The third day of the third lunar month is the Cold Foods Festival. From the early hours of the day, which falls on April 22 this year, Hanoians have been busy making and buying floating cakes.
Sticky rice balls are sold by shops throughout Hanoi’s traditional markets, including Hang Be and Cau Dong markets.
Shops boast ready-made cakes, as well as the right ingredients to make fresh cakes for their customers.
It is estimated that each business consumes 80 kg to 100 kg of rice powder to make floating cakes in the morning.
Phuong, a trader working at Cau Dong market, says her family often stays up all night to make enough cakes in order to meet consumer demand this day.
Dozens of employees are constantly working as they strive to meet customer demand.
Wet markets are bustling on the morning of April 22 as locals prepare floating cakes to worship their ancestors during the Cold Food Festival.