The students of the Culinary Science program, Faculty of Tourism and Culinary Arts at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), have achieved remarkable success at the Traditional Cake Competition, held as part of the 13th Southern Traditional Cake Festival 2026 in Can Tho City. These prestigious awards further solidify the university’s reputation for academic excellence and superior practical training in the culinary arts.

Organized by the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the festival took place from April 26 to May 1, 2026, at Binh Thuy Square. As a key cultural event, the festival serves to preserve and promote the heritage of Southern Vietnamese traditional cakes while fostering regional exchange and tourism promotion.

Outstanding Achievements of HUIT Students

Embodying the philosophy of "Bridging Theory and Practice," HUIT students showcased their expertise through a series of impressive accolades:

First Prize (Category A) – Top Performance

• Pham Hoai Vu – Product: Banh da lon (Steamed Layer Cake)

Second Prize (Category B) – Consistent Excellence

• Nguyen Hoang Phi Hoc – Banh duc (Rice Cake)
• Tran Thi Cam Hieu – Banh phu the (Husband and Wife Cake)
• Le Thi Hong Anh – Banh la (Steamed Leaf-wrapped Cake)
• Le Hoang Lam – Banh trai cay dau xanh (Mung Bean Pastry)
• Nguyen Thi Ngoc Yen – Banh trai vai (Lychee-shaped Cake)
• Nguyen Huynh Dang Quang – Banh beo tom chay (Savoury Steamed Rice Cake with Shrimp Flakes)

Institutional Award

Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) was honored with the Group Excellence Award.

The Intersection of Tradition and Innovation

The entries presented by HUIT students did more than just replicate traditional techniques; they demonstrated a creative mindset in ingredient pairing, visual presentation, and sensory enhancement. This seamless blend of "traditional essence" and "innovative thinking" was the defining factor that gave HUIT a competitive edge. Winning multiple awards at a regional event of this scale not only elevates HUIT's prestige in culinary training but also reaffirms the university's commitment to preserving and developing Vietnam’s culinary heritage. This success serves as a vital stepping stone for HUIT students to confidently integrate into the global stage, bringing the values of Vietnamese cuisine to the international culinary map.

Below are some highlights of our teams at the festival: