Com Tu Le

Com Tu Le is a beloved delicacy from Yên Bái Province, crafted by the skilled hands of ethnic Thai people. It is made from nếp Tan, a fragrant sticky rice grown on the terraced fields of Tú Lệ Valley. When autumn arrives, the rice is harvested while still young and green, then carefully roasted and pounded. The process requires patience and experience to produce soft, chewy flakes with a gentle aroma. The finished product captures the essence of the harvest season in the Northwest mountains.

The flavor of Com Tu Le is pure and natural, with a slight sweetness and the rich scent of fresh rice. People often enjoy it plain, wrapped in lotus leaves, or served with ripe bananas. Some turn it into other traditional treats like com xao (stir-fried cốm) or banh com (green rice cake). No additives are used, making the dish both wholesome and symbolic. It is not just food, but a way to honor the rhythm of the earth and ancestral wisdom.

Com is especially important during the autumn festivals and is often given as a gift to express gratitude and respect. During the harvest season are drawn by the scent of roasting rice and the peaceful rural life. For locals, making cốm is a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Each handful carries memories, culture, and pride in the land. Com Tu Le is a humble but deeply meaningful dish of Vietnam’s mountainous north.