Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! I hope this year will be a joyous one for all.
Today is the second day of Tết (Lunar New Year). If I were in Vietnam, we would spend today at my grandmother’s house. She would cook this sticky rice dish again, and we would happily enjoy it with fried spring rolls (nem), pickles (đồ chua), poached chicken with lime leaves (gà luộc lá chanh) and many more delicacies.
Xôi vò (Viet sticky rice coated in mung bean) is not an easy dish to make. The final product requires each grain to be separated and coated nicely with mashed dried mung bean. My grandmother often makes it with chicken fat, making it extra tasty!
(I am trying to get back to work even though my mind is in Vietnam, thinking of Tết! I hope those who celebrate it will have extra fun time with their families, since it is the most important thing, really.)
On another note, I have been featured in an article on Vietnamnet, one of the most popular Viet language news portal :). The post talked about the Hanoi cafe I took, and also my life as an expat in Australia. If you can understand Vietnamese, read it here! Thank you!
happy lunar new year Anh – glad you can remember your family in your celebrations with this dish – sounds wonderful – best wishes for a great year ahead
Happy Lunar New Year!
Lovely shots..Happy New Year to you.
Happy New Year! I am simply blown away with these photographs
Congratulations on the feature! And a Happy lunar new year to you too!
Such a beautiful photo!! Happy Lunar New Year to you!
Congrats on being featured! And Happy lunar new year to you and family!
Happy Lunar New Year to you too!
Happy New Year to you – I wish I could be a guest at your grandmother's table! This rice looks wonderful!
Hey Anh, Happy New Year! And thanks for dropping by at my page. I'm so glad I could discover yours
Love your photography, absolutely brilliant!! Will keep coming back for more 
And what a coincidence, I just made a mung bean and rice soup/stew today and will post it tomorrow!!
Happy New Year, Anh!
Congratualtions on your mention!!! :). I always cheat with 'sticky' rice and just cook it in stock with a bit of sugar …
Happy New Year Anh! It's hard to be away from loved ones during special holidays, but I'm sure those in Vietnam are thinking of you too
Thank you for your kind comment on my pork buns. I am a novice and very appreciative of input by you who is experienced. I love this post and the warmth in the words as you remember your grandmother and Lunar New Year celebrations!
Happy Lunar New Year to you too!
Happy New Year Aah! I love Vietnamese sticky rice that I'd tried once before. Looks so delicious!
We have a similar dish called Pongal which we make for the Harvest season – also considered new year by some because of the new beginnings it signifies – Love how all our cultures connect at some level
Looks yummy dear!
Happy Lunar Year to you! This looks really fun! I love different and ethnic recipes!
I loved that photo of yours! Wish I could read Vietnamese…
Happy Lunar New Year! I love sticky rice and this dish sounds so good.
Congratulations on your article!
Happy Chinese New Year! Congrats on the feature!
Happy Lunar New Year!!!!! Those photos are just stunning Anh! I love those flowers in the background.
Hello Anh,
Happy New Year Anh! Oh I totally understand that you miss this holiday in Vietnam. I always feel the same way whenever New Year comes. It's just different when we are abroad. I didn't know you are there as an expat. I always thought you live there, but originally from Vietnam. You must miss home! Beautiful dish and photography. Congrats on the feature. That website looks very
Happy Lunar New Year, Anh! What wonderful memories of your Grandmother and Vietnam. This looks like a comforting dish – just like a grandmother would make
Happy Lunar New Year! Making this rice sounds a little like making traditional couscous in the coating and separating of grains. Your grandmother's delicacies sound delicious!
what beautiful pics! congrats on the feature… all the more reason to celebrate
Dear Anh,
Happy Lunar New Year to you and your family :)
Happy New Year, Anh! And congratulations on the feature.
This rice looks absolutely divine! and the food at your grandmother's house made me VERY hungry. Poached chicken with lime leaves – wow. Gorgeous photography, Anh.
What a great post and I love the sticky rice! Gorgeous pics!