Ho Chi Minh City is organizing the 2nd Banh Mi Festival, expected to attract around 100,000 visitors for exploration and experiences.
The first Banh Mi Festival attracted a large number of people and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Linh Huynh.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism announced that the 2nd Vietnam Banh Mi Festival will take place from May 17th to 19th at Le Van Tam Park, District 1, aiming to welcome 100,000 visitors. This year’s event will carry the theme “Vietnamese Banh Mi – World Culinary Value.”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, stated that the festival is not just an entertainment event but also a cultural tourism product with a strong Vietnamese essence. The festival will feature activities promoting Vietnamese culinary culture, providing a space for visitors to learn about the history of banh mi through different eras.
The festival will gather approximately 130-150 booths, including renowned banh mi brands with over 50 years of history, restaurants serving banh mi accompaniments, and suppliers of seasoning ingredients and bakery equipment.
Chefs will also showcase 150 dishes paired with banh mi, displayed on a giant banh mi model. These diverse dishes are prepared from local specialties across various regions that contribute to the unique taste of Vietnamese banh mi.
Those who love condensed milk on banh mi will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary banh mi, reminiscent of childhood flavors, during specific hours.
Additionally, there will be specialized workshops such as the “Vietnamese Banh Mi in World Tourism and Cuisine” seminar.
Organizers emphasized the top priority of ensuring food safety and hygiene, with the Food Safety Department coordinating closely to implement and monitor standards. This year’s festival is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors for exploration and experiences.
Addressing concerns from last year’s event leaning more towards a market atmosphere than a festival, Ms. Khanh mentioned that this year’s organizers are striving to offer residents and tourists a cultural and festive experience alongside business and networking activities.
Last year, the event was expected to draw 50,000 visitors, but the actual attendance reached 100,000 over four days.
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