Nguyen Thi Khanh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, revealed exciting details about the upcoming third Vietnam Bánh Mì Festival during a press conference held in the city on Tuesday.
Mark your calendars for this delicious event, as it will be taking over Le Van Tam Park in District 1 from March 21 to 24, offering four days of culinary delights and cultural exchange.
It’s been 14 years since banh mi earned its place in the Oxford Dictionary, and this festival celebrates its enduring popularity and cultural significance.
Get ready for a tasty treat, as the festival will feature cultural exchanges, culinary delights, a trip down memory lane with an exhibition on the history of banh mi, and a grand feast fit for a king (or queen) with 100 dishes showcasing the versatility of banh mi. A record-breaking event you won’t want to miss!
Khanh shared that the festival will have between 150 and 180 booths, and they are expecting over 150,000 visitors from near and far. It’s not just a local affair; the festival has caught the attention of food lovers and cultural enthusiasts worldwide.
Speaking of international appeal, an American partner is eager to bring a taste of Vietnam to the U.S. with plans to host a banh mi festival overseas in the near future. “Our responsibility is to introduce Vietnam’s banh mi to the world,” Khanh asserted, with the first international event slated for September.
The Sydney Tourism Association from Australia is also jumping on the banh mi bandwagon, sending a delegation of 18 businesses to participate in the festival. With such global interest, the Vietnam Bánh Mì Festival is well on its way to becoming a renowned cultural event.
Building on the success of the previous two editions, Khanh expressed confidence in the festival’s growing reputation and reach. This year, they aim to take it up a notch, attracting even more tourists and offering an immersive experience that celebrates the unique flavors and traditions of Vietnam.
But it’s not just about the taste buds; food safety takes the front seat at this event. Khanh emphasized that all participating units must have food safety certifications, ensuring that visitors can indulge in the delicious offerings without a worry.
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| Kao Sieu Luc, General Director of Asia Bakery – Confectionery JSC, shares his insights at the press conference for the third Vietnam Bánh Mì Festival. Luc highlighted the unique qualities of Vietnam’s banh mi, which has gained international recognition. Photo: Thao Thuong / Tuoi Tre |
A Sandwich Like No Other
For those unfamiliar, banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich with a twist. It starts with a short baguette, but the magic happens when it’s filled with a mouthwatering combination of meat, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people worldwide.
In 2024, the culinary website TasteAtlas ranked Vietnamese banh mi as the number one sandwich in the world out of 100 contenders. It’s not just a sandwich; it’s an experience.
Kao Sieu Luc, General Director of Asia Bakery – Confectionery JSC, shed light on what makes Vietnam’s banh mi so unique. “It’s not your typical ‘bake,'” he explained. “While it has a crispy exterior, the inside is soft and spongy, making it a delight to eat.”
The popularity of banh mi knows no borders, with its presence now spanning the globe, from the UK to the US, Germany to Singapore. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of this humble sandwich, and one of Luc’s students has even successfully launched a banh mi chain overseas.
Pham Son Vuong, chairman of the Saigon Professional Chefs’ Guild, highlighted the continuous innovation that sets Vietnamese banh mi apart. While other countries may offer standard sandwiches, Vietnam takes it to the next level, introducing new banh mi products annually and using traditional fillings to compete on the international stage.
The Vietnam Bánh Mì Festival is more than just a food festival; it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the unique flavors that make Vietnam so captivating. Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the ultimate banh mi experience!
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