Ms. Phan Hong Hanh - Deputy Director of Xuan Chinh Company Limited - the event organizer - said that this year the scale of the festival is more expanded than the first time, not only attracting units in the province but also having the participation of many artisans, businesses, and bakers in the Western and Southeastern provinces.
The total number of visitors during the 9 days reached more than 20,000 visitors, shopping, the atmosphere was very vibrant and crowded.
"The highlight of the festival is the free promotion and service program of more than 500 banh xeo and 500 banh canh canh stat on the spot, performed by artisans and traditional chefs," Ms. Hanh added.
Artisan Tran Nhat Truong - who has been involved in the baking profession for more than 25 years - said that each cake is a part of memory, a cultural feature. Through the exhibition, he wants to introduce to the people and visitors not only the way of doing things, but also the spirit of gathering and connecting the Southern culinary culture.
"In addition, shrimp protein soup with crab is also served for free, attracting a large number of people to enjoy. Hopefully this activity will spread widely, helping folk cakes continue to be preserved and promoted in all regions," Mr. Truong added.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thu in Tra Vinh City, a visitor, said she was very happy to see the artisans making the cakes with her own eyes and eat the hot cakes on the spot.
"Both banh xeo and banh canh are very suitable for the hometown - not only delicious but also evoking me childhood memories. The fair space is bustling and friendly, making anyone who comes want to stay longer, Ms. Thu added.
Not only a place to enjoy delicious dishes, the Southern Traditional Bread Festival is also an opportunity to honor traditional crafts, connect the community, spread the cultural identity of the West with sincerity, rusticity and richness in homeland flavor.
