Highlights at Southern Folk Cake Festival 2025

The Southern Folk Cake Festival 2025, organised by the Mekong Delta City of Can Tho, features a wide array of unique highlights, showcasing the appeal of traditional culinary culture while strengthening community connection and attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors.
Can Tho City officials and local artisans posed next to the giant sticky rice cake at the festival.
Can Tho City officials and local artisans posed next to the giant sticky rice cake at the festival.

One of the most eye-catching events was the display of a colossal banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake), measuring 3 metres in diameter and 9 metres in circumference, made with over 100 lobsters. This is the second time such a giant pancake has been presented at the festival, drawing numerous visitors eager to observe and enjoy free tastings.

A supersized banh xeo made with 100 lobsters was showcased at the festival.

A supersized banh xeo made with 100 lobsters was showcased at the festival.

Another standout was an enormous Banh chung (sticky rice cake), measuring 1.9m x 1.9m, 0.8m thick, and weighing 1.6 tonnes. The ingredients included over 600kg of glutinous rice, 235kg of green beans, 215kg of pork belly, more than 1,000 banana leaves, 1,800 Dong leaves, and strings sourced from northern Vietnam.

The Folk Cake Competition features skilled hands and creative recipes.

The Folk Cake Competition features skilled hands and creative recipes.

While prepared with Southern flavour, the cake maintained the traditional Northern form, symbolising a harmonious fusion of regional culinary styles. After its public display, the cake was cut and served to over 2,000 visitors.

The 2025 edition, the 12th of its kind, gathered 231 booths from 18 provinces and cities across the Mekong Delta and other regions, including 118 showcasing traditional folk cakes, 59 offering regional specialties, and 40 dedicated to modern cuisine, creating a rich and diverse gastronomic experience.

Many tasty and beautiful cakes caught the attention of vistors

Many tasty and beautiful cakes caught the attention of vistors

The festival opened at 7:00 PM on April 6 at Binh Thuy District Square and was broadcast live on Can Tho Radio and Television.

NDO