Pho Festival 2025 celebrates national culinary icon

THE HANOI TIMES – The Pho Festival 2025 opened on April 18 at UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel offering different tastes of national iconic dish - pho - from different parts of the nation and disseminate international interpretations of the dish.

Running from April 18-20, the festival themed "The Essence of Vietnamese Pho - A Heritage in the Digital Age" brings together pho brands nationwide, with each booth offers its own flavor, from the souped-up broths of the northwest, the classic recipe of Nam Dinh and Hanoi, to the vibrant flavors of the central and southern regions.

Visitors can explore the journey of pho through the regions, with each stall showcasing its own ingredients, cooking techniques, and stories behind the recipe. Together, they paint a diverse portrait of how pho has evolved while retaining its signature flavor.

More than a culinary celebration, the festival reflects Vietnam's ambition to elevate pho as a global cultural ambassador and rally international support for its candidacy for UNESCO inscription on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List.

Alongside pho, guests can try other traditional Hanoi flavors, such as Mau Dich (state-owned shop) beer and lotus-scented tea. The program also features a series of cultural side events, including pho-making workshops, culinary demonstrations, traditional music performances, traditional costume displays and artist meet-and-greets.

Pho Festival 2025 welcomes tourists, especially from overseas, to enjoy the rich flavors of Vietnam and learn about the origins of its most famous dish during three days of culinary and cultural events.