Hundreds of culinary specialties from the three main regions of Vietnam are on offer at a food festival in Nha Trang City, a popular beach destination in Vietnam’s south-central Khanh Hoa Province.

Local foodies and visitors can try a wide variety of food items displayed at some 90 booths at the gastronomic event, scheduled to take place from Friday to next Tuesday at a seaside park along Tran Phu Avenue and hosted by the Khanh Hoa Culinary Culture Association in coordination with relevant agencies.

Le Thi Hong Minh, chairwoman of the association, revealed that each night of the festival will feature a different theme, such as ‘Birthplace of seafood delicacies’, ‘Sea melodies’, ‘Ocean gifts’, or ‘Footprints in the sand’.

Chefs will display their cooking skills at the event by preparing and cooking local delicacies, such as Phu Thuong sticky rice and pho Le Gia originating from northern Vietnam; Nghe An eel soup, mi Quang (Quang noodles), bun bo hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup) from the central region; or Le Chi shrimp balls and bun nuoc leo (noodle soup) from the south.

Oc chao, a famous snail snack of Nha Trang City, is on offer at the food festival. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

The highlight of the event is an exhibition showcasing a tower made of numerous loaves of banh mi, a Vietnamese baguette served with various fillings, that measures three meters high and six meters long.

The food festival also houses a booth offering Nha Trang-style banh mi to food lovers.

Artem Perv, a Russian tourist, said, “This is my first time trying lots of Vietnamese dishes, with many booths offering their food at no charge.

“Vietnam has a diverse food culture, especially grilled foods that taste so good.

“I posted some photos of these dishes on Instagram and got many likes,” he shared.

Hoang Nhu Quynh, a visitor from central Binh Dinh Province, shared, “I’m impressed by the food fest which could woo many visitors from near and far.

“I think the best way to promote the culture of a country is through cuisine and clothing,” Quynh said.

Hoang Van Vinh, chairman of the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association, expressed his hope that tourism businesses will improve the quality of their products and services through this festival, contributing to efforts to promote local tourism.

A female chef is making a Vietnamese traditional dish at the food festival. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

Some booths at the food festival offer food items at the same price. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

A booth at the food festival showcases Nha Trang-style banh mi. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

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