Today, the approach of Tet Trung Thu is signaled by the appearance of stands selling banh trung thu, or mooncakes, all over Vietnam’s streets. These cakes are very rich and are filled with lotus seeds, ground beans, and an egg yolk, though there are other varieties. Mooncakes are the most important traditional food related to Tet Trung Thu, and they are massively popular.
Every year these stands take up more and more space here in Saigon. Boxes of mooncakes are often given as gifts before the holiday, which can make for awkward situations. Despite their popularity, mooncakes have a divisive flavor, as many people can’t stand them, especially foreigners. Several times I have had to graciously accept a box of cakes, only to end up either giving it away or throwing it out if no one else wants it.