Thousands of people flock to the 3-region Traditional Cake Festival in downtown Ho Chi Minh City

(NLDO) - The 3-region Traditional Cake Festival opened on June 26 and will last until July 2, attracting a large number of locals and tourists.

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 displayed, the sellers were always enthusiastic, ready to introduce each typical dish of their hometown to diners.

The 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 three 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 dish of my family, passed down through many generations, so I am very proud" - Ms. Vi said.

Bamboo rice – the quintessence of mountain cuisine – is now given a new soul through the creative hands of artisans, with a variety of colors from 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 crispy, golden banh xeo and banh khot to the festival. "I have been selling these dishes for many years at the shop, 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.

Stalls selling rice rolls, wet rice cakes and various types of rice cakes

Famous Vung Tau Banh Khot stall

The festival atmosphere is even more vibrant 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 authentic taste of the West. The prices are also reasonable, suitable for students like me. If the festival is organized next year, I will definitely invite my friends to come along" - he said.

The Traditional 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 color of pandan leaves, the purple color 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 homesickness, remind the elderly of 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