Ambassador of Mexico to Vietnam Alejandro Negrin Muñoz: Reviving Mexican traditional culture at 2024 Int'l Food Festival

The Mexican booth at the International Culinary Festival is always one of the most popular attractions, drawing a large number of visitors. (Photo: Mexican Embassy in Vietnam)

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mexico, Alejandro Negrin Muñoz, shared with The World and Vietnam Report about the Embassy’s cherished plans for the upcoming 2024 International Food Festival.

Mr. Ambassador, cuisine serves as a bridge between cultures, reflecting the depth of a nation’s soul and bringing humanity closer together. What traditional aspects of Mexican culture can visitors expect to experience at the 2024 International Food Festival?

Mexico is known throughout the world for being a great cultural power, for its ancient civilizations and numerous archaeological sites, but also for its natural places and beaches, and particularly, for its food.

It is also very important to remind our Vietnamese friends that many of the products used in gastronomy around the world originate in Mexico: corn, tomatoes, avocado, chocolate, and vanilla, among many others.

Because of this, the presence of Mexico at the International Food Festival reflects our commitment to the promotion of cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our two nations. In Mexico, we believe that the culinary tradition is a part of our identity and heritage; therefore, we believe that food can bridge, raise curiosity, and make memorable connections.

The festival is also a very good avenue to share with the Vietnamese audience the rich cuisine of Mexico - recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO - showing them a real taste of our vivid culture.

We wish, by participating, not only to express the diversity of Mexican food but also to show in this way the values and tradition of our culinary practices, which are community, celebration, and great respect for ingredients.

Equally, this event is considered an opportunity to further consolidate the friendship between Vietnam and Mexico through the similarities in the culinary culture of both nations. Both countries love bold flavors, fresh and local ingredients, and the communal way of enjoying food.

Ambassador of Mexico to Vietnam Alejandro Negrin Muñoz. (Photo: Xuân Sơn)

With the growing presence of Mexican cuisine in Vietnam, what notable similarities does the Embassy observe between the culinary cultures of the two nations, Ambassador?

In recent years, we have seen a growth in the number of Mexican restaurants in major cities in Vietnam, as well as an increased interest in and consumption of traditional Mexican drinks, particularly Tequila. Tacos and margaritas – the most popular cocktail in the world – are already well known in Vietnam.

One of the highlights we faced is the deeply embedded curiosity and openness of Vietnamese people concerning the discovery of new gastronomic possibilities.

Vietnam has quite a rich food culture, similar to that of Mexico, but this appreciation for gastronomy creates a common ground from which dialogue can be established.

However, bringing Mexican cuisine to Vietnam also comes with challenges. Some ingredients in traditional Mexican cuisine, such as specific types of chili peppers or herbs, or even corn flour, are not widely available in Vietnam and must be substituted or sourced very carefully. Moreover, adapting recipes to keep their originality and appeal to the taste of locals is a continuous process.

That said, these challenges are but part of the beauty in cultural exchange, pushing us to innovate and celebrate our similarities in our culinary landscapes. For instance, the common use of corn, rice, and fresh herbs in both cuisines is proof enough of how food connects us all.

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The International Food Festival is not only an opportunity for nations to showcase their dishes but also a chance to exchange cultures. What plans does the Mexican Embassy have to connect Mexican cuisine with other culinary traditions within the festival’s framework, Ambassador?

Mexico is a very large country and its cuisine is characterized by its great regional diversity, although products such as corn, beans and chili are present in practically all dishes of Mexican cuisine.

This year, we are proud to present tacos, one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Mexican cuisine in partnership with Naco Taco, one of the must renowned Mexican restaurants in Hanoi owned by two Mexican entrepreneurs. Tacos are more than just a meal; they represent the heart of our culinary traditions and bring people together. Each taco tells a story of regional diversity, showcasing Mexico's rich history through its ingredients and its salsas.

For this festival, you can find a selection of tacos using fresh, high-quality ingredients that reflect the authenticity of Mexican cooking. Tacos are also a versatile dish, making them accessible and enjoyable for people of all tastes.

Their preparation involves the use of corn tortillas, which are deeply rooted in Mesoamerican traditions, connecting us to our ancestors who revered corn as a sacred crop. Tacos also embody the spirit of sharing and celebrating, much like many Vietnamese dishes that emphasize communal dining.

Ambassador, what significance does this year’s festival hold in fostering friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Mexico through the culinary arts?

The International Food Festival is a fantastic initiative that celebrates the diversity of global cultures through one of the most universally loved mediums - food.

For the Mexican Embassy, this festival represents an important opportunity to engage with the Vietnamese public, showcase the depth and richness of our culture, and strengthen people-to-people ties.

The Mexican stand at the festival is always one of the most visited, as we have observed in recent years.

The festival’s role in bringing together representatives from around the world mirrors the values of cultural diplomacy, fostering unity and understanding.

We commend the organizers for creating a space where we can celebrate our shared humanity through gastronomy, and we look forward to continuing our participation in future editions.

Thank you, Ambassador!

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