Pho Festival in Ninh Binh
Vietnam’s Pho Festival opened in Ninh Binh Province for March 20–22, drawing domestic and international food lovers to celebrate traditional noodle culture. The three‑day program is being promoted as an affirmation of pho’s heritage and a bid for wider global recognition. (en.nhandan.vn)
Organizers set the festival at Thiên Trường walking street in the Thống Nhất urban area and scheduled programming across March 19–22, 2026 rather than only the three days reported elsewhere. (english.thesaigontimes.vn) Event materials and local media listed roughly 40–50 pho brands and stalls taking part, with exhibitors drawn from the North, Central and South regions of Vietnam. (english.thesaigontimes.vn) The opening ceremony was staged on the main event stage at 17:30 on March 20 with participation from leaders of central ministries, provincial officials, and named culinary artisans and chefs. (travelviet.net) Organizers framed the festival as a contribution to research, standardization and the preparation of a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage nomination dossier while noting phở’s status as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. (vietbao.vn) Programming included a “Three‑Region Phở Experience,” guided culinary tours, traditional folk performances and a pre‑festival tribute event titled “Về với đình làng Vân Cù — Mở trang di sản” that focused on the craft’s village origins. (dulichninhbinh.com.vn) Coverage singled out Nam Định phở and historic craft villages such as Vân Cù and Giao Cù as focal points for demonstrations and artisan showcases aimed at documenting recipes and techniques across generations. (vietnamnews.vn)
