjoy a special flavor where the intertwined scenes of the four seasons are made with genuine passion and pride from carefully selected ingredients.
Address: 92N O Cho Dua, Dong Da, Hanoi
Phone: 036-898-9696
Open: 8:00 AM to 21:00 PM
FB:Mizuki Traditional Japanese Caken
Store owner FB: Nguyen Bich Phuong (Mother of Honey Bee) (for reservations)
Beef noodle shop / Gyumeshi-ya
Address: 15B/16 Le Thanh Ton, Sai Gon, HCMC
Phone: 028-382-28238
Open: 10:00～23:00
FB:Gyumeshiya Beef Ramen Shop
Voer or Ein Vö
Vo Oanh Vu
Please come and feel the autumn season with our beef bowl featuring autumn leaves. In addition to the bowl, we also offer a variety of other dishes such as the natto set meal and curry, so please come and try as many dishes as you can!
A Japanese-style bowl that has been around for 10 years
A beef bowl and donburi specialty that has been serving the “comforting Japan” home-style taste while maintaining the same meticulous brewing of stock and handmade flavors for over 10 years. Their signature “moonrise” dish is the “moonrise salmon bowl,” a dish that combines fresh salmon, egg yolk, shrimp roe, green onions, and seaweed in luxurious proportions. The rich flavors of the ingredients are released in every bite. It is open from morning until late at night, so you can come anytime.
Ho Chi Minh Sanuki Shokudo
Sam
Sam
I am Osamu from Ho Chi Minh City, who has lived there for 9 years. I run a noodle shop called Sanuki Shokudo on the 6th floor of a building in Hem in Thaibanglun. Our recommended dishes include Japanese-style curry udon and chicken curry udon. Please come and visit us sometime^_^
Authentic udon to enjoy in Ho Chi Minh City!
HCMC Sanuki Shokudo’s popular dish, “Moonlight Teru-Roo Don.” This is a luxurious dish that combines the firm yet chewy noodles with mellow teriyaki sauce and rich egg yolk in a perfect harmony. The slightly sweet taste of bonito dashi stands out, leaving you feeling refreshed and satisfied at the same time! Enjoy a relaxing Japanese atmosphere in a calm and cozy restaurant.
Address: 8A/8C2 Thai Van Lung, Sai Gon, HCMC
Phone: 084-505-9549
Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-13:30 / 17:30-22:00; Sat & Sun 11:00-13:30 / 17:00-22:00
Off: Tuesday
LO: 21:30
FB: Sanukishokudou
Ho Chi Minh Sanuki Shokudo
Address: 8/5 Le Thanh Ton, Sai Gon, HCMC
Phone: 086-749-0494
Open: Mon-Fri 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-21:00
LO: 20:45
IG: dongfan_ltt
Comment from the shop
Enjoy a special moment that fills your heart like the Mid-Autumn Festival surrounded by loved ones. There is also a wide selection of appetizers to pair with the alcohol, so you can also use it as a sake bar.
Shining is Machi Moon View Dango
A variety of rice bowl specialty restaurant in Letrangon. This is a limited-time dish inspired by the full moon rising in the autumn sky. The elegant rice bowl is beautifully arranged in the shape of petals, and a rich egg yolk is added in the center. The combination of the rice bowl’s rich flavor and the mellow richness of the egg yolk creates a luxurious taste that beautifully adorns the autumn night. In addition to the rice bowl, they also offer a variety of dishes such as fresh sashimi, simmered tuna loin, and homemade takumai (fried squid).
