Ori Kim, a South Korean tourist, was invited to a memorial feast in Can Tho during one of her visits to Vietnam. Known for her love of Vietnamese culture and cuisine since her first trip in 2017, Ori shared her impressions of this unique cultural experience on her YouTube channel, which boasts over 80,000 followers.

Before attending the memorial feast, Ori visited a local market to buy fresh fruit as a gesture of respect, reflecting her understanding of Vietnamese customs. She described the feast as lively, with a large number of guests and vehicles lining the streets near the host’s home. The bustling atmosphere, filled with laughter and music, reminded her of a festival.

In contrast to Korean memorials, which are typically private and somber, Ori observed that Vietnamese memorial feasts serve as both a tribute to the deceased and a joyful family reunion. “It’s like a celebration that strengthens family bonds and offers delicious food to everyone,” she remarked.

At the feast, Ori sampled a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, sticky rice, roasted pork, steamed fish, beef stew, and the Southern specialty, bánh da lợn (layer cake). She noted the communal spirit, as everyone, including strangers, eagerly engaged her in conversation and encouraged her to try different foods.

One highlight of the event was Vietnam’s unique beer-drinking culture. Ori enjoyed the lively toasts, cheers, and playful camaraderie as guests encouraged her to join in with their “1-2-3 dô!” chants.

After two hours of eating, drinking, and chatting, Ori admitted she lost her voice from all the shouting and laughing. “It was such a joyful experience. I truly appreciated the kindness and energy of everyone there,” she said.

Ori expressed gratitude to her Vietnamese friend who invited her, saying the experience left her inspired to learn more about Vietnamese traditions. “It was unforgettable. I’ll continue exploring and understanding Vietnamese culture,” she concluded.

Thao Trinh

Photo: Ori Kim & Ame Kim