Merry moments in Saigon: a weekend of markets and culinary joy

Saigon Noodles Festival

The Saigon Noodles Festival is scheduled at Saigon Outcast. The event will feature a range of noodle dishes from various cuisines. Some of the participants include Pasta Fresca, Bep Vo, and KwayTeow Thao Dien. Organized by FTWR.Co in collaboration with Saigon Outcast, the festival offers music and food throughout the day.

“Saigon Noodles Festival” poster. Photo courtesy of FTWR.Co

Entry is priced at VND50,000 ($2), and children under 15 can enter for free. The event is scheduled for Dec. 16, from noon to 8 p.m., and will be held at Saigon Outcast at 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, District 2.

Soma Christmas Market

The Soma Christmas Market is set to take place this weekend at Soma Saigon. The event will showcase an array of vendors offering Christmas-themed merchandise. With 18 participating vendors, guests can explore a variety of items, ranging from handmade candles and cold process soap bars to pottery art, paintings, and linen clothing.

Market visitors will have the opportunity to discover festive season gifts at Soma Christmas Market. Photo courtesy of Soma Saigon

The event is scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Soma Saigon, situated at 6 Le Van Mien Street, District 2. Admission to the event is free.

Vietnam Foodtech 2023

Vietnam Foodtech 2023, opening from Dec. 13 to 16, is Vietnam’s leading expo for food and beverages and food processing technology. It brings together global manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, agents, and industry experts in a pivotal event covering packaging, machinery, equipment, technology, and services related to food processing.

Event attendees have the chance to broaden their business networks and explore a variety of new food products and food processing technologies. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Foodtech

The event hosts over 350 exhibitors from more than 25 countries across an 8,000-square-meter space with 400 booths, offering a platform for businesses to connect, explore partnerships, and engage with customers. The event also features a food & beverage exhibition, showcasing diverse products, and a food processing technology exhibition, highlighting the latest advancements.

The event welcomes the public until Dec. 16, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), at 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7. Interested attendees can sign up for the event through the link.

Nam Me Xmas Art Market

The 3rd Nam Me Art Market will be hosted at Nam Me Kitchen & Bar. The event provides attendees with the opportunity to engage in various activities, including workshops on decorating Christmas cocktail glasses, card writing, Xmas gift wrapping, and cookie making.

“Nam Me Xmas Art Market” poster. Photo courtesy of Nam Me Kitchen & Bar

Additionally, the event features a banh xeo (crispy pancakes) making workshop, a pool BBQ & acoustic music night, and a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a buy 1 get 1 offer.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Nam Me Kitchen & Bar at 7 Tran Van Sac Street, District 2.

Xmas Wreath Workshop

A Christmas wreath-making event will be hosted by When Still this Sunday. When Still is a certified workshop that focuses on Sogetsu Ikebana, an artistic and contemporary Japanese floral arrangement technique. Additionally, it offers painterly-style floral designs.

Participants at When Still’s wreath workship will receive guidance to craft their own wreaths and can take their finished creations home. Photo courtesy of When Still

Participants can create a wreath during the workshop. The VND1.2 million ($49) participation fee, inclusive of all materials and tools, allows attendees to take their completed creations home.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 17, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at When Still, located at 70 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1. Interested participants can sign up for the event through When Still’s Facebook page.