2024 International Food Festival: A gastronomic space bringing friends together from around the world
WVR - In an interview with the World and Vietnam Report, Mr. Hoang Thai Ha, Head of the Trade Union of the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee emphasized the significance of organizing the 2024 International Food Festival.
Latest
 |
| 2024 International Food Festival: Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and delegates attending the 2023 International Food Festival. (Photo: Tuan Viet) |
The 2024 International Food Festival is expected to take place in Hanoi. Could you please tell us about the scale and scope of this event?
The 2024 International Food Festival, organized by the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps in collaboration with the Directorate of State Protocol, the Press and Information Department, the World and Vietnam Report, and other units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take place over two days, December 7-8th, at the Diplomatic Corps area at 298 Kim Ma, Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
The festival is an annual event aimed at fostering cultural and culinary exchange. It continues to attract growing participation from embassies, foreign cultural centers, provincial Departments of External Relations, businesses, and units within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This year’s Festival, themed “Gastronomy of Unity - Connecting Cuisine”, has the participation from over 45 foreign representative missions, international organizations, 18 provincial localities, Southern Cuisine Pavilion, units in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 125 booths.
 |
| International Food Festival: Mrs. Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, Spouse of Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the 10th International Food Festival. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
I can confirm that the 2024 International Food Festival will be the largest event ever since the event was held. It will be a meeting place to honour the quintessential flavors, and affirm the connecting power of cuisine; at the same time, it is an opportunity for tourists and people to visit, learn and enjoy the culinary flavors associated with the cultures of the participating countries.
Taking place over 2 days, the Organizing Committee expects to welcome 30,000 diners and visitors. Due to the size of the venue, the main event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on December 8. The Organizing Committee will prioritize welcoming guests.
After 10 years of official organization and one online organization, as an annual international cultural and culinary exchange event, please shared the new and different points of this year compared to previous organizations?
Over the past 10 years, the scale, stature and influence of the International Food Festival have continuously increased over the years and become an important cultural, culinary and charity exchange event, drawing enthusiastic participation from Embassies, foreign cultural centers, external relations departments representing provinces, cities, businesses and units in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 |
| 2024 International Food Festival: Map and Program. |
The International Food Festival 2024 is not only a place to introduce special dishes of Vietnam or of 10 Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN) but also brings a unique culinary experience journey with about 40 countries and territories, 18 localities, regional cuisine, ect.
Unlike previous years, the 2024 International Food Festival offers a platform to showcase iconic dishes, exciting and vibrant activities of the Beer Festival, sponsor giveaways, and numerous unique experiences such as the "Food Passport," "One Plate Cuisine," and "Five-Continent Kitchen."
A special highlight this year is the inclusion of regional Vietnamese cuisines. Beyond the international cuisine section, the Festival will present dishes from the three regions of Viet Nam—North, Central, and South. Signature delicacies include Nam Dinh pho, traditional nem (spring rolls), Ha Noi rolled pho, fried pho, three-region bánh mì, and various distinctive spices.
Another new point is that in addition to the area for international friends to introduce their culinary specialties, there will also be regional cuisines of the 3 regions: North, Central, South of Vietnam, including famous dishes such as: Nam Dinh Pho, traditional spring rolls, rolled pho, fried pho Hanoi, 3-region bread, typical spices...
 |
| 2024 International Food Festival: Mr. Hoang Thai Ha, Head of the Trade Union of the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee. (Photo: Bach Duong) |
This year, the International Food Festival also has a very substantial contribution from Masan Consumer Goods Joint Stock Company, the main sponsor of the event, which is expected to bring its renowned brands Chinsu and Nam Ngu. Other sponsors include Hanoi Beer, Alcohol, and Beverage Corporation (Habeco), Bluezone purified water, Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (Vietinbank).
The 2024 International Food Festival promises to be an unmissable highlight of the year-end festival season. Visitors will have the chance to explore the world through each dish, experiencing the power of cuisine in connecting cultures across countries while showcasing the rich diversity of Vietnamese cuisine to international friends.
As an event deeply connected to humanitarian charity work, what specific contributions has the Festival made in recent years, and what charity activities are planned for this year?
As you know, the International Food Festival provides an opportunity for organizing units, international friends, officials, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local External Relations Departments to express their care and support for those in need through various charity programs across the country.
All funds raised from the generosity of organizations, individuals, and participants in the 11 previous Food Festivals have been donated to support people with disabilities, orphans, disadvantaged women, and individuals in particularly dire circumstances across the country, especially in the northern mountainous provinces.
 |
| 2024 International Food Festival: The 2024 International Food Festival promises to bring many surprises. (Photo: Bach Duong) |
Over the years, the Organizing Committee has used funds raised to build Binh Thuan Kindergarten in Binh Thuan Commune, Yen Bai Province; support the construction of bridges in Long An Province; provide charitable aid to the Ethnic Boarding School and Ma Le Primary School in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province; contribute to Vinh Phuc Secondary School and Ha Cau Orphanage Center in Ha Dong; build classrooms at Thanh Xa High School in Phu Tho Province; and construct bridges in Ben Tre Province. Additionally, many charitable programs have been implemented in remote and disadvantaged areas across the country.
This year, continuing the spirit of solidarity and support from previous festivals, the Organizing Committee plans to call on benefactors to contribute donations to support centers, schools, and hospitals in five provinces and cities nationwide. Contributions will also be directed to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee to support the nationwide campaign, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing by 2025
Could you share with us the future orientation for organizing the International Food Festival?
As mentioned above, the scale, scope and influence of the International Food Festival have surpassed what can be accommodated at the Diplomatic Corps Area, No. 298 Kim Ma, Van Phuc. This is due to the growing demand and enthusiasm of international participants, localities, and businesses.
In response to the needs and aspirations of our partners and attendees, and to ensure a safe and successful event, we are exploring larger venues and expanding the event format. This will allow us to further showcase diverse cuisines while promoting cultural exchange, tourism, and cooperation.
Thank you very much./.
