Seafood Delights: Foreigners Flock to South-Central Vietnam’s Culinary Festival
Many foreign visitors expressed their fascination with the 'treasures from the sea' at a recent fair, which was a delightful part of the 2024 Binh Dinh Essence of Sea and Land Festival. This wonderful event just concluded in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, in south-central Vietnam, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Binh Dinh Food Festival was a huge success, attracting thousands of tourists and locals alike. With over 100 booths showcasing the best of local cuisine and craft, the event offered a delightful experience for all.
Restaurants, food traders, and producers from the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) initiative presented their unique offerings, alongside traditional craft villages from Binh Dinh Province and beyond.
A highlight for many was the opportunity to taste dishes prepared by renowned chefs from the region. The sizzling banh xeo crepes, filled with tuna and seafood, and the banh it la gai sticky rice dumplings wrapped in ramie leaves, were particularly popular.
Visitors indulging in ‘banh it la gai’, a sticky rice dumpling wrapped in ramie leaves. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
James, a traveler from the UK, expressed his delight: “I love the dishes here, especially the seafood and grilled options. The flavors are fantastic and truly delicious.”
The festival also featured folk toy booths, which captivated both foreign visitors and children alike. Local artisans showcased their skills, bringing a sense of nostalgia to the event, especially for residents like Nguyen Thi An Binh from Quy Nhon City.
Chefs collaborating on a giant ‘banh xeo’ crepe, a highlight of the festival. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
A Japanese chef skillfully prepares tuna fillets, showcasing international culinary techniques. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
Foreign visitors intrigued by the traditional folk toys on display. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
Grilled squid stuffed with meat, a mouth-watering treat for visitors. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
A vibrant display of dishes, a feast for the eyes and the palate. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
Crowds gathering at the food booths, eager to sample the culinary delights. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
Seafood galore! A variety of fresh options attract visitors. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
A visitor captures the colorful folk toys on display, a testament to the rich cultural heritage. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
Vo Tan Sy, chairman of the Saigon Bartenders Association, prepares unique cocktails with Bau Da wine, a renowned local alcohol. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre
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Vietnamese food is known to be both healthy and robust in flavour, thanks its generous combination of fresh herbs and greens, paired with rice, noodles, seafood, pork and beef. While many cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer plenty of fine-dining venues and five-star hotel restaurants decked out in extravagant settings, some of the best (and most authentic) Vietnamese delicacies are actually found at roadside eateries, vibrant street markets, and humble-looking restaurants. A typical meal includes rice or noodles, a meat or seafood dish, a vegetable dish, soup and nuoc cham (fermented fish sauce) for dipping, each of which can easily customised according to your preference. Here’s a helpful guide on what to eat in Vietnam, most of which can be enjoyed just about any time of the day. While most are familiar with pho or spring rolls, there’s a wide range of Vietnamese dishes only available in certain regions so be sure to try them out during your visit.
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