Cham Ginger Cookies – The Taste of Traditional Heritage

Amid the rich culinary heritage of the Cham people, ginger cookies (Ginrong Laya in the Cham language) are more than just a traditional delicacy. They symbolize fidelity, community solidarity, and the preservation of cultural memories passed down through generations.

Despite the passage of time and changing situations, these cookies with their golden hue and ginger aroma, continue to play a crucial role in significant Cham festivals, acting as a connection between history and modernity.

Upon initial observation, many individuals might regard ginger cookies as an uncomplicated treat. Nonetheless, producing a cookie that adheres to traditional standards in both appearance and taste demands a careful, multi-step process along with meticulous attention to detail.

The primary ingredients consist of aromatic glutinous rice flour, fresh ginger, duck eggs, granulated sugar, and a modest amount of rice wine yeast. The glutinous rice is thoughtfully chosen, ground into a fine flour, and then dried. Following this, the flour is combined with whisked duck eggs and boiling water to obtain the desired elasticity.

Nguyen Thi Mai from Binh Duc Village in Bac Binh Commune, who has dedicated over fifty years to the preservation of the traditional Cham ginger cookie craft, shared

“In the Cham language, Ginrong translates to ‘claw’ while Laya means ‘ginger root.’ The cookie is shaped like a ginger root and has a unique flavor. It is a vital treat during Cham festivals, particularly the Katê Festival. For the Cham community, ginger cookies serve as offerings to ancestors, symbolizing hopes for prosperity, joy, and health.”
Once the dough is thoroughly kneaded and pounded to achieve the ideal consistency, it is divided into smaller pieces for shaping. This phase is regarded as the most evident showcase of the skill and artistry of Cham women.

Dan Thi Son from Bac Binh Commune stated: “As each cookie is crafted entirely by hand, the process demands both patience and precision. In addition to the traditional ginger-root design, numerous artisans are now producing patterns influenced by Cham daily life, as well as motifs like fish, coral, and other symbols thought to bring good luck.”

After being shaped, the cookies are cooked in hot oil. Throughout the frying process, the artisan uses chopsticks and a spatula to gently press each side, ensuring they maintain their original form. Once they acquire a deep golden hue, they are immersed in a syrup made from caramelized sugar and fresh ginger before being set aside to dry. This technique provides them with their characteristic crisp texture and prolongs their freshness.

The completed product is enrobed in a fine layer of white sugar, delivering a subtle sweetness, a pleasing crunch, and the unique warm scent of ginger.

In addition to their delicious taste, ginger cookies are tied to an enchanting Cham legend. This tale recounts the devotion of Nai Chrao Cho Pho, a wife who waited patiently for her husband, who had set sail on a military mission. Overwhelmed by her yearning, she prepared Ginrong Laya (ginger cookies) and delivered them to the shore, relying on fish and shrimp as messengers to convey her desire for her husband’s safe return.

With the passage of time, her spouse never returned, and no news of him was ever received. Remaining committed to her loyalty, the wife ultimately turned into stone on the beach. The ginger cookies she had presented transformed into vibrant coral reefs beneath the waters of Ca Na. Since that time, ginger cookies have represented steadfast loyalty and lasting marital devotion.

In Cham traditions, ginger cookies also have unique importance in wedding rituals, symbolizing the balance of yin and yang. If bánh tét signifies the husband and sakaya cake represents the wife, then ginger cookies illustrate the enduring connection and lasting unity between the partners.

For the Cham community, the preparation of ginger cookies transcends mere cooking; it serves as a chance for the community to unite. With the Katê, Ramưwan, or Rija Nưgar festivals on the horizon, village women convene to gather ingredients, mill rice into flour, and craft the cookies by hand.

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We make these cookies not only to honor our ancestors but also to preserve the customs and traditions passed down by our forebears

Luong Thi Hoa, Bac Binh Commune, Lam Dong Province

Currently, ginger cookies are not just limited to the Cham community; they have transformed into a cultural item that draws visitors from both nearby and distant locations. At the Po Sah Inu Tower Relic Site, artisans from Bac Binh, Ham Thuan, and Ham Thuan Bac are frequently invited to showcase the traditional cookie-making technique to tourists during the Katê Festival.