Exhibition on the global journey of Vietnamese spices in Switzerland
WVR - The exhibition "Symphony of Spices: Vietnamese Roots, Global Routes" offers insights into the journey of Vietnamese spices spreading through global trade networks and cultural exchanges.
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| The exhibition focuses on introducing the origins and global journey of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom from Northern Vietnam. (Source: Asia Society) |
Held at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich, the program is led by curators Annuska Derks and Phuong Nguyen. It focuses on introducing the origins and global journey of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom from Northern Vietnam.
The exhibition provides a contemporary perspective on the role of trade routes and geopolitical shifts, showcasing how spices have connected cultures and cuisines for over 2,000 years.
From local cultivation to international markets, the journey of these familiar ingredients associated with pho is depicted as part of the global trade flow.
Besides showcasing artifacts, the exhibition highlights stories of individuals and networks that have contributed to bringing Vietnamese spices to the world, reflecting the cultural exchange between Vietnam and other countries, including Switzerland.
This is the museum's first project dedicated to Vietnam, overseen by Annuska Derks, Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies Department at the University of Zurich.
Meanwhile, Phuong Nguyen is a doctoral candidate, a member of the Gen A 2026 program, and serves as a liaison between the curatorial team, the Vietnamese community in Switzerland, and partners in Vietnam.
The event is organized for invited guests to enhance academic exchange and promote understanding of Vietnamese culture in the context of globalization.
