Festivals in Quang Ninh are no longer defined solely by fireworks or scenic views as cuisine has become a cultural bridge, a way for the region to tell its story through flavor. The province has poisitioned itself as a premier festival destination where people, culture, and emotions are connected through every dish.
In November, a series of major events took place, including the Quang Ninh Culinary Festival 2025, the Mining Region Culinary Space, and the exhibition “Regional specialties - Autumn colors of Quang Ninh 2025”, creating a vibrant “season of flavors.” Culture is experienced through taste, narrated through aroma, and shared through local pride.
Early in the month, Sun Carnival Plaza (Bai Chay ward) came alive with the Quang Ninh Culinary Festival 2025, featuring nearly 200 booths. Shortly after, at the Planning, Fair, and Exhibition Center, the Mining Region Culinary Space and “Regional specialties - Autumn colors of Quang Ninh 2025” continued the culinary journey with over 200 booths. These events celebrated the essence of local cuisine, offering a condensed yet rich experience where visitors could savor the soul of both the coastal and mining regions.
While the mining region culinary space focused on tasting, cooking techniques, and the artistry of chefs, “Regional specialties - Autumn colors of Quang Ninh 2025” highlighted local stories, linking each dish to its homeland and heritage.
At the festival, visitors were captivated by the lively atmosphere and diverse offerings: grilled squid cakes, sea cucumbers, sand worms, gat gu cakes; roasted snails, earthworms in patties, Tai Long Ep cakes, alongside flavors from the North, Central, and South, all coming together to create a “symphony of taste” that was both familiar and unique. Cuisine here is not just for tasting; it’s a way to understand people, customs, and regional identity, both a tourism product and a living cultural symbol.
Despite their different formats, all the events used food as a bridge, bringing local culture to life. “Culinary culture is the soul of our heritage. When people from the highlands bring five-colored sticky rice, Cooc Mo cakes, and leaf-fermented liquor to introduce, they aren’t just selling food, but telling the story of their land and spreading cultural values”, said Pham Minh Huyen, Head of the Cultural-Social Department of Luc Hon Commune.
Together, these events form a rich festival season, where culture, tourism, and gastronomy blend seamlessly. Workshops, live cooking demonstrations, and VR/AR experiences showcased local ingredients, demonstrating that cuisine goes beyond satisfying the palate as it educates and connects participants with the stories behind each dish, the land, and its people. Visitors not only taste but also learn and appreciate, deepening their love and pride for the region. Where food once played a supporting role in tourism festivals, it has now become the heart of the event.
The province continues to host activities such as the autumn-winter specialty week, OCOP fairs, regional specialties, and ethnic cultural exchanges, where local cuisine and specialties are closely linked to cultural identity.
Placing cuisine at the center of festivals not only delights visitors but also allows the region to create new value chains and expand tourism experiences.
“Culinary culture is a comprehensive art form with enduring vitality. When visitors come to Hạ Long during the culinary festival season, they don’t just enjoy delicious dishes but they gain a deeper understanding of the region’s culture. Cuisine is truly an emotional bridge”, said Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Today, Quang Ninh’s culinary festivals and activities are increasingly well-organized and are gradually becoming a distinctive brand. When flavors turn into memories, cuisine does more than create meal since it leaves a lasting mark on a new festival season.
