Festive Holiday Foods

Tet, short for “Tet Nguyen Dan,” is the Vietnamese New Year, and by far the most celebrated and festive of holidays for the Vietnamese and the Little Saigon community. Tet is based on specific moon calculations on the lunar calendar and generally takes place in late January or early February, on the same day as the Chinese New Year. The holiday, which starts on Tet and continues for two more days, is rooted in centuries-old traditions, with a special emphasis on food and feasting. Families congregate, most people attend temple or church, schools and businesses have time off, and numerous festivals are held.