San Diego Tet Festival 2009

  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