Water Puppetry – A Thousand-Year-Old Vietnamese Tradition

Water puppetry is a traditional art form with a history of over 1,000 years in the Red River Delta. Traditional water puppet stages were usually built in village communal houses or ponds and performed during festivals to entertain the local community. Performances often begin with the character Chú Tễu, a humorous and lively figure considered the mascot of water puppetry.

Water puppet shows typically depict rural cultural life, including activities such as farming, buffalo fighting festivals, boat racing, as well as folk tales and myths, such as dragon dances, lion dances, and the four mythical animals. These performances reflect spiritual life and express hopes for a prosperous and happy life.

Water Puppetry at Đậu Homemade

Đậu Homemade is the first and only restaurant to host annual water puppet shows. Its stage is a miniature version of the traditional setup and can be moved to schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, bringing water puppetry closer to young audiences.

The shows are performed by Đậu’s skilled artists, trained by Phan Thanh Liêm, the 7th-generation heir of a family with a long-standing water puppetry tradition and multiple prestigious awards.

Who Enjoys the Water Puppet Shows?

The performances attract not only children but also Gen Z audiences and older generations, such as grandparents and parents. The lively shows feel like a nostalgic trip back to childhood, strengthening family bonds. International visitors also love Đậu Homemade’s water puppetry, as it offers the unique opportunity to enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine while experiencing this cultural art form—for free!

How to Book a Water Puppet Show at Đậu Homemade

Đậu Homemade’s water puppet performances are nonprofit and completely free. You can book a show for groups of 15 or more, or follow the Fanpage to check the schedule and reserve a table to enjoy Hanoi-style dishes while watching the show.

Contact here to book a water puppet show.

Water Puppet Schedule at Đậu Homemade

This October, Đậu Homemade brings impressive puppet performances, combined with meaningful community projects, to schools and residential areas for children during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Đậu Homemade’s water puppetry combines approachability and flexibility, helping preserve this beautiful Vietnamese cultural art. Follow our Fanpage and scan the code to get detailed information about the shows and reserve your table to enjoy both water puppetry and Đậu’s delicious dishes!