Culinary delicacies around the world converge at the 2023 International Food Festival
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The International Food Festival is held in Hanoi as one of cultural exchange, cuisine and fundraising activities hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Photo: Tuan Viet) |
Organized annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Food Festival has established itself as a prominent cultural, culinary, and philanthropic event in Hanoi. This year's festival, notable for its record number of booths (nearly 150) of embassies, foreign cultural centers, provincial departments of foreign affairs, businesses, and agencies within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event's activities encompass showcasing the distinctive cuisines of Vietnam and many foreign countries, cultural and artistic exchanges, local specialty displays and sales, and charity fundraising.
A novel addition to this year's festival is the concept of a mini 'ASEAN Street' at the heart of the event. This area, where booths from Southeast Asian countries are closely arranged, creates a warm, friendly, and convenient space for visitors to explore and appreciate the unique culinary traditions of each nation in the region.
The International Food Festival not only offers opportunities for cultural exchange and introduces the gastronomy of various countries and regions of Vietnam but also serves as a platform to express care and solidarity with those in difficult circumstances through nationwide charity programs. The total amount raised for charity by organizations and individuals over the past ten Festivals is nearly 6 billion VND. This entire sum has been donated to support the disabled, orphans, impoverished women, and people facing extreme hardships across the country, especially in the northern mountainous provinces.
The International Food Festival also represents a moment to extend support and solidarity to those in challenging situations through charitable programs across the nation.
The International Food Festival also represents a moment to extend support and solidarity to those in challenging situations through charitable programs across the nation. (Photo: Hoang Giap) |
Over the years, the Organizing Committee has utilized the collected funds for various projects including the construction of Binh Thuan Kindergarten in Binh Thuan Commune, Yen Bai Province; supporting bridge construction in Long An Province; charity initiatives at the Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities and Ma Le Elementary School in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province; charity work at Vinh Phuc Secondary School; support for the Ha Cau Orphanage Center in Ha Dong; building classrooms for Thanh Xa High School in Phu Tho, bridges construction in Ben Tre Province; and numerous charitable programs in remote and challenging regions across the country.
Held annually since 2014, the International Food Festival has evolved into a distinguished 'brand' of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, creating a platform for international cultural exchange, enhancing mutual understanding, and introducing Vietnam's country and people to international friends around the world.