Ho Chi Minh CityThe "4th Vietnam Banh Mi Fest 2026" will be held April 23–26 at the city's Le Van Tam Park. It's a large gourmet event expecting more than 150 booths and over 200,000 visitors — a notable celebration that also incorporates Japan-Vietnam food-culture exchange under the theme "the value of Vietnamese food spreading to the world."
News overview
The theme of the Banh Mi Fest, marking its fourth year, is "Vietnamese Banh Mi — Global Food Value Spreading Beyond Continents." Banh mi, a Vietnamese-original take on the baguette handed down from France, has now taken hold as a world-famous street food.
More than 150 booths will exhibit at the venue, with over 50 kinds of vegetarian banh mi also making their debut. Members of the French Chamber of Commerce also participate, and an area themed on the fusion of French and Vietnamese food culture is set up. Photo spots are also plentiful, such as a gate combining the Eiffel Tower and lotus flowers, and a display of an airplane made of banh mi.
Ho Chi Minh CityAccording to the head of the city tourism association, banh mi has achieved a unique evolution over more than 150 years of history. The balance of ingredients, cooking method, and flavor is why it's praised around the world, and they comment that they will keep developing it as a representative of global food culture.
Vietnamese readers' reactions
In response to the fest announcement, many voices of anticipation gathered on social media and forums.
"I look forward to this fest every year! I hear 50 kinds of vegetarian banh mi are appearing this year. I absolutely have to go." (from reader comments)
"Banh mi is one of the food cultures Vietnam can be proud of before the world. I'm glad it's spreading to foreigners thanks to this fest." (from reader comments)
"I'm curious about the collaboration area with France. Having the home of the baguette and Vietnamese-style takes on it lined up together is the best." (from reader comments)
"It's grown bigger than last year and I'm looking forward to it. The food-safety management also seems solid, so I feel reassured." (from reader comments)
Impact and key points for Japanese tourists
For those planning to travel in late April toHo Chi Minh Citythis fest is a prime chance for a gourmet experience. Banh mi shops from all over Vietnam gather in one place, letting you taste regional differences and new styles all at once. Admission is free, so drop by casually.
Banh mi originally originates from the French baguette, adapted by Vietnamese people who stuff it with pate, pickled daikon and carrot, and meats.fresh spring rollsAs a representative Vietnamese street food on par with, be sure to enjoy tasting and comparing it locally. You should be able to get information at the venue that's useful for choosing travelSouvenirsas well.
Reference:Ho Chi Minh City to open fourth Vietnamese Banh Mi Fest(Tuoi Tre News, March 20, 2026)
