Ambassador G.S. Bezdetko: Discovering new experiences of Russian culture at the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival

The Russian Embassy's pavilion on the evening of November 22 attracted a large number of visitors. (Photo: Thanh Chau)

The International Food and Culture Festival has been held for many years and has become a familiar event on Hanoi’s diplomatic calendar. Organized under the patronage of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the large-scale and vibrant festival consistently attracts significant attention from both local residents and international guests.

Aiming for noble goals

Each year, the Embassy of the Russian Federation actively participates in this charitable event, contributing to support activities for orphans and disadvantaged communities.

Ambassador of Russia to Vietnam G.S. Bezdetko. (Source: Russian Embassy in Vietnam)

This year, we plan to present a national booth featuring traditional Russian cuisine. Visitors will be able to enjoy fresh, warm pastries; a variety of well-known Russian candies, including chocolate; and handicraft souvenirs made by Russian artisans. During the opening ceremony’s traditional concert, students from the Russian Embassy school will perform folk-style musical pieces.

Those familiar with our country, who have lived or studied in Russia, will surely recall the renowned Russian hospitality. For first-time visitors to the festival, this event will open up many new insights into Russia and our national cuisine. Thus, the event provides a favorable opportunity for representatives from various countries to better understand each other and explore the diversity of cultures, all aiming for noble goals.

The Russian Embassy actively participates in charitable activities at annual culinary festivals organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Source: Russian Embassy in Vietnam)

Authentic flavours, familiar tastes

Our Embassy always prepares meticulously for the festival. Most dishes are pre-prepared by us following traditional recipes. Some dishes, like shashlik (grilled skewered meat), will be cooked on-site and naturally require certain skills. We particularly focus on ensuring the quality and safety of all products brought to the festival. We always receive necessary support from the organizers and express our deep gratitude.

Regarding Vietnamese culinary culture, each region has its unique characteristics. Therefore, attempting to adjust Russian dishes to suit the Vietnamese palate might be too ambitious and will be entrusted to professional chefs. Moreover, many Russian dishes have long been familiar to Vietnamese people, such as black bread, caviar, pirozhki pastries, blini pancakes, "solyanka" soup, and especially "Olivier" salad, which is often referred to by foreigners as "Russian salad".

I believe many Russian dishes are quite familiar to Vietnamese people even when prepared and enjoyed in their authentic flavors.

Russian dishes will be prepared by professional chefs. (Source: Russian Embassy in Vietnam)

Enhancing the meaning of connection

The festival undoubtedly contributes to mutual understanding, promotes cultural diplomacy, and strengthens people-to-people connections. Statistics show that more companies and organizations are eager to participate in this vibrant and highly attractive event. This year's festival theme once again emphasizes the meaning of connection, the spirit of unity in diversity, and the sustainable value of friendship, solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation.

I believe the festival will significantly contribute to the development of economic and trade cooperation. Specifically, on November 22-23, at the Russian booth, we introduce products made in Russia and exported to Vietnam with the support of the Russian Export Center.

Visitors can explore many items currently available in Vietnamese supermarkets, and they might choose to purchase some products to gift to family and friends.

The Russian Embassy dedicates a space to display the famous Matryoshka dolls. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Since arriving in Vietnam, I have participated in the festival every year. It is always a lively and unforgettable event, filled with exciting activities and friendly, open conversations. I look forward to personally introducing each guest visiting the Russian pavilion to our traditional souvenirs and dishes.

I believe the inherent hospitality of our multi-ethnic country will attract interest and make everyone feel warm. Everyone who comes here will find something they love. Hope to see you at the Russian booth! See you at the festival!

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