In recent days, Le Loi Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) have become bustling with the event of the 3-region Traditional Cake Festival held to celebrate the 24th anniversary of Vietnamese Family Day (June 28, 2001 - June 28, 2025).
The festival attracts a large number of locals as well as international tourists to visit and explore the culinary quintessence of the three regions of the North - Central - South.
Right from the entrance, the festival atmosphere was filled with colors, sounds and flavors. The stalls were beautifully decorated, the vendors were always enthusiastic and ready to introduce each typical dish of their hometown to diners.
Welcome gate outside the festival
The festival brings together many traditional cakes, notably banh xeo, banh khot, banh duc... along with a series of Western cakes such as banh la, banh chuoi, banh bo... All are prepared by dedicated chefs and artisans, with the desire to preserve and spread the traditional flavors of Vietnam.
One of the highlights that attracts many people is the bamboo rice stall - a dish with a strong mountain flavor, now made more colorful by combining upland sticky rice and specialty rice. The colorful bamboo rice tubes are not only eye-catching but also retain the culinary soul of the mountainous region.
Hundreds of traditional cakes from 3 regions gathered
At the coconut cake stall, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Vi, from Ben Tre , said that these cakes have been with her family for more than 20 years. Therefore, she wanted to bring them to the city so that more people could enjoy them.
"Most of the ingredients are prepared and cooked on site by me, only the most special ones have to be transported from the countryside. This is a traditional family dish, passed down through many generations, so I am very proud," said Ms. Vi.
Bamboo rice – the quintessence of mountain cuisine – is now breathed new life through the creative hands of artisans, with a variety of colors from upland sticky rice and specialty rice, bringing a richness that is both unique and traditional.
Mr. Huynh Thanh Tan - owner of a banh xeo stall from District 7, Ho Chi Minh City - brought to the festival crispy, golden banh xeo and banh khot. "I have been selling these dishes for many years at my stall, and they are traditional dishes familiar to every Vietnamese family. Thanks to this occasion, I have the opportunity to bring the dishes closer to more people" - he shared.
Booths selling rice rolls, wet rice cakes and sticky rice cakes of all kinds
Famous Vung Tau Banh Khot stall
The festival atmosphere is even more exciting thanks to the crowds of people visiting and shopping. Not only food, this place also sells clothes, accessories, bracelets, and all kinds of souvenirs. The entertainment area is equally bustling, with stalls for folk games such as animal shooting and bingo, making anyone passing by want to stop and try their luck.
Mr. Nam, a student, said that he had just entered the festival and had time to enjoy a few dishes. "The pancakes here are delicious, with the true taste of the West. The prices are also reasonable, suitable for students like me. If there is an organization next year, I will definitely invite my friends to go with me," he said.
The Folk Cake Festival has turned a central street corner of District 1 into a miniature countryside. The rich aroma of coconut milk, the thin smoke rising from the pancake pan, the green of pandan leaves, the purple of purple leaves…, all blend together to create a culinary picture that is both familiar and full of pride.
This is not only a place to fill a hungry stomach, but also to soothe nostalgia, remind the elderly of their childhood, and bring an interesting cultural experience to the young.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/hang-ngan-nguoi-do-ve-ngay-hoi-banh-dan-gian-3-mien-o-trung-tam-tp-hcm-196250628162635183.htm
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