Vietnamese Pho Becomes a Cultural Ambassador in Singapore

Pho, the pride of Vietnamese cuisine, continues its journey to the world. After successful events in Japan and South Korea, the Vietnam Pho Festival 2025 will arrive in Singapore on October 18–19, bringing with it the authentic flavors and rich cultural stories of Vietnam.

Featuring top chefs from Vietnam, the festival offers Singaporeans and international visitors not only the chance to savor authentic bowls of Vietnamese pho but also to experience a bridge of cultural exchange, tourism, and economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Lion City.

Among the highlights is Phở Phú Gia, a beloved Hanoi-style pho brand that has been part of Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary scene for nearly 30 years. Every morning from 5 a.m., steaming bowls of pho are served to loyal customers. Its traditional flavor and the dedication of its cooks have built a strong reputation — one that took owner Nguyễn Tuấn Trung to Seoul, South Korea in 2024, and now to Singapore in 2025 to continue sharing the story of pho with the world.

“When I received the invitation, I was truly excited,” said Mr. Trung. “I told myself that this trip must showcase the very best of our pho — to make Vietnamese cuisine shine in the eyes of international friends. My message is simple: to bring the essence of Vietnamese food to the world, so that whenever people think of Vietnam, they immediately think of pho.”

During the two-day event, visitors to the Vietnam Pho Festival in Singapore will enjoy freshly made bowls of pho prepared by renowned hotel chefs and family-owned pho masters from Vietnam. Beyond being a dish, pho represents Vietnamese hospitality, heritage, and flavor, serving as a symbol of cultural identity and connection.

Nguyễn Nguyên Phương, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, noted:

“This festival not only introduces pho but also promotes Vietnamese spices. In Singapore, most spices come from Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand. Vietnam, however, has a wealth of raw materials that have yet to find the right partners. This event is a golden opportunity to establish those connections.”

Since its inception in 2017, Pho Day (December 12) has become an annual celebration of Vietnamese culinary culture. Beginning in 2023, the event expanded globally with the Vietnam Pho Festival in Japan, followed by South Korea in 2024, and now Singapore — a regional hub of trade and culture. Each destination marks another milestone in pho’s global journey, bringing the image of Vietnamese cuisine, culture, and hospitality closer to the world.

Nguyen Truong