Vietnam Phở Festival 2025 in Singapore: Cultural Connection and Cooperation Boost
The vibrant streets of Singapore recently played host to a remarkable event that blends culinary heritage with significant economic collaboration—the Vietnam Phở Festival 2025. Organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Singapore, Tuoi Tre newspaper, and Saigontourist Group, in partnership with local governmental bodies, the festival took place on October 18 and 19 at Our Tampines Hub.
Celebrating Culinary Heritage
At the heart of this festival is phở, an iconic Vietnamese dish celebrated globally. The event’s theme, “Pho – Enjoying Together, Growing Together,” reflects not only the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine but also a commitment to sharing cultural aspirations and fostering international relationships. Highlighted as “cultural ambassadors,” dishes of phở serve to connect Vietnam with Singapore and the wider world.
A Platform for Investment and Cooperation
In his opening remarks, Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu emphasized the festival’s dual purpose: to facilitate cultural exchange and nurture economic partnerships. “Today’s forum is not merely an activity within the festival; it represents a practical step demonstrating our commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation,” he stated, setting the tone for what would be an engaging forum on trade and investment.
Forum Highlights
The festival included the Vietnam – Singapore Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Forum, which attracted around 150 enterprises from both countries. Participants explored new cooperation opportunities across various sectors, including green logistics, tourism, and aviation services. Prominent attendees included major players like Saigontourist Travel Service Company, Airports Corporation of Vietnam, and various Singaporean enterprises such as SATS.
A focal point of discussion was Vietnam’s potential in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, spurred by the growing interest among international investors. Ashima Krishna, a consultant specializing in green energy investment, highlighted the potential for lucrative investment in Vietnam’s energy landscape—demonstrating a blend of cultural engagement with substantial business interest.
Culinary Tourism: A Growing Trend
The festival also spotlighted Vietnam’s burgeoning culinary tourism industry. Nguyen Huu Y Yen, chairman of Saigontourist, articulated that Vietnam’s regional culinary diversity, with phở at its forefront, presents a promising opportunity for attracting international tourists. The festival aimed to showcase this culinary richness through hands-on experiences—allowing visitors to purchase ingredients, cook traditional dishes, and immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture.
Following the pandemic, the demand for experiential and personalized tourism has surged, reinforcing the value of local culinary traditions in enhancing tourist experiences. Yen remarked, “With this trend, Vietnamese cuisine will become an opportunity for us to reach international visitors.”
The F&B Market Landscape
Investment trends discussed at the forum also revealed a significant interest in Vietnam’s F&B sector among Singaporean entrepreneurs. Joe Tan, executive vice president of Sing-Viet Impact Ventures (SVIV), emphasized the attractiveness of the Vietnamese market, where operational costs can be significantly lower than in Singapore. He noted that this favorable economic landscape makes Vietnam a prime destination for businesses seeking expansion in the region.
A Culinary Showcase
Throughout the festival’s duration, visitors were treated to an array of authentic Vietnamese cuisines prepared by top chefs from five-star hotels and renowned phở brands. Participating establishments included the illustrious Rex Saigon and Grand Saigon hotels, along with acclaimed phở restaurants such as Pho Thin Bo Ho and Pho Ta. This culinary showcase not only emphasized the diversity of phở recipes but also highlighted the craftsmanship of Vietnamese culinary artisans.
As attendees savored a vibrant “culinary symphony,” the festival provided a unique blend of flavors and community connections, illustrating how food can transcend borders and foster goodwill.
Cultural Diplomacy in Action
The festival underscored the significance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Vietnam-Singapore ties, recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. It demonstrated how events like the Vietnam Phở Festival can create meaningful dialogue and collaboration between nations, blending gastronomy with economic development.
The various components of the festival—from the culinary experiences to the investment forum—paint a vivid picture of Vietnam’s aspirations for growth and connection in an increasingly globalized world.
With a shared focus on cultural exchange and economic collaboration, the Vietnam Phở Festival stands as a testament to the power of food and community in bridging gaps and building sustainable relationships.