International Culinary Culture Festival 2026: Vietnamese culture is rich in identity and open to global exchange
WVR - These are the heartfelt words shared by Madame Le Nguyet Anh, Spouse of Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, at the press meeting on the International Culinary Culture Festival 2026, held on the morning of November 5 in Hanoi.
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| Mrs. Le Nguyet Anh, Spouse of Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, speaking at the press briefing on the International Culinary Culture Festival 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Speaking at the event, Madame Le Nguyet Anh emphasised that the International Culinary Culture Festival 2026 contributes to spreading the image of a dynamic, open, and culturally rich Vietnam that is proactively integrating with the world.
With the theme “Beyond Flavors, this year's festival opens opportunities for the public to explore the stories behind each dish, thereby understanding various cultures and gaining deeper insights into the values that form national identity.
The Spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed her hope that these experiences will nurture a love for the homeland and pride in national culture among the younger generation.
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| Within the framework of the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025, the Organizing Committee presented charitable gifts to support residents in provinces severely affected by storms and floods on November 23, 2025. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
| Held on November 23, 2025, at the Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound (Hanoi), the International Culinary Culture Festival 2025, themed “Joining Hands to Support Residents Overcoming Storms and Floods”, aimed to support people in areas affected by natural disasters. Through the program, the Organizing Committee raised 1.26 billion VND to support affected residents. After the event, the Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, presented five gifts, each worth 150 million VND, along with five clean water projects to the localities of Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Hue, and Ha Tinh. |
“Vietnamese culture is worthy of pride,” affirmed Mrs. Le Nguyet Anh.
She also noted that interacting with international friends is an opportunity for Vietnamese people to better understand and appreciate their own cultural values.
In addition to cultural exchange, charitable activities continue to be a highlight emphasized by Mrs. Le Nguyet Anh at this year's festival.
Praising the support of diplomatic agencies, international organizations, and participating units, she stated that every contribution helps spread the spirit of love and solidarity, which is a beautiful tradition of the Vietnamese people.
“These contributions may seem small but will warm our nation,” shared the Spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressing her hope that international friends will continue to join hands and share with the Vietnamese people through practical actions.
“Culture nurtures the soul, while charity reflects responsibility and love,” she emphasized.
Through this, the Spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs hopes that the combination of cultural exchange and humanitarian activities will make the festival a “bridge of compassion”, contributing to fostering a spirit of sharing and responsibility with the community.
Intersection of cultural colours
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| The International Culinary Culture Festival 2026 is expected to take place over two days, November 21-22, at the Diplomatic Compound (298 Kim Ma, Ngoc Ha Ward, Hanoi), with the theme “Beyond Flavors". (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Discussing the role of cuisine in international exchange and integration, Madame Le Nguyet Anh, Spouse of Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, stressed that it is “the most natural bridge for people to come closer together”.
Originating from the essential needs of life, cuisine over time carries the cultural imprint of each community, becoming a means of connection that transcends language and geographical differences.
The Spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that behind each dish is sometimes a journey of exchange, trade, and cultural adaptation over many generations.
She cited pho and banh mi, two familiar Vietnamese dishes, which also bear marks from interactions with many other cultures.
Through culinary stories, diners can trace historical footprints, recognizing similarities or unique characteristics in each ingredient, preparation method, and local custom.
Referring to the image of Vietnam being spread through the festival, Madame. Le Nguyet Anh highlighted the diversity in the cultural identity of 54 ethnic groups, with distinctive features associated with each region.
According to the Spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese people always cherish and preserve traditional values while being open to absorbing the cultural quintessence of humanity, thereby affirming the vitality of Vietnamese identity in the flow of integration.
| Scheduled to take place over two days, November 21-22, at the Diplomatic Compound (298 Kim Ma, Ngoc Ha Ward, Hanoi), the International Culinary Culture Festival 2026 offers a vibrant cultural exchange space. With the theme “Beyond Flavors", the program aims to honor the cultural identities of nations while affirming the role of cuisine as a bridge connecting friendship, promoting exchange, and international cooperation. |
