Endeavor to Promote Phu Thuong Sticky Rice as Intangible Cultural Heritage

In early 2024, Phu Thuong sticky rice was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, a source of pride for both Phu Thuong and Tay Ho people, and a shared responsibility to preserve and promote.

Phu Thuong village's sticky rice-making craft has earned the title of national intangible cultural heritage

Phu Thuong sticky rice has long been renowned as one of Hanoi's famous specialties, captivating diners with its delicious flavor and fragrant, plump grains. This combination has been passed down through generations of artisans in the area.

Preserving the quintessence of traditional cooking crafts

In Phu Thuong, almost everyone in the village knows how to cook sticky rice, make cakes and brew wine. Generation after generation has created a strong flow for hundreds of years for the ancient village. Currently, the village is home to three artisans and around 600 families, all dedicated to cooking sticky rice and sharing this beloved specialty throughout Hanoi.

Artisan Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Vice President of Phu Thuong Sticky Rice Traditional Craft Village Association, shared that since she was seven years old, her mother taught her to soak beans and peanuts, and sift rice to cook sticky rice. The cooking ingredients must be prepared the afternoon before. From washing rice, soaking beans, washing wrapping leaves, everything must be done meticulously. The rice must be of the standard golden flower sticky rice. Beans and peanuts are carefully selected, without moldy grains. The rice is thoroughly washed, then soaked for about 3 hours to make the water really clear. At this stage, the fire-lighting process officially begins. After being blown, the sticky rice is placed in a large basket, where villagers use chopsticks to stir it evenly, allowing the steam to escape. It is then left for a few hours before being sprinkled with water and pressed evenly. The next morning, the rice is steamed again, sorted, and loaded onto motorbikes for delivery across Hanoi.

Phu Thuong sticky rice is not only famous in everyday life. This special gift is also present in important national celebrations. Artisan Tuyen shared that Phu Thuong sticky rice often participates in festival booths promoting Hanoi's OCOP products. To date, five-color sticky rice, sweet sticky rice, and "xeo" sticky rice have earned the 4-star OCOP certification from the Hanoi People's Committee.

At the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2024 with the theme "Hanoi connecting five continents" taking place from November 29 to December 1, Phu Thuong sticky rice products continued to be invited to participate in the booth promoting traditional cuisine. With efforts to promote traditional products and the spirit of persistently preserving the craft village, Phu Thuong sticky rice positions the culinary brand of the capital, contributing to making Hanoi an attractive culinary destination for domestic and international friends.

Reaching the world

Mr. Nguyen Cong Bong, a local resident, said that it is not known when the sticky rice cooking profession in Phu Thuong village started, but his family alone has gone through four generations, and he is the 5th generation to follow the profession, nearly 50 years. Although the sticky rice cooking profession is very hard, the results are a point of pride because it is enthusiastically received by customers. Phu Thuong sticky rice has become famous far and wide; sticky rice cooks in the village are always aware of quality to be competitive, contributing to preserving the traditional features of the village. “Currently, Phu Thuong sticky rice is present in many places, not just around Hanoi, so I am trying to research and learn from other traditional products that have been exported. Not only does it help increase the economic value but it also helps the traditional beauty of Phu Thuong sticky rice reach out to the world,” Bong said.

Ms. Pham Thi Thuy Linh, Vice Chair of the Phu Thuong Ward People's Committee, said that the committee collaborated with the Social Policy Bank to provide preferential loans to sticky rice households, particularly supporting young entrepreneurs in developing traditional local businesses. They also coordinated with Tay Ho Electricity Company to provide electricity at a single price to support sticky rice households. The committee also organized sessions to share experiences and knowledge of sticky rice cooking from artisans of the craft village to sticky rice households in the area; and provided free stamps, labels and brand identification for products of Phu Thuong traditional sticky rice craft village.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Chi, Standing Deputy Chief of the Hanoi Coordination Office for New Rural Development: Phu Thuong sticky rice, recognized as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage, honors traditional occupations and promotes Hanoi's culinary heritage. Craft villages should focus on preserving traditions, attracting customers and diversifying products for sustainable growth.

To elevate Phu Thuong sticky rice, Tay Ho district should enhance promotion efforts, improve product quality and diversify offerings. Additionally, it is important to develop management skills and update knowledge for stakeholders to support growth and integration, Mr. Nguyen Van Chi said.

By Dan Ngoc, Vietnam Business Forum

The page is coordinated by the Hanoi Office of the Coordination of the New Rural Development Program