Cho Lon, Saigon’s bustling and historic Chinatown, is not just a cultural melting pot but also an ideal destination for street food enthusiasts. From distinctly Chinese dishes to pure Vietnamese flavors, Cho Lon offers an exciting and unforgettable culinary journey. With the “Cho Lon Food Story” event, the food experience here becomes even more special, promising to captivate every visitor.
“Cho Lon Food Story”: A Unique Culinary Festival
The 2nd “Cho Lon Food Story” culinary festival, themed “The Delights of Noodles and Pastries,” is one of the year’s most anticipated events. Held at the District 5 Cultural and Sports Center, the festival gathers the area’s most famous restaurants and eateries, offering a diverse and rich culinary space.
Ms. Dao Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Head of the Economic Department, District 5 People’s Committee, emphasizes that the festival is not only a place to enjoy food but also an opportunity to discover the cultural stories behind each dish and the unique customs of the Vietnamese-Chinese community.
Attendees enjoying diverse dishes at the Cho Lon Food Story festival.
Noodles and Pastries: The “Soul” of Cho Lon Cuisine
“The Delights of Noodles and Pastries” isn’t just the festival’s theme; these are familiar dishes deeply connected to the lives of Cho Lon residents. From chewy, delicious noodles and rich broths to fragrant pastries, each dish boasts a unique, unmistakable flavor.
Hand-pulled Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles are one of the most distinctive dishes in Cho Lon cuisine. The noodles, pulled by hand, are soft yet chewy, combined with a broth simmered from bones and various spices, creating a delicious and nutritious meal. You can find this dish at long-standing noodle shops on Tran Hung Dao and Chau Van Liem streets.
Satay Noodles (Hu Tieu Sa Te)
Satay noodles feature the intense, spicy flavor of satay, combined with pork, shrimp, squid, and herbs. The broth has a characteristic reddish-orange color, a spicy, fragrant taste that’s unforgettable after just one try.
Dumplings (Sui Cao)
Dumplings are a familiar Chinese dish, with thin wrappers encasing fresh meat and vegetable fillings. Dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried, served with soy sauce mixed with vinegar and chili.
Bao Buns (Banh Bao)
Bao buns are a popular breakfast item in Cho Lon. They come with various fillings, such as meat, mung bean, salted egg yolk, and more. The bun is soft and fluffy, while the filling is savory and flavorful.
Chive Cakes (Banh He)
Chive cakes are a simple, rustic snack made from rice flour and chives, fried until crispy. They offer the aroma of chives and the crispiness of the crust, typically served with a sweet soy sauce dip.
Diverse Culinary Experiences at the Festival
Visiting the “Cho Lon Food Story” festival, visitors can not only savor outstanding noodles and pastries but also discover countless other tempting dishes.
Vietnamese Cuisine
Besides Chinese cuisine, the festival also features authentic Vietnamese dishes like Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes), Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Che (sweet soups), and more. Visitors can enjoy these familiar favorites in a lively festival atmosphere.
Refreshing Drinks
To cool down after enjoying the delicious food, visitors can choose from refreshing drinks like iced tea (tra da), iced milk coffee (ca phe sua da), herbal drinks (nuoc sam), sugarcane juice (nuoc mia), etc.
Live Cooking Demonstrations
One of the festival’s highlights is the opportunity for visitors to watch chefs prepare dishes live. From pulling noodles and kneading dough to seasoning ingredients, everything is done meticulously and professionally, offering visitors fascinating and memorable experiences.
Honoring Culinary Cultural Values
The “Cho Lon Food Story” festival is more than just a food event; it’s an occasion to honor the cultural value of Vietnamese-Chinese cuisine, blending tradition with modernity. Through activities like talk shows, culinary seminars, and brand building discussions, the festival contributes to promoting tourism and the economy for District 5 specifically and Ho Chi Minh City generally.
Attendees enjoying diverse dishes at the Cho Lon Food Story festival.
Cho Lon: An Attractive Culinary Destination
With its harmonious blend of food, culture, and history, Cho Lon is a truly compelling destination for passionate explorers. The “Cho Lon Food Story” festival offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the best highlights of this neighborhood.
The inaugural “Cho Lon Food Story” culinary festival, held in 2023, attracted over 25,000 domestic and international visitors.
Conclusion
Exploring Cho Lon street food is about more than just tasting delicious dishes; it’s an experience encompassing the culture, history, and people of this area. “Cho Lon Food Story” is an unmissable event, promising visitors lasting memories of a diverse and vibrant Saigon. Come and feel the difference! Are you ready for your Cho Lon food adventure?