Tây Ninh to host the first traditional rice crepe festival

TÂY NINH — The first Trảng Bàng – Bánh Tráng Phơi Sương (dew-soaked rice crepe) Festival will take place in Tây Ninh Province’s Trảng Bàng District from December 20 to 25, according to the province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. 
Themed “Dew-soak rice crepe of Trảng Bàng”, the event will introduce traditional dishes made from rice, such as bánh tráng phơi sương, bánh canh (rice noodle soup) and bánh xèo (rice crepe stuffed with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts).

Variations and different types of vegetables and herbs will also be included.

Many handicraft products will be displayed at the event. 

The festival will also feature dozens of stalls of different cakes, including dew-soaked rice crepes originating from and cooked by Trảng Bàng artisans.

Visitors can sample wild vegetables, herbs and leaves from trees planted on the banks of the Sài Gòn and Vàm Cỏ rivers in Trảng Bàng.

These kinds of plants, including trâm ổi (Lantana camara) and trâm sắn (Syzygium cinereum), are known by their taste and smell. They are used in rice crepes and boiled meat together with fish sauce.
Southern traditional musical performances and folk dances staged by professional art troupes and amateur artist clubs in the region will also be featured during the festival.

Nguyễn Hoàng Nam, deputy director of the department, said the festival would introduce the province’s traditional culture and lifestyle to domestic and foreign visitors.

It will also help local authorities seek new opportunities and improve tourist services.

The province has worked with tourist agencies in the region to offer new tours to handicraft villages and famous destinations, including Bà Đen Mountain, Cao Đài Great Temple and the Vàm Cỏ Đông River. 

More than 10,000 visitors are expected to attend, according to the festival’s organising board. — VNS