On the evening of May 10, 2025, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong organized the opening ceremony of the Hai Phong Culinary Food Festival. This vibrant event is part of the celebrations for the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong Liberation Day, which falls on May 13, commemorating the city's liberation from colonial rule in 1955.
At the festival's opening, Tran Thi Hoang Mai, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong, remarked on the unique attributes of Hai Phong cuisine. "Hai Phong cuisine is not too spicy, salty, or sweet, making it easy to enjoy for people from the Central and Southern regions," she stated. This accessibility is one reason why the culinary offerings of Hai Phong have become increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike.
The festival aims to promote Hai Phong's rich culinary heritage, featuring street foods and local specialties that are integral to the city’s identity. Running for three days, from May 10 to May 12, the festival takes place at Hai Phong Station and Nguyen Du Flower Garden. It has attracted participation from 23 units, showcasing more than 25 booths that highlight a variety of food options. These range from popular food tours to local specialties and OCOP (One Commune One Product) offerings from various districts.
Thousands of residents and tourists flocked to the Nguyen Du Flower Garden, where the festival was held, creating a lively atmosphere filled with the aromas of delicious food. Among the highlights was a booth run by a well-known TikTok food influencer, drawing significant attention and crowds eager to sample the culinary delights.
One visitor, Vo Phuong Dung from Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her amazement at the variety of street food available. "This is my first time in Hai Phong, and I’m truly overwhelmed by the delicious snacks of this beautiful red flower city. I’m lucky to have all the tasty treats from Hai Phong brought together in this park for me to explore," she shared.
Among the festival's offerings, the crab noodle soup has become a signature dish of Hai Phong, and it was a favorite among attendees. Many visitors not only enjoyed the food on-site but also purchased items to take home as gifts for friends and family.
Another local delicacy that caught the attention of festival-goers is the banh mi cay, or spicy bread. This unique snack is smaller than a regular baguette, measuring about two fingers wide and a hand long. It is filled with pate and served with "chi chuong," a special chili sauce from Hai Phong. The dish has gained a reputation as a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Tran Thi Hoang Mai emphasized the cultural richness of Hai Phong, describing it as a land of dynamic and talented individuals with a vibrant culinary culture. She noted that the evolution of Hai Phong's cuisine has been shaped by historical changes and cultural exchanges, particularly the influences of French and Chinese culinary traditions.
Several dishes have emerged as representatives of Hai Phong's culinary brand, including crab spring rolls, crab noodle soup, Kien Thuy braised goby fish, fried fish, banh mi que, banh beo, chrysanthemum tea, coconut coffee, and sweet soup. These dishes reflect the city's diverse food culture and its ability to adapt and incorporate various influences.
The festival also features booths showcasing specialties from neighboring Hai Duong province, such as green bean cake, sandworms, Con Son honey, and Kiep Bac lotus wine. This inclusion adds further variety and appeal to the culinary landscape presented at the festival.
Additionally, the fair highlights OCOP products from Bach Long Vi island district, which include seafood like shrimp, squid, and dried anchovies, showcasing the rich marine resources of the region.
As the festival unfolds, the streets surrounding Nguyen Du Flower Garden have become bustling with activity, reflecting the city's festive spirit as it approaches the significant milestone of the 70th anniversary of its liberation. The Hai Phong Culinary Food Festival not only celebrates the city's gastronomic heritage but also fosters community spirit and tourism, inviting everyone to experience the flavors of this vibrant coastal city.
In conclusion, the Hai Phong Culinary Food Festival serves as a testament to the city's rich culinary traditions and its commitment to promoting local flavors. It provides a platform for culinary artisans to showcase their skills and for visitors to immerse themselves in the unique tastes of Hai Phong.
