The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) on August 18 announced the recognition of three elements as National Intangible Cultural Heritage: the Thanh Trì steamed rice rolls craft (Vĩnh Hưng Ward), the knowledge of preparing and enjoying Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Hanoi), and the knowledge of preparing traditional Bát Tràng feasts (Bát Tràng Commune).

According to the Ministry, all three intangible cultural heritages were nominated by local communities with full demonstration of their representative values, embodying community and local identity, reflecting cultural diversity and human creativity, and having been passed down through generations. These heritages have the ability to recover and endure over time, with strong community consensus, voluntary nomination, and commitment to preservation.

1. Thanh Trì Steamed Rice Rolls (Bánh cuốn Thanh Trì)

Thanh Trì Village has long been associated with the craft of making bánh cuốn — a familiar dish in the daily life of Hanoians. The rolls are made from plain rice soaked overnight, ground into batter, then steamed into thin sheets and topped with fried shallots. They are eaten cold, without filling, dipped in a mixed fish sauce and served with cinnamon pork rolls or meatballs. This simple yet refined preparation gives the dish a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other regional varieties.

Currently, Vĩnh Hưng Ward has over 50 households engaged in making bánh cuốn, with many maintaining the tradition through multiple generations. In addition to selling directly at home, they also supply large quantities to wholesale buyers daily.

2. Lã Vọng Grilled Fish (Chả Cá Lã Vọng)

Considered a culinary icon of Hanoi, Chả Cá Lã Vọng is made from fresh catfish (cá lăng), dill, scallions, and shrimp paste. When served, the golden-grilled fish pieces are enjoyed with rice noodles, herbs, and crispy rice crackers, creating an unforgettable taste. The dish was featured in the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”, ranked among the Top 5 in 10 Global Culinary Experiences, and in 2016, CNN named it as one of the world’s best dishes.

3. Bát Tràng Traditional Feast (Cỗ Bát Tràng)

If ceramics are the pride of Bát Tràng Village, then the traditional feast preserves its culinary heritage. In well-to-do families of the past, the Tết feast was known as “cỗ bát trân” — featuring six bowls and eight plates. The term “trân” means “delicacy,” symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Housewives took meticulous care in preparing every dish — from bamboo shoot soup with dried squid to stir-fried kohlrabi with squid and pigeon spring rolls — creating a distinctive flavor that defines Bát Tràng’s culinary identity.