Ho Chi Minh City's beloved banh mi sandwich takes center stage at the upcoming Banh Mi Festival. From March 21-24, the crispy, tasty Vietnamese street food will be celebrated alongside flavorful local coffee at the 3-day extravaganza.
The festival aims to showcase two of Ho Chi Minh's most iconic foods to locals and visitors alike. In addition to incredible eats, you can expect cultural exchanges, record-breaking attempts, cooking demos, a historical exhibition, and more. Keep reading to discover why this year's festival is set to be the biggest and best yet.
100 Seafood Banh Mi Displayed in Record Attempt
A headline attraction is the ambitious attempt to set a new record for the world's longest line of seafood banh mi. 100 of these mouthwatering sandwiches will be artfully arranged in a massive, 72-foot long, boat-shaped display. This signifies banh mi's rising popularity beyond Vietnam's shores.
The current banh mi line record stands at 43.5 feet. Will this bold bid sail to success? Visitors can find out while enjoying the sights and smells of banh mi, Vietnamese-style.
Discover Banh Mi's Evolution at Exhibition
Alongside the record attempt, the festival will showcase key moments in banh mi's journey from humble French-Vietnamese origins to global phenomenon.
The "Banh Mi Through the Years" exhibition will highlight milestones via food displays and historical imagery. You'll gain insight into how banh mi has been adapted across cultures, with diverse interpretations.
FAQ:
What are the festival's main attractions?
Key highlights include a 100-seafood banh mi world record attempt, a banh mi history exhibition called "Banh Mi Through the Years", cooking demos, meet-and-greets with chefs, and a global banh mi and coffee buffet.
What health precautions are planned?
Organizers said food safety is critical. There will be health and hygiene inspections at the 150+ food booths expected. Masks and social distancing are recommended when possible.
How many people are expected to attend?
Over 150,000 visitors are expected across the 3-day festival. In 2021, nearly 150,000 people attended, up from 100,000 at the first event in 2020. The festival grows more popular yearly.