The festival is bustling with energy, yet imbued with a deep sense of tradition. Thousands of visitors not only enjoy signature dishes from Vietnam’s three regions but also take part in traditional craft activities such as making Bat Trang ceramics, rice paper, rush weaving, and wrapping Ka Tum leaf cakes.
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| Making rice paper by hand is one of the most popular activities for visitors. Photo: Bích Bông. |
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| Interestingly, many of the workshop guides at the handicraft booths are young people. Photo: Bích Bông. |
In the food section, artisan Ngoc Ha from Hau Giang has created a highlight with her corner of traditional Vietnamese cakes. She presents an array of local delicacies including bánh da lợn (steamed layered cake), bánh bò thốt nốt (palm sugar sponge cake), bánh phu thê (husband and wife cake), and a unique fusion of bánh bò and bánh da lợn.
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| Vietnamese cake artisan Ngọc Hà introduces Southern-style cakes to guests from Hanoi. Photo: Bích Bông. |
"I wanted to create a cake that blends textures - the soft chewiness of bánh bò and the silky layers of bánh da lợn. After many trials, I finally found the perfect balance of ingredients," Ngoc Ha shared.
Her cakes are sold at 15,000 to 30,000 VND per 100 grams, attracting many curious tasters and buyers looking for unique souvenirs. "I’m so happy to be part of this festival and to share traditional cake flavors with so many visitors. Many children are fascinated by the cake-making process at the booth, which makes me love my craft even more," she added.
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| The fusion cake of bánh da lợn and bánh bò by artisan Ngọc Hà. Photo: Bích Bông. |
In addition to food, visitors have the chance to participate in hands-on traditional craft activities near the festival entrance. These experiences offer deeper insight into regional cultures and craftsmanship: Bat Trang ceramics: Visitors shape and decorate pottery under the guidance of artisans; rice paper making: experience the traditional process of spreading, drying, and grilling rice paper; rush weaving: learn to craft handmade items from rush grass, a long-standing tradition in the Mekong Delta; Ka Tum leaf cake wrapping (a Khmer specialty): discover how this unique ethnic dish is prepared and cooked.
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| More than 50 booths were present at the festival. Photo: Bích Bông. |
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| Young people enjoy making Bat Trang ceramics. Photo: Bích Bông. |
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| A rush-weaving artisan at work. Photo: Bích Bông. |
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| Booths showcase a wide variety of Vietnamese cuisine. Photo: Bích Bông. |
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| Colorful sticky rice with grilled skewers and nem nướng (grilled pork rolls), priced at 30,000 VND/skewer, are crowd favorites during culinary festivals. Photo: Bích Bông. |
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| Despite the midday heat, the festival remained bustling with visitors. Photo: Bích Bông |
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| Various traditional Vietnamese cakes on display. Photo: Bích Bông. |
The festival also features artisan Ho Đac Thieu Anh, Deputy Director of the UNESCO Center for Vietnamese Culinary Culture. She showcases unique creations like a rose-shaped cake forming the map of Vietnam, mung bean cakes, and candied Buddha’s hand and tomatoes.
The Festival will continue through April 7, promising rich and immersive experiences in Vietnamese folk culture for both locals and tourists.
Bích Bông
