The festival aims to both preserve and celebrate southern traditional cakes, whilst simultaneously building a trademark for them, according to Nguyen Minh Tuan, director of Can Tho city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, at a press conference held on April 2.

As many as 250 food stalls by both artisans and businesses based in Can Tho city and 18 provinces and cities throughout the southern region will also take part in the festival.

Visitors will have the chance to sample hundreds of kinds of traditional signature savoury and sweet cakes, such as bánh khọt (deep-fried shrimp pancake), bánh ít trần (sticky rice dumpling), and bánh bò (steamed rice cake).

The highlight of the event will be a performance put on by local artisans to make a three-metre long bánh xèo (sizzling rice crepe). It aims to introduce the local specialty to domestic and foreign tourists.

Furthermore, organisers will provide a chance for over 100 artisans to exchange through a cooking contest, as well as presenting cooking demonstrations for visitors at the festival.

The occasion will also include cooking classes for children, folk games, and live folk music performances every night.

This year marks the 11th edition of the festival and it is expected to attract around one million visitors across five days.

VOV