The ‘Taste of Southern Food’ festival opened at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday to honor the culinary culture of Vietnam's southern region and introduce local specialties to domestic and international tourists.
The annual festival, co-organized by Phu Tho Tourist Service JSC and Saigontourist Group, is set to wrap up on Sunday.
Delicacies showcased at 30 booths
The festival’s 30 booths are showcasing southern dishes prepared by 20 different local F&B brands, including a restaurant chain run by Saigontourist Group, Rach Gia Kien Giang Restaurant, the Vam Sat ecotourism area, Thuy Ta Restaurant, the Phu Tho Hotel, and other food producers from Ho Chi Minh City.
In the southern food area, visitors can savor hundreds of cakes and sweet soups prepared by the Binh Quoi Tourist Village.
Among the dishes representing the southwest region of Vietnam are banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepe), banh khot (mini savory Vietnamese pancake), and bi cuon (shredded pork skin spring roll).
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Crowds of revelers join a previous food festival. Photo: Supplied |
The festival also features a central-southeast food area which displays a host of local specialties.
A particularly special highlight is a demonstration of butchering a large tuna.
Visitors to the area can experience foods from the south-central province of Phu Yen, as well as the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau.
Scores of cultural and cuisine programs
A market featuring cattle and vegetables was built by the Dam Sen Cultural Park management board for the festival.
The fest also has a traditional crafts area with edible toy figurines, drawings, and calligraphy on display.
Many cultural programs, including lotto shows and don ca tai tu (southern folk music) performances, are also scheduled during the four-day fest.
The ABBA 80 music band and singer Do Hoang Phuc will perform at the festival.
At the ‘Taste of Southern Food’ contest, participants can show off their cooking skills.
A panel of judges will pick 11 of the most special dishes that meet all requirements on the use of ingredients, culinary skills, decoration, and meaning.
Entry tickets for the festival are priced at VND250,000 ($11) each.
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An artist performs at the opening ceremony of a previous edition of the ‘Taste of Southern Food’ festival. Photo: Supplied |
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