In 2024, folk knowledge of Nam Dinh pho and Hanoi pho has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. This is not only a recognition of cultural, historical and culinary artistic values, but also raises the requirement to continue preserving and promoting heritage, towards building a national nomination dossier to submit to UNESCO for recognition of Vietnamese pho as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Pho Festival 2026 takes place from March 19-22 in Van Cu village (Nam Dong commune) and Thong Nhat urban area (Thien Truong ward) with many large-scale cultural and culinary activities.
The event gathers nearly 50 booths of artisans and typical pho brands from the three regions North - Central - South, to honor the traditional pho profession, promote the unique culinary cultural values of localities. At the same time, create opportunities for exchange and connection between artisans, businesses, researchers and culinary lovers at home and abroad.
Participating in the Pho Festival 2026, visitors have the opportunity to directly experience a variety of typical pho products such as: Van Cu pho, Giao Cu pho, Que Son cassava pho, Hanoi chicken - bun thang pho, Tuyen Quang sour pho, green banana flour pho, pygmy duck pho, siu doom pho, H'Mong corn pho, Ngu Xa roll pho, Bac Ninh burnt liver pho, vegetarian mixed pho...
In addition, within the framework of the Pho Festival, many rich activities are organized such as: pho cooking technique demonstration, culinary demonstration "Pho rolls in three regions", "Essence from rice grains", exchange between artisans and culinary experts, forum "Vietnamese Pho in the World Heritage Flow", seminar "We love Pho - Heritage Bridge and the mission to connect globally", craft village experience space, "Pho Connect" music night...
Pho Festival 2026 has contributed to affirming the Nam Dinh pho brand of Ninh Binh province and Vietnamese pho in general; and at the same time promoting the development of tourism, local economy and culture, spreading the image of people and friendly, culturally rich Ninh Binh land.
Display, processing and product introduction areas are elaborately prepared with the spirit of responsibility and dedication of the units participating in the Pho Festival. The booths vividly recreated the pho cultural space, contributing to promoting the image of traditional cuisine to a large number of people and tourists.
Ms. Le Thi Thiet - Vice President of the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association shared that in the historical and cultural flow, Pho Nam Dinh has formed, nurtured and become one of the typical symbols of Vietnamese culinary culture.
From traditional craft villages such as Van Cu, Giao Cu - the cradle of the pho profession, generations of artisans have preserved and passed on secrets, and at the same time constantly created to make pho spread strongly in contemporary life, reaching out to the world.
