The video contest is a key component of the city's 2026 culinary tourism development plan, aiming to highlight the cultural depth, local residents, and distinct gastronomic experiences of Ho Chi Minh City to domestic and international visitors.

Open to Vietnamese citizens, foreign residents, and food service personnel in Vietnam, the contest allows individuals or teams to submit up to three video works filmed within the city. Submissions, community voting, and a six-week challenge series will run from 12:00 PM on September 15, 2026, to 11:59 PM on November 11, 2026.

Results and the award ceremony are expected in December 2026, with a total prize pool of VND 354 million ( over US$13,500).

Organizers noted that by utilizing the visual appeal and reach of digital platforms, the contest is poised to build a rich repository of creative digital content to promote the city's image. The initiative encourages turning every dish into a story, every video into an invitation, and every participant into a tourism ambassador.

As a convergence of diverse regions, communities, and cultural hues, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a rich, diverse, and continuously creative culinary landscape.

In June, Time Out magazine ranked Ho Chi Minh City 6th among the world's top 20 cities for food, placing first globally for street food. Furthermore, Trip.com data shows a more than 700% surge in search demand for local Vietnamese specialties, alongside significant growth in queries for restaurants, cafes, buffets, and seafood.

Culinary experiences are increasingly becoming a primary motivation for travelers when choosing destinations, encouraging longer stays and higher spending. Through this contest, the city introduces a fresh approach to culinary tourism promotion, enabling the community to tell its own stories about local gastronomy through personal perspectives and emotions.

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