Brian Jeffrey
Celebrating Culture: Ori Kim’s Experience at a Vietnamese Memorial Feast
During her travels in Vietnam, Ori Kim, a tourist from South Korea, attended a memorial feast in Can Tho, which she described as a vibrant celebration of life and community. Ori, who has been captivated by Vietnamese culture and cuisine since her first visit in 2017, shared her experiences on her popular YouTube channel, which has over 80,000 subscribers.
Prior to the feast, Ori made a stop at a local market to purchase fresh fruits as a sign of respect, showcasing her appreciation for Vietnamese traditions. She found the atmosphere of the event to be energetic, with crowds and vehicles filling the nearby streets, reminiscent of a festive gathering.
Unlike the quiet and formal Korean memorials, Ari noted that Vietnamese memorial feasts are joyous occasions that honor the departed while also serving as a cheerful family reunion. “It feels like a festive gathering that brings families closer and shares delightful food with all,” she noted.
Ori enjoyed trying a diverse range of dishes at the feast, including grilled chicken, sticky rice, roasted pork, steamed fish, beef stew, and the local delicacy, bánh da lợn (layer cake). She appreciated the warm hospitality, as both familiar faces and strangers alike invited her to taste various foods and join in conversations.
A standout moment for Ori was the lively beer-drinking rituals unique to Vietnam, where guests engaged in cheerful toasts and playfully encouraged her to join their enthusiastic “1-2-3 dô!” cheers.
After two hours filled with food, laughter, and loud conversations, she humorously admitted that she had lost her voice due to the excitement. “This was an incredibly joyous event. I was truly thankful for the openness and energy from everyone,” Ori shared.
Grateful to her Vietnamese friend who extended the invitation, Ori expressed that the experience inspired her to delve deeper into Vietnamese culture. “This was an unforgettable day. I’m excited to continue my exploration of Vietnam’s rich traditions,” she concluded.
Photo: Ori Kim & Ame Kim
