Visitors can admire works of art made from fragrant sticky rice grains and listen to stories about the villagers' love for their craft.

Phu Thuong sticky rice has long been famous for its unique, fragrant, and chewy texture, thanks to a secret recipe passed down through generations: steaming it twice. The previous afternoon, the glutinous rice is soaked thoroughly, washed clean, and then steamed for the first time. Around 3 or 4 in the morning, while the streets are still sleepy, the lights in the houses of the craft village are already on. The fire is red again, steam rises, and the sticky rice is steamed a second time for a more perfect flavor. Around 5 or 6 in the morning, baskets full of sticky rice are carried by vendors throughout Hanoi , bringing with them the aroma of freshly steamed rice to awaken the day.

People of Phu Thuong with the Sticky Rice Festival in 2026.

That rhythm of life has become a habit for many families here. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, a member of Branch 1 of the Phu Thuong Traditional Sticky Rice Village Association, shared that to make delicious sticky rice, in addition to choosing top-quality glutinous rice, each grain must be meticulously cleaned. She makes the shredded pork herself, carefully attending to each step to satisfy even the most discerning customers. Nearly 20 years ago, when Phu Thuong transformed from a village into a town, and rice paddies gradually gave way to houses, many families were understandably worried.

“My husband and I had three young children, and we left the fields without knowing where to turn for a living. Then we returned to the traditional sticky rice cooking business of our village. That small stall selling sticky rice helped us get through the most difficult times,” Hong recalled.

Perhaps that's why the annual sticky rice festival is not only to honor the craft but also an occasion for people to remember the contributions of their ancestors, those who founded and kept the craft alive. It's also a place for spring gatherings, where the people of Phu Thuong share experiences, encourage each other in business, and work together to build a more prosperous ward.

This year, the festival took place amidst a light spring rain, with a somewhat modest venue, but the atmosphere remained vibrant. Besides cultural performances and folk games, the highlight of the festival was still the sticky rice. The sticky rice and sweet soup here not only awaken the taste buds with their rich aroma but also captivate the eye with their meticulously crafted colors, shapes, and patterns. All are natural, eco-friendly, and safe products. Under the skillful hands of the artisans, the sticky rice is transformed into soft, delicate works of art.

The most vibrant event is undoubtedly the sticky rice cooking competition, a precious tradition connecting generations of the craft village. Over the years, the people of Phu Thuong have poured into their sticky rice dishes not only creativity but also pride in the essence of their ancestors' skills.

The supplementary competition, titled "Cries from the Five Gates," further enlivened the atmosphere. The simple, familiar cries of street vendors selling sticky rice, once echoing throughout Hanoi's five gates, were vividly recreated. Each round of applause from the audience served as a measure of the teams' ability to inspire, as if an entire realm of memories had been awakened.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Vice President of the Phu Thuong Traditional Sticky Rice Village Association, said: "In the digital age, many members have promoted and taught their craft on online platforms, expanding their market and connecting with customers everywhere. But the festival remains a spiritual anchor, a place that the people of Phu Thuong always look to. No matter where they cook, they remind each other to maintain their reputation, ensure food safety and hygiene, so that the aroma of sticky rice from their traditional village will forever remain fragrant in the hearts of those who enjoy it."

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/huong-xoi-thuc-pho-1030273