Vietnam won the best food festival award at the World Culinary Awards. This is the fourth global title since 2023 and the fifth Asian title since 2022, showing the country’s strong food culture.

The 2024 festival was held from March 26 to 29 at the Van Thanh Tourist Area in Ho Chi Minh City. Nearly 80,000 people visited, which is 10,000 more than the last edition.

Around 500 dishes were shown in 10 culinary themes, letting visitors taste regional specialties from all over Vietnam. The event also had cultural shows such as Cham dance, Central Highlands gong music and bai choi, and activities like making traditional cakes, pottery and weaving conical hats.

Saigontourist Group chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said the festival is being built as a cultural and tourism brand for Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. This means the award can help the country’s image and attract more tourists.