The morning sun peeked gently through the window, casting a warm golden light over the kitchen. Lala stretched her little arms, yawned, and rubbed her eyes sleepily. The smell of something sweet and fragrant drifted through the air, immediately waking her up. It was breakfast time, and today’s meal was special.
Thuy had prepared a variety of traditional cakes, beautifully arranged on a woven tray. Lala’s eyes lit up with excitement as she sat at the table. There were colorful banh da lon with layers of green pandan and yellow mung bean, chewy banh gio wrapped neatly in banana leaves, and crispy, golden banh ran filled with sweet mung bean paste. The table looked like a small food festival!
“What are these, Thuy?” Lala asked curiously, pointing to each one.
“These are traditional cakes from our region,” Thuy smiled. “Each one has its own story and flavor.”
Lala eagerly took a bite of the banh da lon and smiled widely. “It’s so soft and sweet! I love it!” she exclaimed. Next, she unwrapped the banana leaf from the banh gio and tasted the warm, savory filling inside. Her face lit up again.
Each bite brought new flavors and textures. Some were sticky, others crispy. Some sweet, others salty. But all were delicious in their own unique way.
As she finished the last piece, Lala leaned back in her chair, rubbing her happy little tummy. “That was the best breakfast ever,” she said cheerfully.
Thuy chuckled. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. One day, I’ll teach you how to make them.”
Lala nodded eagerly. “Yes! I want to learn everything!”
And with a heart full of love and a belly full of delicious cakes, Lala started her day feeling warm, happy, and proud of her culture’s amazing food.
