The conference is a key event within the framework of the third Vietnam Banh Mi Festival 2025. This served as a platform for culinary experts, scientists, and researchers from both Vietnam and abroad to share and discuss the global culinary significance of Vietnamese 'banh mi'. The discussions aim is to firmly establish the contributions of Vietnamese 'banh mi' on the world culinary map.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr Huynh Quoc Thang, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, ‘banh mi’ originates from ancient times in industrialised Western societies, particularly in France. In the late 19th century, the ‘banh mi’ was introduced to Vietnam and flourished, especially in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). Over the past more than a century, through cultural exchange and adaptation, the ‘banh mi’ has truly become a distinctive part of Vietnamese culinary culture.
Today, the Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ continues to affirm its value, embodying unique Vietnamese characteristics and securing a notable place on the world culinary map. Among the dishes introduced to tourists, the Vietnamese ‘banh mi ’is always one of the first to be highlighted and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
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Assoc. Prof. Dr Huynh Quoc Thang, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, speaks at the conference. |
Sharing insights on the spread of Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ in Laos, Phon Chanh Phengphouvanh, a representative from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Vientiane (Laos), noted that the banh mi has been present in Laos since the 1990s, blending with various local dishes. In the capital city of Vientiane, ‘banh mi’ are primarily produced by Vietnamese expatriates in Laos.
He further stated that the Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ has been contributing to the richness of Laos' culinary culture. To develop Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ in Laos, it is essential to create immersive experiences showcasing Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ in Vientiane. Additionally, ‘banh mi’ should be made by Vietnamese people to preserve the authenticity offlavours.
During the discussions, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Le Truong Hien Hoa, emphasised the importance of boosting communication and promotion of Vietnamese ‘banh mi’. This can be achieved through events and festivals such as the Vietnam Banh Mi Festival, ensuring that both domestic and international tourists become more familiar with it. Promotional content should focus on highlighting ‘banh mi’ as a signature Vietnamese dish and a valuable tourism product.
Furthermore, the department plans to work closely with relevant organisations to develop specialised banh mi-themed tours, establish dedicated streets for the promotion of ‘banh mi’, and create interactive spaces in museums to narrate the unique and captivating stories of Vietnamese ‘banh mi’.
