Thg 1 16, 2025

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a Vietnamese-Inspired Crystal Candy Recipe 🍬

As the world gears up to celebrate the Lunar New Year, one of the most vibrant and meaningful holidays in many Asian cultures, the spotlight often turns to traditional foods with symbolic significance. Among these is candy, a sweet treat that embodies the hope for prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the coming year. For those looking to bring a taste of tradition to their celebrations, Silky Gem's Vietnamese-inspired crystal candy offers a unique way to honour this rich cultural heritage.

Read on to explore the importance of candy during the Lunar New Year, we will also be sharing a delightful recipe for crystal candy that you can make at home to celebrate!

Or, why not try out or limited edition Crystal Moon collection! Available exclusively this Lunar New Year, you’ll find three new flavors, including our brand new Lunar New Year/Valentine's Gem Cut! 🍬

The Role of Candy in Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also known as Tết in Vietnam, is a time for family reunions, honouring ancestors, and welcoming a fresh start. Food plays a central role in the festivities, with each dish carrying a deeper meaning. Candy, in particular, symbolises sweetness and prosperity, meant to bring luck and ensure the year ahead is filled with joy.

During this season, families prepare elaborate trays of candy, fruit, and nuts, collectively known as "mứt Tết" in Vietnam. These trays are offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality and shared among loved ones to foster connections. The vibrant colors and sweet flavors are believed to attract positive energy and blessings to the household.

Crystal candy, with its shimmering appearance and light sweetness, perfectly encapsulates the themes of prosperity and renewal. Its translucent, gem-like quality represents clarity and brightness in life.

How to Make Vietnamese-Inspired Crystal Candy

Creating crystal candy at home is a fun and rewarding way to engage with Lunar New Year traditions. Not only does it make a dazzling addition to your home, but it also serves as a meaningful gift for friends and family.

Here’s a simple recipe to bring this delightful treat to life:

Ingredients

2 cups of sugar or agar (we use agar at Silky Gem)
1 cup of water
Food coloring (optional)
Flavor extracts (such as vanilla, coconut, or pandan)
A pinch of citric acid (for a hint of tartness)
Edible glitter or gold flakes (for a luxurious touch, much like our new trio collection!)

Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment: Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Have a candy thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature.
Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar or agar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Heat the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stop stirring and let it cook until the temperature reaches 150°C (300°F), also known as the hard crack stage.
Add Color and Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in your desired food coloring and flavor extracts. Be cautious, as the mixture will be extremely hot.
Create the Candy: Carefully pour the syrup onto the prepared baking tray. Allow it to spread naturally or tilt the tray gently for even thickness. For added glamour, sprinkle edible glitter or gold flakes over the surface.
Cool and Break: Let the candy cool completely until it hardens. Once set, use a hammer or knife to break it into small pieces. Alternatively, whilst it is still in its jelly form, cut into gem-like pieces.
Store: Keep your crystal candy in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture.

The Symbolism Behind the Recipe

Each ingredient and step in creating crystal candy carries symbolic weight, aligning with the themes of Lunar New Year:

Sugar: Represents sweetness and the hope for a joyful year.
Colors: Red and gold are especially auspicious, symbolising luck and wealth.
Shapes: The irregular, gem-like shards resemble treasures, reminding us to value the blessings in our lives.

How to Incorporate Crystal Candy into Your Celebrations

Crystal candy can be a stunning addition to your Lunar New Year festivities. Here are some creative ways to include it:

Candy Trays: Add it to a traditional mứt Tết tray alongside dried fruits, candied ginger, and roasted watermelon seeds.
Gift Boxes: Package the candy in decorative boxes or jars as thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
Decorations: Use the candy as edible décor for cakes and desserts, adding a touch of sparkle to your celebration spread. Take a look at some of our other recipes we have shared.
Table Centrepiece: Arrange the candy in a glass bowl or dish as a centrepiece that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Prosperity in Every Sweet Bite

As you prepare for the Lunar New Year, let crystal candy remind you of the hope and promise that the holiday represents. By blending traditional symbolism with the modern charm of Silky Gem’s Vietnamese-inspired recipes, you can create a celebration that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.

Don't miss out on our limited edition Crystal Moon collection! Available exclusively this Lunar New Year, you’ll find: Mango Tamarind, Grapefruit + Jam and Lychee + Guava, our exclusive Lunar New Year/Valentine's Gem Cut!

From our family at Silky Gem to yours, chúc mừng năm mới—Happy New Year!