International Culinary Culture Festival 2025: Where cultural stories are told through cuisine

Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam, asserts that introducing the cuisine of this Middle Eastern nation at the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025 is a way to maintain a long-standing cultural tradition, thereby continuing to strengthen the friendship between the two nations. (Photo: Thanh Long)

The International Culinary Culture Festival 2025, themed “Trip of flavours – A journey of flavours around the world” will take place from November 22-23 at the Diplomatic Corps Area, Van Phuc, 298 Kim Ma, Hanoi. As a prominent annual event, the festival attracts the attention and participation of numerous embassies, foreign cultural centers, local Departments of External Relations, and many businesses; contributing to promoting cultural and culinary exchanges between Vietnam and the international community.

On this occasion, The World and Vietnam Report had the opportunity to speak with Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam, about the significance of this year's festival.

Mr. Chargé d'affaires, what does the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam expect from this event, especially in promoting your country's culinary culture?

In recent years, the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam has actively participated in festival activities. We are regular members of cultural programs organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi and are always proud to contribute to strengthening the ties between Iranian and Vietnamese cultures, helping the people of both countries gain a deeper understanding of each other.

More from WVR
The International Culinary Culture Festival brings Vietnam-Argentina people closer together: Argentine Ambassador

In the context of rapidly developing media and the Internet, stepping out of the virtual space to meet, interact, and listen to the people, whom diplomatic activities aim to serve, has become more necessary than ever. This festival provides an opportunity for us to connect more closely with the public with sincerity and warmth. We particularly value this relationship, as the people are the foundation of bilateral cooperation.

In Iranian culture, there are many proverbs and idioms related to cuisine, reflecting the hospitality of the people, such as “sakhāvatmand” meaning generous person; or the saying “may your hearth be full” implying generosity and kindness; and the expression “I have become a salt basin” used to convey that by enjoying the host's salted dish, the guest feels the affection and goodwill of the host. Iranians believe that “guests bring blessings to the host's home”, emphasizing the appreciation for honored guests.

Therefore, introducing Iranian cuisine at the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025 is our way of maintaining a long-standing cultural tradition, thereby continuing to strengthen the friendship between the two nations.

What unique features is the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam bringing to this International Culinary Culture Festival?

For the first time, saffron cookies from a famous Iranian brand, officially imported into Vietnam, will be introduced by the Embassy at this festival. We believe that the delicate flavor of these cookies will win the hearts of Vietnamese culinary enthusiasts.

Additionally, we are also bringing saffron tea, a specialty of Iran, along with tahchin chicken and sol e zard. These accompanying dishes are both famous, have a long history, and are quite familiar to Vietnamese tastes.

Next is the tahchin chicken, a dish made from rice, saffron, chicken, and special spices, cooked according to Iran's traditional recipe, resulting in a beautiful golden crust on the outside and a moist, tender filling inside, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Moreover, the dessert sol e zard is a highlight at our booth. This sweet dish uses saffron as the main ingredient, with a distinct, enticing aroma harmoniously combined with a subtle sweetness. We are confident that this will be a dish loved by many Vietnamese diners.

We hope that our country's specialties at this year's International Culinary Culture Festival will offer Vietnamese diners new and unique culinary experiences, while also helping everyone understand more about Iranian culture, people, and hospitality.

Through these delicate flavors, the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam aims to contribute to promoting cultural exchange, friendship, and connection between Iran and Vietnam, making each dish not just a taste experience but also a bridge connecting the hearts and cultures of the two nations.

The 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival, themed “Trip of flavors – A journey of flavors around the world”, takes place from November 22-23 in Hanoi. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Could you share more about the preparation process of the Embassy of Iran to introduce your country's distinctive dishes to the Vietnamese public at this year's festival?

We have a team that is always passionate about cultural activities and deeply believes in the significance of accompanying the community. This is the motivation for the Embassy to strive to overcome the heavy workload in Hanoi and a busy schedule to participate in events.

In Vietnam, we are fortunate to receive enthusiastic cooperation from agencies in the cultural sector. This interactive and open working approach has created a new, effective festival model, harmoniously combining the resources of the Embassy and agencies in Vietnam, thereby enhancing professionalism and promoting mutual understanding. Vietnamese people are very interested in such activities, as they are an opportunity to explore the cultures of many countries.

However, the preparation process also faces some challenges. The Embassy's busy schedule makes it truly difficult to allocate time. Additionally, to accurately introduce traditional culinary spirit, we need to use characteristic Iranian ingredients. The geographical distance makes accessing quality ingredients challenging, significantly affecting the complete conveyance of culinary essence to the Vietnamese public.

In your opinion, what role does the International Culinary Culture Festival play in enhancing friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between Vietnam and other countries?

To me, the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025 is a meaningful event aimed at promoting friendship, exchange, and understanding of the culinary cultures of various countries. After all, cuisine is a core part of cultural identity, reflecting the lifestyle of each nation.

When countries worldwide introduce their traditional dishes in a cozy space like this, it is not only to showcase their cuisine to international friends but also to exchange cultural values and the stories behind them.

As mentioned, Iran is a country that values hospitality. Especially in our culture, sharing a meal is always seen as a symbol of connection, a way to gradually bridge the gap between people.

Therefore, cuisine is a common language, transcending all barriers of language or religion. Each dish contains stories about history, geography, and the lifestyle of the people where it was created. For Iran – a country with a rich culinary tradition thanks to its diverse terrain from deserts, mountains to coastal areas, the festival is an opportunity for us to share these values with Vietnamese friends, while also discovering the unique culinary cultures of other countries.

We believe that when people enjoy dishes from different cultures, they are also opening their hearts to understand each other better. These simple moments will help strengthen the bond between Iran, Vietnam, and the international community.

Thank you very much!

Highlights of the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025 The International Culinary Cultural Festival 2025 promises to be rich in distinctive highlights.

Chinese Embassy in Vietnam: International Culinary Culture Festival becomes a new bridge between civilizations WVR - The Chinese Embassy in Vietnam will bring a variety of distinctive Chinese dishes to the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025, contributing to fostering ...

International Culinary Culture Festival 2025: A journey of flavours connecting continents WVR - Over 120 booths from Embassies, Consulates, Foreign Cultural Centres, local Departments of External Relations, domestic enterprises, and international organizations will participate in the ...

International Culinary Culture Festival 2025: Palestinian Ambassador shares his delights According to Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025is an opportunity to exchange and learn about the culinary cultures of various countries. ...

Deputy FM Ngo Le Van inspects and finalizes preparations for the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025 WVR - On the morning of November 21, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van inspected and gave direction over the final preparations for ...