Com, the Vietnamese autumn tradition you should not miss

If you are planning a memorable trip to Vietnam, make sure to indulge in one of the country’s iconic culinary delights – green sticky rice, also known as “com” or in Vietnamese “Cốm”. This traditional dish is crafted from young sticky rice harvested in the vibrant autumn season and undergoes a sophisticated process to transform into the signature flat, green, and incredibly fragrant grains.

Origin of Vietnamese green sticky rice

Our culinary journey begins in the heart of Vong Village, located in Hanoi, Vietnam. This quaint village is renowned for its unique culinary specialty, com. It is here that the delectable dish finds its roots, with a fascinating origin story that traces back to a time of hardship.

Legend has it that during a period of heavy rains and fierce winds, the rice fields in Vong Village were submerged in water. In a bid to stave off hunger, the resourceful villagers decided to harvest the young rice grains, dry them, roast them, and consume them. What started as a reluctant survival strategy has now blossomed into a delectable delicacy with a flavor and charm like no other.

The experience and creativity of the villagers in working with these young rice buds led to the creation of greener, thinner, and more fragrant nuggets, now famously known as green sticky rice (com).

Craft of making green sticky rice

The craft of making green sticky rice is a delicate traditional process that requires precise timing, skilled hands, and generations of experience. From harvesting young rice to roasting and pounding, each step shapes the aroma, texture, and signature green color of com. Let’s find out how to make green rice!

Selecting Young Glutinous Rice

The process of making Vietnamese green sticky rice begins with the careful selection of young glutinous rice, often premium varieties such as nep cai hoa vang. This is the most critical stage, as it determines most of the final quality. The rice must be harvested at the exact moment when the grains are still milky inside. Artisans look for rice that bends gently under its own weight and releases a drop of fragrant white milk when pressed, signaling the perfect harvest time.

Cleaning and Sorting the Rice

Once harvested, the rice is processed immediately to preserve freshness. The grains are gently threshed and washed in water to remove impurities. Hollow, damaged, or underdeveloped grains float to the surface and are discarded, while only full, healthy grains that sink to the bottom are kept. This step ensures uniformity before roasting and helps maintain the soft texture of finished com.

Roasting

Roasting the rice is one of the most demanding stages of the process. The grains are slowly roasted in thick cast-iron pans over a carefully controlled wood fire. Artisans continuously stir the rice with large chopsticks, adjusting the heat by instinct rather than measurement. Too much heat can scorch the husk, while too little can harden the grain. The rice is ready when a few grains begin to crack open, releasing a warm, unmistakable autumn aroma.

Winnowing and Removing the Husk

After roasting, the rice is allowed to cool slightly before being winnowed. This process removes the loosened husks and prepares the grains for pounding. It is an essential transitional step that ensures the rice enters the next stage clean and evenly roasted.

Pounding the Rice

Pounding is the most physically demanding and skill-intensive stage. The roasted grains are placed in large wooden mortars and pounded rhythmically with heavy pestles. After every several strokes, the rice is turned by hand to ensure even pressure. The goal is to flatten the grains and separate the husk without breaking them. While machines are sometimes used today, experienced artisans still rely on touch and timing to decide when the rice has reached perfect softness. On average, nearly 10 kilograms of young rice produce just over 1.5 kilograms of fresh com.

Green sticky rice – Com

Preserving Freshness

Fresh com is best enjoyed immediately, when its softness and fragrance are at their peak. To extend its shelf life, the grains may be gently dried at low temperatures or in the shade to reduce moisture without losing elasticity. Traditionally, com is wrapped in lotus leaves, which help retain humidity while imparting a subtle floral scent.

Dishes made from green sticky rice

Dishes made from green sticky rice are simple, seasonal, and closely tied to autumn in Vietnam. Using its soft texture and gentle sweetness, com is prepared in various traditional dishes enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn season.

Green sticky rice

When you venture to Vietnam, you will discover a myriad of dishes that encapsulate the essence of the country’s four distinct seasons. Among them, “che” is a name that frequently graces the realm of Vietnamese cuisine. If you are in search of an authentic “che” dish that embodies the essence of autumn, look no further than “green sticky rice.”

The pliability of these rice nuggets harmoniously combines with the texture of tapioca, creating a refreshing, rounded flavor that encapsulates the spirit of autumn. A hint of jasmine, along with the inclusion of green beans, lends an enticing fragrance to the dish.

For those with a penchant for traditional flavors, lotus seed com and basic com serve as excellent choices. Meanwhile, if you’re craving something heartier, sticky rice porridge offers a filling and cooling option. On the flip side, the roasted banana rice porridge is sure to capture the hearts of sweet-toothed enthusiasts.

Green sticky rice cake

Green sticky rice cake – Banh com

When “Banh Com” comes to mind, it’s often associated with wedding ceremonies. In many regions of the North, the groom’s family customarily orders rice cakes to present as gifts when asking for the bride’s hand in marriage. This delicacy is an indispensable part of wedding traditions.

On moonlit nights, families often gather to share the joy of each other’s company and enjoy these delicious, sweet rice cakes alongside a soothing cup of tea.

Sticky rice with lotus seeds, coconut, and green beans

Sticky rice with lotus seeds, coconut, and green beans – Xoi com

No Mid-Autumn Festival feast is complete without a serving of traditional sticky rice. However, the experience becomes all the more exquisite when you savor sticky rice infused with lotus seeds, coconut, and green beans.

The aroma of the sticky rice, combined with the fragrance of pandan leaves, is bound to ignite your appetite instantly. The striking combination of the green sticky rice’s hue, the yellow of the green beans, and the lotus seeds creates a visually appealing treat.

Indulging in a piece of this sticky rice, with its aromatic and sweet flavor, enhances the festivities of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Gathering with loved ones over a hot cup of tea and savoring this delightful dish adds a richer and more joyful dimension to the celebration.

Fried Green Rice Patties

Fried green rice patties is one of the most popular savory dishes made from green sticky rice in northern Vietnam. It is prepared by mixing fresh com with minced pork, then gently shaping and frying the mixture until golden on the outside while remaining soft and aromatic inside.

Fried Green Rice Patties – Cha Com

The young green rice adds a light fragrance and a pleasant chewiness that balances perfectly with the richness of the pork. Often served hot with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and dipping sauce, cha com is a favorite autumn dish in Hanoi.

Conclusion

“Com,” the Vietnamese green sticky rice, represents a time-honored culinary tradition that encapsulates the essence of autumn in Vietnam. The origin story, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the delightful dishes that spring from this humble grain make it an absolute must-try for anyone exploring the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine.

So, as you embark on your journey through Vietnam, don’t forget to savor the charm of “Green Sticky Rice (Com)” and experience a slice of authentic Vietnamese culture. Plan your autumn trip to Hanoi and explore seasonal activities, local flavors, and cultural experiences that make the city truly unforgettable.