THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi People’s Committee is excited to announce that the “Pho Festival 2025” will take place at the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel from April 18 to 20. This festival celebrates the iconic Vietnamese dish, offering attendees a unique opportunity to delve into its history, discover regional variations, and understand its cultural significance.
By preserving Hanoi’s traditional food culture and showcasing the city’s culinary excellence, the festival emphasizes Hanoi’s position as a leading culinary and cultural tourism destination.
The essence of Hanoi captured in a bowl of Pho. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times
This year’s theme, “Pho and AI Technology,” presents an innovative twist by combining traditional cuisine with modern advancements. Through the use of AI technology, visitors will be guided to pho stalls that align with their personal tastes, offering a unique and personalized dining experience while showcasing the intersection of food and technology.
With over 50 pho stalls representing different regions of Vietnam, the festival promises a flavorful journey. While Hanoi’s iconic pho will take center stage, visitors will also get to explore variations from Nam Dinh, the highlands, and southern regions, each with its distinct flavors and preparation techniques. The festival will also include cooking demonstrations, providing a deeper understanding of the dish’s cultural significance.
The intricate process of crafting a bowl of Pho. Photo: Duy Khanh/ The Hanoi Times
Beyond the delicious food, the festival will feature discussions and performances that celebrate the role of pho in Vietnamese culture. The Pho Heritage Story Space will take visitors on a journey through time, uncovering the dish’s evolution from street food to a symbol of national identity. Additionally, hands-on workshops will allow participants to try their hand at making pho and other street food favorites, such as quay (fried dough sticks), often enjoyed alongside a bowl of pho.
The Pho Festival 2025 invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions surrounding one of Hanoi’s most beloved dishes.
With its renowned reputation both domestically and internationally, Hanoi Pho has been bestowed the title of National Intangible Heritage. This recognition elevates the status of the dish and establishes a framework for preserving and promoting pho recipes and the pho culture for generations to come.
