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Exploring the Culinary Delights of Tết Đoan Ngọ: A Teabreak Experience at TECx2023

Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey at TECx2023, where technology meets tradition. This event is a showcase of groundbreaking innovations in fields like Fintech, VR/AR, Blockchain, and Biotech. But the TECx2023 experience is not just about high-tech advancements; it's also about embracing the vibrant culture of Vietnam. Thien Kien is excited to sponsor a teabreak that celebrates "Tết Đoan Ngọ" (Duan Wu Festival) inviting attendees to savor the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam.

Hoang Dai (Co-founder, Thien Kien) gave handcraft gifts to Jonas Eichhorst (CEO, Timo Digital Bank), Michael Kokalari (CFA. Chief Economist, VinaCapital Ventures), Huy Do (Co-Founder & Chairman, SAVVi Code) in TECx2023

A long banquet table showcasing regional delicacies: Bánh gio mật mía from the North, Chè Kê from the Central region, and Bánh ú from the South.

Celebrating Tết Đoan Ngọ: A Cultural Insight

Tết Đoan Ngọ, often referred to as the "Mid-year Festival," is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, typically falling in June. In Vietnam, the Tết Đoan Ngọ (Duan Wu Festival) is also informally known as "insect-killing day." It's essentially a day dedicated to catching insects and eliminating pests to protect crops. Vietnam is known for its rich culinary diversity, especially during festivals. Each region—North, Central, and South—has its own traditional dishes that celebrate the occasion, often incorporating seasonal ingredients like fruits and rice.

At TECx2023, the teabreak offers international speakers a chance to connect with this cultural richness, allowing them to dive into culinary traditions that reflect the essence of Vietnam. They will enjoy a variety of treats that embody the flavors and aromas associated with Tết Đoan Ngọ (Duan Wu Festival).

The Culinary Offerings of the Teabreak

The teabreak at TECx2023 is designed to be a delicious journey through Vietnamese cuisine. Guests can look forward to a mix of traditional finger foods, fresh juices, and seasonal fruits, all handpicked to highlight the unique tastes of Vietnam.

Finger Foods: A Tasty Introduction

Vietnamese finger foods are known for their bold flavors and versatility. Some standout dishes you can expect include:

Bánh gio: Commonly enjoyed with molasses, especially in the northern regions of Vietnam, bánh tro, bánh gio, bánh ú tro, bánh lẳng, bánh âm, bánh coóc mò, or bánh nẳng is a traditional cake made from sticky rice soaked in ash water. This type of cake is a staple of the Tết Đoan Ngọ (Duan Wu Festival) and this cake is so popular in Vietnamese cuisine that some articles claim it to be uniquely Vietnamese, though it shares similarities with Japan’s akumaki and China’s bánh kiềm tống.

Chè kê: Millet porridge is a quintessential Central Vietnamese dish, particularly popular during the Duan Wu Festival. The sweet, chewy millet grains are cooked with molasses and enjoyed with rice paper. This dish is commonly offered as an ancestral offering during the festival, especially in the regions of Hue, Quang Nam, and Da Nang.

Bánh ú: Bánh ú, a pyramid-shaped cake, is a Southern Vietnamese specialty distinct from the Northern bánh gio mật mía. Filled with mung bean paste and sticky rice, bánh ú is traditionally eaten during the Tết Đoan Ngọ (Duan Wu Festival) as it is believed to cool the body and promote overall health.

Every bite of these dishes will engage the senses, sparking conversations that blend culinary arts with innovative technology.

Indulge in a tea break, a flavorful voyage through Vietnam's culinary landscape, complemented by delectable pastries and seasonal fresh fruits.

Seasonal Fruits: Nature's Sweetness

Seasonal Vietnamese fruits enrich the teabreak with natural sweetness and health benefits. Expect to see an array of delightful fruits, such as:

Mận hậu (Plum): The Northwest is painted in a canvas of pure white during early spring as plum blossoms carpet the hills. These blossoms eventually give way to the famous Son La plum, a local specialty renowned for its sweetness and juiciness. The region's pristine climate, high altitude, and significant temperature variations create the perfect conditions for cultivating these exceptionally sweet plums. Nourished by cool, clean water and bathed in ample sunlight, Son La plums are truly a gift of nature.

Vải (Lychee): The man who planted the ancestral lychee tree was Mr. Hoang Van Com (born in 1848). His real name was Phuc Thanh, but due to his contribution of bringing the lychee seeds to his hometown, providing sustenance for the village, he was affectionately called Mr. Com. The story of the lychee tree has been deeply ingrained in the hearts of the villagers, serving as a source of pride when shared with visitors. According to records, Mr. Com was previously a merchant who traded fruits between Hai Duong and Hai Phong. In 1870, while attending a Chinese wedding in Hai Phong, he tasted a delicious lychee and brought three seeds back to his orchard in Thuy Lam village. Thanks to the suitable climate and soil, all three seeds germinated and grew well. However, only one tree bore exceptionally sweet and fragrant fruits. When the tree bore fruit, Mr. Com invited the villagers to enjoy them, and everyone praised its taste. And the lychee placed on the teabreak table was brought from Thanh Ha, Hai Duong to the event to introduce to international guests.

The interesting story of lychee from Hai Duong region

Egg coffee was prepared live so that attendees could witness firsthand how fresh eggs were processed with ice, maintaining their original flavor without any fishy smell.

Coffee: A Refreshing Drink and a Special Experience at TECx2023

To perfectly round out the culinary offerings, participants will enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks, which are a hallmark of Vietnamese beverage culture. Here are some options you might find:

Nước dừa (Coconut Water): Known for its hydrating properties, this natural beverage is rich in electrolytes and offers a refreshing taste.
Cà phê (Coffee) Coffee has become an indispensable part of Vietnamese life. From small roadside stalls to upscale cafes, the rich aroma of coffee always attracts customers. Vietnamese coffee is famous for its diverse range of drinks, from traditional black drip coffee with a bold flavor to sweet and cold iced coffee. Salty coffee, with its unique slightly salty taste, and creamy, fragrant egg coffee are interesting variations that create a distinct character for Vietnamese coffee culture. Each cup of coffee is not only a beverage but also a cultural experience, a place where people meet, talk, and enjoy life. Over three days of the event, each day featuring a different type of coffee, Thien Kien introduced international speakers to a delightful coffee experience. The direct preparation of the coffee at the event venue, such as the process of whipping fresh eggs to create a non-fishy taste, served with ice in the hot southern weather, left a deep impression on the coffee drinkers.

Nước ép chậm (Slow - Juiced): Our slow-juiced beverages offer the purest taste of locally sourced fruits, delivered straight from the orchard to the teabreak table. Without any added sweeteners, the natural sweetness of the fruits provides a refreshing and authentic experience that will tantalize the taste buds.

These beverages will not only quench your thirst but also enhance the overall sensory experience.

The Importance of the Teabreak

The teabreak at TECx2023 goes beyond just food; it acts as a channel connecting international attendees with Vietnamese culture. By enjoying the culinary traditions of Tết Đoan Ngọ, global speakers will gain a richer understanding of local customs, fostering stronger relationships with their Vietnamese counterparts.

Building Connections Through Culinary Experiences

Food has a magical way of bringing people together, breaking down language barriers. The teabreak creates a casual environment for meaningful conversations while enjoying the delicious tastes of Vietnam. As guests relish the cuisine, they may also discuss how technology and culture can collaborate to drive innovation.

A Showcase of Innovation and Tradition

While TECx2023 highlights cutting-edge technology, it emphasizes the importance of cultural roots. Just as Tết Đoan Ngọ showcases local food practices, technology can thrive when it respects its cultural background. This connection enriches innovations and creates more impactful solutions.

A Memorable Experience at TECx2023

The teabreak sponsored by Thien Kien at TECx2023 offers a unique opportunity to engage with the culinary bliss of Tết Đoan Ngọ while having conversations with leaders in the tech industry. As attendees savor the flavors of Vietnam, they will participate in a broader dialogue that merges technology, culture, and innovation.

By immersing participants in Vietnamese culinary traditions, TECx2023 promises more than just a taste of innovation; it provides a heartfelt celebration of culture. For those who are food lovers or tech enthusiasts, this teabreak will leave a lasting impression, blending the best of both worlds into a memorable experience.

Hoàng Đại and Hải Ninh, the two co-founders of Thiện Kiến, pose for a photo after a discussion on preserving Vietnamese culture with Mr. Graham Harlow, Deputy Consul General of the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City 2023