We are pre-empting Burger Week to let you know it's that time again…. Yes, the 2010 San Diego Tet Festival started today, running through Sunday 02/21. So I made sure to drop this evening.
If you've been to the Tet Festival before, much is the same. The location is still Balboa Park. This year things are much drier than last year, even though there's rain in the forecast.
There are of course, all the various rides and games.
And all of the various booths, from community organizations, different vendors, and sponsors. Like last year, I arrived pretty early and most of the booths weren't set-up yet.
There is a schedule full of events as well.
Don't forget the Cultural Village.
Of course, i know you're most interested in the food, right? Like last year, the food booths occupy one entire side of the festival.
This year, the booths I was interested in weren't ready for me. Also, I noticed that the offerings are a bit more "varied" with even less traditional Vietnamese items available. Still there are enough vendors to keep you satiated.
Some like Ba Le are quite familiar…. but what really got my interest was that Ba Le was serving Kao Piek (Khao Piak Sen), a noodle soup dish we're familiar with. Which led me to wonder….. since when has Ba Le been serving Lao food????
There was one booth that immediately caught my interest.
Lee's Sandwiches had a booth at the festival! I made a beeline toward the booth which was serving only snacks and drinks. I was intercepted by a nice young man offering samples. While munching on a piece of sweet toast, I inquired about Lee's in San Diego. I was told that there are plans for Lee's to open in San Diego within the next eighteen months!
Even though it seems that this years Tet Festival's food offerings are a bit watered down, let me say that you can still find interesting stuff you you look hard enough.
So it might be worth your while!
Adult Admission is $5.
San Diego Tet Festival at Balboa Park
Friday 2/19/2010 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 2/20/2010 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 2/21/2010 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM 
Happy Tet, Kirk (is that the proper greeting?)
I’ve got it marked on my calendar for Sunday. Thanks for the preview!
Is that an MD11 on short final?
Hi Kat – I think that’ll do, though most likely it’ll be “Cung Chúc Tân Xuân “.
Hi Lynnea – I hope you have a great time.
Hi Chris – I dunno, I’m not much on planes. It did seem so close that I could grab it though.
ho, the year been pass so fast.
Hi RONW – It sure has hasn’t it? Can you believe that this is the fifth one I’ve posted on??? Sheesh….
ahhh, wish I was on that plane… I should mark my calendar for next year to keep an eye out for any festivals up here, looks like they are all over with for 2010. But, now you’ve got me on the prowl for some delicious VN food!
I like the last picture you took on this post. LOL
Hi FH – I believe San Jose has a Tet Festival….. so maybe next year you’ll make it.
Hi Tammy – I hope you guys had fun! Those planes fly over every couple of minutes, and that one looked really close.