Saigontourist Group's "Food Culture and Culinary Festival 2026" was held at the Văn Thánh tourism area in Ho Chi Minh City from March 26–29, 2026, and has since concluded. According to the organizers' information, approximately 50 hotels, resorts, and restaurants participated, presenting 500 dishes. Post-event reports put attendance at approximately 80,000 visitors.
Exhibition overview
Item: Details
Dates: March 26–29, 2026
Hours: 15:00–22:00
Venue: Văn Thánh Tourism Area
Participants: Approximately 50 establishments
Dishes: Approximately 500
Attendance: Approximately 80,000 visitors
Admission tickets were 200,000 VND and included 12 food and beverage coupons of equivalent value. Children under 1.2 m in height were stated to be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. These were the terms for the 2026 edition and may not apply to future events.
What Could Visitors Experience?
The venue featured not only cuisine from the northern, central, and southern regions, but also cultural experiences such as water puppetry, traditional music, confectionery making, hat weaving, and pottery. Rather than an event where visitors eat all 500 dishes, it was a setting for discovering and choosing from regional foods and crafts. Given the high attendance, queues and sold-out items were to be expected during peak hours.
Avoiding the Label "Vietnam's Largest"
The original article described this as "Vietnam's largest food festival," but no official documentation comparing all food events by the same criteria could be confirmed. While it is certainly a large-scale event, describing it as "one of the largest" is more appropriate. Additionally, as there were inaccuracies in the regional classification of some dishes listed, definitive statements about individual menu items have been revised.
If You Plan to Attend a Future Edition
After the official announcement, confirm the dates, venue, ticket types, and how coupons work. Deciding on a few dishes you want to try and arriving before the crowds will make it easier to get around. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions for religious reasons, do not judge dishes by name alone — ask each booth about ingredients and preparation methods.
Summary
The 2026 festival concluded having drawn approximately 80,000 visitors. It can now be reviewed as a completed event, and when the next edition is announced, the conditions for that year will need to be checked afresh.
Related articles:Dining in Ho Chi Minh City／Flight Information
Source:Saigontourist Official Information／Vietnam Pictorial – Event Record
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