HCMC - The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho will hold the 11th traditional southern cake festival to promote the branding of traditional cakes with a focus on exports.

Scheduled from April 17 to 21 at Binh Thuy District Square, the event will feature around 100 types of traditional cakes and will include culinary demonstrations and competitions. Some 250 booths are set up across three distinct spaces showcasing traditional cakes, culinary delights, and OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, along with an area dedicated to business networking. A highlight of the festival will be the debut of a unique culinary activity, where 14 artisans will collaborate to craft a three-meter diameter "bánh xèo", a Vietnamese sizzling pancake. Additionally, 100 artisans will demonstrate traditional crafting methods of various traditional cakes. Nguyen Minh Tuan, director of Can Tho City’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized the festival's significance, stating that it not only serves as a major event for the city but also contributes to preserving the traditional culinary culture of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta region. Beyond the festivities, the event aims to tap into the export potential of traditional southern cakes on the global market, providing a platform for cultural exchange and contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry, he added.