Bánh tét is the Vietnamese rice cake that is cylindrical, wrapped in banana leaves, and commonly filled with mung bean paste and pork.
The cake is made from glutinous rice and is prepared by wrapping the filling in leaves before boiling it for several hours. Slices reveal a central filling surrounded by sticky rice. Savory versions often contain mung beans and pork, while some regional or vegetarian versions use other fillings.
Bánh tét is especially associated with Tết celebrations in southern and central Vietnam. It is commonly cut into round slices and eaten with pickled vegetables or other savory accompaniments. The cylindrical shape makes it visually different from the square bánh chưng.
Both cakes are important Vietnamese New Year foods, which can cause confusion. Bánh chưng is traditionally square, while bánh tét is cylindrical. Names, fillings and wrapping methods can vary by region, but the shape remains the clearest standard distinction.