Representatives of Tay Ho district's authorities receive the certificate recognising the craft of cooking sticky rice in Phu Thuong village as a national intangible cultural heritage (Photo: VNA) Phu Thuong, formally known asGa village, is famous for its flavoursome, delicious steamed sticky rice. The craft of cooking sticky rice in thevillage does not have a clear origin but thanks to the water of the Hong Riverand its fertile silt, the village is endowed with vast fields of premiumquality sticky rice - the main ingredient for its culinary specialty.
To make a delicious sticky rice dish, Phu Thuong villagers put in a great dealof effort and dedication.
Currently, there are three master artisans and around 600 households engaged inthe craft in Phu Thuong. The villagers have established their brand, introducedtheir sticky rice in various markets, festivals and events throughout thecountry.
The Phu Thuong Sticky Rice Festival annually takes place for three days on the8th, 9th, and 10th days of the first lunar month, which falls on February 17,18 and 19 this year.
During the festival, localresidents hold the New Rice Ceremony, offering their homemade sticky ricedishes to the village's patron saint as a gesture of gratitude and seekingblessings for a bountiful harvest. Families also prepare che ba cot (atraditional sweet rice cake) to offer on the ancestral altar at home,expressing gratitude to their ancestors and wishing for good health andprosperity.
A sticky-rice-cooking contestand display are held afterwards, showcasing various kinds of sticky rice forvisitors from all over the country to enjoy.
According to BuThi Lan Phuong, deputy chairwoman of thePeople's Committee of Tay Ho, the district has created favourable conditions tosupport the development of Phu Thuong village in recent years with the aim topreserve the traditional craft and improve local livelihood.
The village was officiallyrecognised by the municipal People's Committee as the traditional sticky rice villageon December 30, 2016. Phu Thuong sticky rice was selected as one of the 12speciality dishes served at the Media Centre during the US-DPRK Summit in Hanoi in2019.
The district has also focused on upgrading the infrastructure ofthe village.
“In the near future, Phu Thuongsticky rice will not only be a famous culinary delight enjoyed throughout thecountry, but the village will also become an attractive destination forvisitors from both within and outside the country. This will contribute toimproving the material and spiritual lives of the local residents," Phuongsaid.
“Additionally, it willactively promote the image of Tay Ho district, its captivating touristdestinations, traditional festivals, intangible cultural heritage, and culinarycultural products."/.
VNA
