Making cakes... changing lives
Approaching the Nam Bo Folk Cake Festival 2026, if you have the opportunity to visit Con Son (Binh Thuy ward, Can Tho city), you will surely easily feel the aroma of coconut milk, rice flour, pineapple leaves... more intense than ever. For artisans who have been associated with the festival for many years, this is an important occasion to express gratitude for the culinary quintessence of the Mekong Delta.
Ms. Phan Thi Kim Ngan (commonly known as Ms. Bay Muon), Director of Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, shared that after more than 40 years of "keeping the fire", her love for folk cakes remains as intact as the first day.
Every day, her hands still quickly "transform" into dozens of different types of cakes, such as leaf cakes, crispy sandwiches, banh xeo,... For Mrs. Bay Muon, making cakes is not only a livelihood but also a destiny associated with life.
She confided that this passion took root from a young age, when she was still following her mother, following her "in labor" during death anniversaries and Tet holidays. It is her deep understanding of the characteristics of each type of flour, fire control techniques or the secret to winning the fatty coconut milk that has helped her continuously win many medals at the Southern Folk Cake Festivals.
I also didn't expect that at first I knew how to make cakes to eat at home and won this prize, that prize, and from then on I opened up tourism development, customers came to see me make, learn from and enjoy. Many times when I lie down, I think it's quite strange, making cakes changes my life" - Mrs. Bay Muon said with a smile.
80 years old still sitting and stuffing in flour
The story of Mrs. Ban Thi Xieu (mother of Ms. Le Thi Be Bay - the pioneer in opening the way for agricultural tourism in Con Son) also brings many interesting emotions.
In 2015, when the Phu The cake created a buzz at the Southern Folk Cake Festival, Mrs. Xieu seemed to have more faith in herself and the family's traditional craft.
After moving to Con Son to live, making delicious cakes with her children and grandchildren to serve tourists, she feels like she has "rejuvenated" because she still contributes value to life. Thanks to her optimistic spirit and joyful busyness, her health has also improved significantly.
Although she has entered the age of "seventy years old", Mrs. Xieu still affirmed: "I will not stop there. Any child who wants to learn, I will teach them, I want to see diners near and far enjoy and love this cake".
According to artisans, the Southern Folk Cake Festival is not just a cultural event, but also a "stepping stone" for a strong breakthrough. It is a worthy recognition for those who have been diligent throughout their lives, cherishing the quintessence of the dough and cake molds to preserve the soul of their homeland, especially simple women.
Through each festival season, female artisans sow in it the hope that folk cakes will increasingly reach far, touch the hearts of diners from all over and affirm their firm position on the culinary culture map.
Official information from Can Tho City People's Committee This year's Southern Folk Cake Festival will take place from April 26 to May 1.
According to the report at the meeting reviewing the progress of organizing the Hung Kings death anniversary and the 13th Southern Folk Cake Festival in 2026, the highlight of this year's festival is that there will be a map-shaped product of Vietnam made from sticky rice weighing 700kg.
