Glorious Spring Fair 2026 Showcases Rare Treasures of Vietnam's Highlands
The Glorious Spring Fair 2026 has opened at the Việt Nam Exposition Centre (VEC), bringing the unique goods of the northwest highlands to a wider audience. The event highlights traditional dishes, mountain-grown produce, and handcrafted uncommon goods from remote villages. For many visitors, it's a chance to explore the region's rich culinary heritage.
Highland cuisine takes centre stage, reflecting the daily lives and customs of ethnic groups like the Thái, Mông, Dao, and Tày. Dishes such as smoke-dried buffalo meat and mắc khén—a signature spice—showcase the natural ingredients and age-old techniques of the mountains. These foods carry deep cultural meaning, offering a taste of the region's traditions.
Sơn La Province alone presents over 30 products, from fresh and processed fruits to speciality items for Tết celebrations. Other booths feature smoked meats, mountain-grown tea, coffee, and unique dishes that draw in customers with their quality and authenticity. Small co-operatives have worked to improve packaging and ensure consistent standards, making their goods more appealing to urban buyers.
The fair also serves as a vital marketplace for producers. Success isn't just measured in sales but in the satisfaction of sellers who secure steady demand for their uncommon goods. For many, the event bridges the gap between highland farmers and lowland consumers, enriching dinner tables with new flavours and stories.
The Spring Fair gives highland communities a platform to share their culture through food. Visitors leave with more than just products—they take home a piece of the northwest's heritage. The event strengthens ties between remote villages and urban markets, ensuring these traditions continue to thrive.
