Water fern cake is made from three main components: the water fern cake (rice cakes), the vegetarian filling, and the vegetarian dipping sauce. The key difference between vegetarian water fern cake and regular water fern cake lies in the filling and sauce. While regular water fern cake typically contains shrimp and is served with sweet fish sauce, vegetarian water fern cake features fillings like mung beans, fried bread crumbs, and dried seaweed, paired with a vegetarian or soy sauce. The filling can vary depending on the creativity of the cook or the restaurant.

To create the perfect water fern cake, high-quality rice is selected, soaked, and ground into a smooth batter. This batter is then mixed with water and tapioca starch to achieve the desired consistency. The batter should be smooth yet maintain a certain level of elasticity.

The next step is to steam the rice cakes. Cooks pour the batter into small dishes, often coated with a layer of oil to prevent sticking and steam them until fully cooked. The steaming process requires high heat to ensure that the cakes are evenly cooked and have a creamy white color.

In parallel with the rice cake preparation, the vegetarian filling is prepared. Mung beans are boiled, peeled, and mashed, serving as a substitute for shrimp in traditional water fern cake. Bread crumbs, fried until golden brown, and sautéed scallions with cooking oil are also used to create a flavorful filling.

For the dipping sauce, a vegetarian fish sauce is prepared by mixing water and sugar in a 1:1 ratio, then allowing it to cool before adding sliced fresh chili for extra flavor.

After steaming, the rice cakes are carefully removed from the dishes, allowed to cool, and then adorned with the prepared fillings in layers: scallion oil, mashed mung beans, fried bread crumbs, and dried seaweed (if available). Combining sweet rice cakes with the savory flavors of scallion oil, fried bread crumbs, and mung beans creates a delightful balance that showcases the skill and dedication of the chef.

Enjoying vegetarian water fern cake in Huế, especially during special occasions like the lunar new year or full moon festivals, offers a unique cultural and culinary experience. As the poet Nam Trân once said, "Huế's land and people are naturally beautiful and poetic. With its vegetarian traditions, Huế becomes even more beautiful and poetic in the hearts of its people."

With the creativity of each individual, vegetarian water fern cakes in Huế can be presented with a variety of visually appealing fillings.

Today, when visiting Huế, tourists can savor vegetarian water fern cake at various vegetarian restaurants throughout the city. Some recommended places to try this delightful dish in Huế include:

Exploring Huế's vegetarian cuisine is a must for anyone visiting this historic city, and vegetarian water fern cake is undoubtedly one of its most delightful offerings.

Tĩnh Garden Vegetarian (140 Phan Bội Châu, Trường An Ward, Huế City)
Liên Hoa Vegetarian (3 Lê Quý Đôn, Phú Hội Ward, Huế City)
An Nhiên Garden Vegetarian Restaurant (Provincial Highway 10, Phú Thượng Ward, Huế City)
Sân Mây Vegetarian Restaurant (8 Thanh Tịnh, Vỹ Dạ Ward, Huế City)