A Vietnamese New Year party consists of the following foods: traditional dishes, tea, betel, areca and Mut Tet. The latter refers to fruits and vegetables that have been preserved, canned, and stored for a long period of time.

Mut Tet can be made from all kinds of fruit, such as mandarin orange, apple, lemon, banana, coconut, persimmon and breadfruit. While vegetables that can be processed into Mut Tet are ginger, carrots, potatoes and squash. A gelling agent called pectin is usually used in the preservation process. If it's not available or depending on the maker's preference, sugar or honey can also be utilized.

Among the many kinds of Mut Tet available in the market, the one made from rose petals or peach blossoms is the most popular. This is made by first cleaning and soaking the raw materials, soaking them in sugar, and then cooking until they become dry.

Aside from the different types of fruits and vegeatables, there are also varying ways of preparing Mut Tet. While the traditional recipe is composed of a thin layer of sugar, some varieties have a jam-like characteristic of a sticky consistency. Another kind has a thick layer of sugar like a peanut jam. This is called the Cu Lac.

The Hang Dieu or Hang Duong Streets in Old Quarter in Hanoi are known for selling this famous delicacy. The cold season is the best time to eat Mut Tet accompanied by a warm cup of tea. Different kinds of preserved fruits and vegetables can be placed together in one serving, creating a colorful and sweet experience one will surely cherish.