Pho Day Festival 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Vietnam’s Iconic Flavour, Boosting Tourism and Cultural Exchange Worldwide: Check It Out Now

Published on December 15, 2025

The Pho Day Festival 2025 held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has marked a vibrant celebration of one of the country’s most iconic dishes, phở. The festival, hosted annually on December 12, brings together culinary enthusiasts, local residents, and international visitors to explore the rich flavours and traditions behind Vietnam’s beloved pho. This year’s event took place over two days, from December 13 to 14, under the theme “Elevating Vietnamese rice, spreading to the five continents.” The festival has emerged as a significant cultural event, drawing attention not only to the culinary excellence of pho but also to Vietnam’s expanding influence on global gastronomy.

The Pho Day Festival 2025 was held at the former Tax Trade Centre on Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, an area known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to local attractions. It became a hub for visitors eager to sample pho in its many regional variations. With nearly 30 leading pho brands from across Vietnam and the overseas Vietnamese community participating, the festival displayed pho’s diversity and its deep roots in Vietnam’s cultural identity.

The Rising Popularity of Pho Day and Its Global Reach

Pho, a noodle soup traditionally made with a savoury broth, rice noodles, and either beef or chicken, is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Its humble beginnings have evolved into a dish that is now celebrated worldwide. The Pho Day Festival serves as a platform for promoting this iconic dish, allowing it to transcend borders and take centre stage in both domestic and international food scenes.

As the festival continues to grow in size and influence, it has garnered attention from global food critics, tourism professionals, and culinary experts. The event highlights not only the regional variations of pho from various parts of Vietnam but also the nuances that make pho a symbol of Vietnam’s culture. Visitors from all over the world flock to Ho Chi Minh City, eager to taste the dish and learn about its history and cultural significance. With pho festivals also taking place in countries like France, Poland, Australia, and Japan, it’s clear that Pho Day is becoming an international phenomenon.

Culinary Tourism and the Pho Day Festival’s Impact on Travel

The increasing popularity of food-based festivals like Pho Day plays a significant role in shaping culinary tourism trends. More tourists are now choosing destinations based on the cultural and gastronomic experiences they offer, making events like Pho Day an essential aspect of travel planning. For Vietnam, the Pho Day Festival has turned into a key event that attracts both food lovers and those seeking to immerse themselves in local traditions.

Vietnam’s tourism sector benefits greatly from such events, as they bring international visitors to the country, eager to explore its culinary delights. As tourists gather to experience the festival, they not only sample pho but also engage with other aspects of Vietnam’s culture, from street food and traditional cooking methods to learning about the rice production that forms the backbone of this famous dish. In turn, this boosts local economies as visitors spend on food, souvenirs, accommodations, and transportation.

Pho Day as a Platform for Cultural Exchange

Beyond being a food festival, the Pho Day Festival serves as a venue for cultural exchange. As chefs and food vendors from across Vietnam and the world come together, they share their unique interpretations of pho, demonstrating how the dish adapts to different tastes and preferences. The event also fosters interaction between locals and foreigners, encouraging a greater appreciation of Vietnamese culture and culinary traditions.

For visitors, attending Pho Day is not just about tasting pho; it’s about connecting with a culture through its food. Cooking demonstrations, interactive experiences, and the chance to learn about the detailed processes behind pho-making—from broth preparation to noodle crafting—add depth to the event. These activities offer valuable insights into Vietnamese food heritage, enriching the travel experience for attendees and contributing to Vietnam’s cultural tourism landscape.

The Economic Influence of Pho Day on Local Tourism

Pho Day Festival’s growth into a global event has significant implications for Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism economy. The festival’s popularity boosts foot traffic in central areas like Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, where it was held this year. This not only supports local businesses but also helps create jobs within the hospitality and service industries, which thrive during major events. Restaurants, hotels, and transport services experience a surge in demand, benefiting from the influx of festival-goers.

For Vietnamese tourism, Pho Day represents an opportunity to position the country as a culinary tourism destination. As the festival continues to attract international visitors, it builds Vietnam’s reputation as a food lover’s haven. The event also underscores the role of food festivals in expanding tourism opportunities, contributing to the country’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings.

Pho Day’s Influence on Vietnamese Rice and Agriculture

The theme of Pho Day 2025, “Elevating Vietnamese rice, spreading to the five continents,” reflects the importance of rice in Vietnamese cuisine and the global potential of this agricultural product. The festival highlights the central role that rice plays in the preparation of pho and other traditional dishes. By focusing on Vietnam’s rice production, the festival also promotes local agriculture and strengthens the connection between culinary traditions and sustainable farming practices.

As pho becomes more internationally recognized, there is increased interest in the ingredients used to prepare it. This, in turn, provides opportunities for the agricultural sector to expand its reach in global markets. The rise in demand for Vietnamese rice and spices can lead to new trade relationships, positively impacting both the farming community and the tourism industry.

The Growing Importance of Food Festivals in Global Tourism

Food festivals like Pho Day are becoming an essential part of the travel experience, especially for those interested in exploring new cultures through food. These events offer tourists a chance to engage with a destination’s culinary traditions in a way that goes beyond eating at restaurants or trying local dishes. Pho Day is an example of how a country can use its food culture as a vehicle for economic growth, international recognition, and cultural diplomacy.

As tourists increasingly seek out destinations known for their food, Vietnam stands to benefit from this growing trend. By hosting events like Pho Day, the country is not only preserving its food heritage but also using it to fuel its tourism industry. The festival is a prime example of how food-based travel can create lasting connections between visitors and the places they visit, fostering a sense of cultural understanding and appreciation.

Looking Forward: Pho Day and the Future of Vietnam’s Culinary Tourism

With the continued success of the Pho Day Festival, Vietnam is well-positioned to capitalize on the global trend of food tourism. The festival’s growth demonstrates the increasing importance of food-based experiences in attracting international visitors. As Vietnam continues to showcase its culinary heritage to the world, Pho Day stands as a symbol of the country’s ability to blend tradition with modern tourism, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience.

The future of Pho Day looks bright, with the festival expected to expand even further in the coming years. As global interest in pho and Vietnamese cuisine grows, so too will the opportunities for Vietnam to enhance its tourism offerings and promote its cultural heritage. Pho Day serves as a reminder that food is not only a means of sustenance but also a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and tourism development.

Conclusion: Pho Day as a Reflection of Vietnam’s Global Culinary Presence

In conclusion, the Pho Day Festival 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City is a testament to Vietnam’s growing global influence in the world of food and culinary tourism. By elevating the humble bowl of pho to a symbol of Vietnamese culture, the festival has become a key driver in both local and international tourism. As the event continues to grow, it offers a new perspective on the role of food in shaping travel experiences, contributing to the broader goal of positioning Vietnam as a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts worldwide. The Pho Day Festival is not just a celebration of a dish; it’s a celebration of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage, its agricultural strength, and its ability to attract visitors from all corners of the globe.