Event report
Throwback to Bánh Mì Festival 2026
From April 23 to 26, 2026, the Bánh Mì Festival 2026 brought vibrant energy to Lê Văn Tám Park, gathering food lovers, artisans, and industry professionals around one of Vietnam’s most iconic culinary symbols.
This year’s edition confirmed the growing success of the festival, with more than 200,000 visitors expected over four days and between 150 and 168 booths creating a lively and immersive culinary experience in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
For the first time, CCI France Vietnam (CCIFV) and its Agrofood Committee took part in this major event, embracing both the richness of Vietnamese street food culture and the excellence of French craftsmanship. This participation proved both challenging and deeply rewarding, reflecting a shared ambition to build bridges between traditions while staying as close as possible to local culture.
A French Touch at the Heart of the Festival
At the Chợ Pháp (French Market), CCIFV members showcased their expertise and products, contributing to a diverse and high-quality gastronomic experience. Visitors discovered a curated selection of French flavors through the presence of Bel, Annam Group, Laïta (Paysan Breton), Bellany Ice-Cream and IECD Vietnam (Boulangerie Française).
This strong presence highlighted the growing connections between the French and Vietnamese food ecosystems, particularly in bakery and dairy sectors.
April 24 Highlight: Best Baguette and Best Croissant Competition
One of the key moments of the festival took place on April 24, with the Best Baguette and Best Croissant Competition, organized under the umbrella of the CCIFV Agrofood Committee.
Around 40 professional bakers and pastry chefs took part in this demanding competition, showcasing their technical skills, creativity, and passion throughout the day. From preparation to tasting and final deliberation, the event reflected the highest standards of bakery craftsmanship.
An expert jury composed of leading industry professionals included:
- Trần Đỗ Tâm Giao (Brothaus)
- Trần Văn Phước (Saint Honoré)
- Vincent Goalard (CCIFV Agrofood Co-Chairman)
- Lương Ngọc Hiền (Aden Vietnam)
- Jovell Chan (Saigon Social)
They evaluated each creation based on strict criteria such as texture, taste, appearance, and overall quality.
Celebrating the Winners
The competition concluded with an award ceremony recognizing outstanding talents in both categories:
Baguette Category
First Prize: Nguyễn Ngọc Tuấn – Central Retail
Second Prize: Dương Thị Thu Phương – Central Retail
Third Prize: Nguyễn Quốc Tuấn – Central Retail
Croissant Category
First Prize: Nguyễn Trung Hậu – Central Retail
Second Prize: Nguyễn Tuấn Huy – Central Retail
Third Prize: Nguyễn Đình Khôi – Trên Tầng Thượng: Bakes & BBQ – Cocktail Bar
Their achievements reflect not only technical excellence but also a strong ability to elevate traditional products with precision and creativity.
Rewards and Recognition
Beyond the titles, winners were awarded valuable prizes designed to support their professional development and international exposure:
A professional three-day training at Lesaffre APAC Baking Center in Kuala Lumpur, including transportation and accommodation
Two kilograms of Eurial butter
Dedicated communication and visibility across CCIFV platforms
These rewards highlight the commitment of the organizers and partners to support the next generation of bakery professionals in Vietnam.
A Meaningful First Participation for CCIFV
This first participation in the Bánh Mì Festival marked an important milestone for CCIFV. Being part of such a popular and culturally significant event allowed the Chamber to engage directly with the local community, strengthen its visibility, and support its members in a dynamic and festive environment.
More than just a presence, it was an immersive experience that was both challenging and incredibly enjoyable, reinforcing CCIFV’s commitment to fostering connections between French expertise and Vietnamese traditions.
Looking Ahead
Building on this successful experience, CCIFV aims to continue supporting initiatives that promote craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and innovation in the agrofood sector.
The Bánh Mì Festival 2026 once again demonstrated that food is more than a product. It is a powerful bridge between cultures.
