Wow, where did time go? It's time for the San Diego Tet Festival again. The venue this year, is the same as last year, Balboa Park.
I decided to check things out on the way home from work, so that I could get a post in tonight. That way, if you're interested, you'll still have tonight, Saturday, and Sunday to attend.
This year, it didn't look like the weather was cooperating, but by the time the Festival opened at 4pm, the rain looked to have moved on, and the sun was shining.
Things were a bit wet, but I'm hoping that doesn't dampen spirits.
As with all the previous festivals, various vendors, businesses, and community organizations are represented.
And of course all of the rides.
Of course, I know you're really interested in the food, right?
It was nice to see some of the old regulars, who are here every year.
And many that I don't recall seeing before.
To me, it seems that every year, there seems to be an interesting food theme. In 2006, it was Cha Gio everywhere. In 2007, it was salads. Last year, it was Nem Chua and Banh Kot. This year, in keeping with the weather, it's soups, stews, and rice porridge (Chao).
And every year, there's something a little more adventurous.
Here's a closer look:
And just in case you aren't in the mood for Vietnamese (gasp!), there's the usual Kettle Corn, Hot Dogs, Tacos, and maybe a few not so usual suspects:
The meat grilling in back of the booth smelled heavenly. Too bad they weren't quite ready.
Only a few booths were open, and this booth was the busiest:
And though all folks ahead of me were getting Eggrolls (Cha Gio), or Fried Bananas, I had my sights dead set on something else.... Bun Rieu!
I ordered my Bun Rieu($5), and the very friendly young man manning the booth asked me to wait a few minutes. And what should appear, but a large fast-food plastic tray, and a proper large bowl of Bun Rieu. I was shocked.....
I had expected a small styrofoam bowl, but this was larger than many bowls of Bun Rieu I've had in restaurants. No garnishes other than lime, but this was better than expected. And while it was a far cry from Mien Trung, the Bun Rieu sure hit the spot on such a damp day. I was so stuffed after finishing this off, that there was no room for anything else.
Which might have been a good thing, since many booths, like this one, which will be serving Banh Kot, were simply not ready.
So if you visit, let me know what you enjoyed!
Fourth Annual San Diego Tet Festival - Balboa Park.
Fri 1/23/2009: 4pm - 10pm
Sat 1/24/2009: 10am - 10pm
Sun 1/25/2009: 10am - 8pm
Kirk - I am sad that I won't be missing the festival this year. Thanks for posting. I enjoy reading all your food adventures.
Posted by: Mscinda | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 09:09 AM
Oops I meant that I won't be attending this year. I guess it's a little early for me still. :(
Posted by: Mscinda | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 09:10 AM
Awesome! Since I'm in town, I think I'll have to make an appearance :-) Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Gastronomer | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 10:27 AM
Seems like so much fun and food. That bun rieu really looks good. Makes me hungry. Thanks, I guess.
Posted by: ed (from Yuma) | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 10:37 AM
Thanks for the reminder. I completely forgot it was this weekend. Hopefully I can convince the Mister to go with me tomorrow.
Posted by: Carol | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 12:37 PM
Hi Kirk. I had the Bun Rieu at the festival after reading about it here. Thanks for the suggestion! It warmed me up nicely. The Mister enjoyed a spicy papaya salad with beef jerky, and we both snacked on yummy eggrolls and fried bananas. Happy new year!
Posted by: Gina | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 06:32 PM
Hi Mscinda - Oh, that's too bad...hopefully, next year!
Hi G - Welcome home! I hope you have a great time.
Hi Ed - It was ok...what impressed me was the amount...
Hi Carol - I hope you have a chance to check it out.
Hi Gina - Happy New Year to you as well. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 24 January 2009 at 08:25 PM
Hi Kirk!
Matthew and I made it to the festival this year! Lots of fun and many yummy snacks. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Lynnea | Sunday, 25 January 2009 at 05:05 PM
Hi Lynnea - I'm glad you enjoyed the Tet Festival!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 26 January 2009 at 07:16 AM
that looks like an interesting collection of eats and stuff!
Posted by: foodhoe | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 10:35 AM
Gung hoy fat choy, Kirk.
Posted by: The Guilty Carnivore | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 12:48 PM
Hi FH - It is very interesting....
Hi GC - Same back at ya'!!!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 08:43 PM
I actually stopped by VSA-SDSU's booth to get some banh khot. it was really good! although it took them some time to get started it was worth the wait. plus, its much more difficult for students to compete with restaurants or people who have been doing it for so long. so i applaud them for doing a good job.
Posted by: karen tran | Thursday, 29 January 2009 at 12:49 PM
Hi Karen - I'm glad you enjoyed the Tet Festival. I also like that you "get it". This is a festival, and it is festival food, and should be enjoyed in that spirit.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 30 January 2009 at 06:47 AM