Vietnam’s annual banh mi festival in Ho Chi Minh City has recorded its highest attendance since launch, with 250,000 visitors attending the fourth edition held from 23 April to 26 April 2026. The festival, centred on Vietnam’s iconic street food sandwich, also placed strong emphasis on food safety and hygiene following recent food poisoning incidents linked to banh mi vendors in southern Vietnam.
Speaking at the closing event on 13 May 2026, Nguyen Thi Khanh of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association stated that attendance had increased by 20 per cent compared with the previous year. According to reporting by Tuoi Tre, organisers strengthened inspections and monitoring due to concerns over ingredient safety during the hot season. Food vendors were required to wear gloves and masks, while random food sample testing was also conducted throughout the event.
No major food safety incidents were reported during the four-day festival. Organisers additionally revealed that a company in the United States has expressed interest in supporting a future edition there, while Vietnam’s diplomatic mission in Singapore is reportedly exploring similar opportunities, according to the Vietnam News Agency.