Press briefing introduces a vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese and international culinary quintessence

Representatives of the organizing committee chaired the press briefing for the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival. (Source: SDDC)

The festival, organized by Service Department for Diplomatic Corps in coordination with Directorate of State Protocol and Intepretation, Department of Press and Information, The World & Vietnam Report and affiliated units of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take place from 22-23 November at the Diplomatic Compound, 298 Kim Ma, Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

This annual event aims to promote cultural and culinary exchange, attracting the growing participation of embassies, foreign cultural centers, provincial Departments for External Relations, businesses and units within Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Madame Le Nguyet Anh, spouse of Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, emphasized that Vietnam wishes to express warm appreciation to both international and domestic guests through the nternational Culinary Culture Festival 2025. (Source: SDDC)

Among the attendees were Madame Le Nguyet Anh, spouse of Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung; Mr. Ngo Phuong Nghi, Director-General of Service Department for Diplomatic Corps; Mr. Luu Binh Khiem, Director of Department for External Relations of Son La Province; Mr. Bui Ngoc Hai, Deputy Director of Department for External Relations of Hai Phong City; Ms. Le Thi Thiet, Chairwoman of the Ninh Binh Culinary Culture Association; as well as representatives of media outlets, embassies and foreign cultural centers in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Madame Le Nguyet Anh emphasized that through a simple yet meaningful activity, Vietnam wishes to express warm appreciation to both international and domestic guests. Dishes prepared by artisans represent not only culinary excellence but also symbols of love, peace and human connection.

She noted that Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced various innovations this year, applying digital technologies to enhance guest experience, thereby reaffirming Vietnam’s spirit of openness, innovation, and commitment to friendship and peace.

Ms. Hoang Thu Nga, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee, said that this year’s festival features nearly 120 booths from embassies, consulates, foreign cultural centers, provincial Departments for External Relations, domestic and international businesses. (Source: SDDC)

According to Ms. Hoang Thu Nga, Deputy Head of the organizing committee, the theme “Trip of Flavours - A Journey of Flavours Around the World” celebrates cuisine as a journey of emotion and connection, where each dish carries not just flavours but stories of culture, history and national identity. Through food, participants share not only tastes but also creativity, mutual understanding and a spirit of cooperation.

With nearly 120 booths from embassies, consulates, foreign cultural centres, provincial Departments for External Relations, domestic and international businesses, this year’s festival promises a vibrant showcase of global culinary heritage while reaffirming Vietnam’s image as a “common home” of world cultures.

The festival marks a new milestone in organizational quality, with more diverse, multidimensional activities in culinary performance, cultural exchange, and experiential gastronomy, offering visitors a rich and immersive experience. This convergence not only highlights global culinary beauty but also spreads the message of a dynamic, friendly Vietnam ready to connect for peace, cooperation, and development.

Participants at the press briefing enjoyed culinary within the framework of the event. (Source: SDDC)

The organizing committee expects this year’s innovations to set the festival apart from previous editions: a larger scale, a themed layout based on the “A Journey of Flavours Around the World” and the first-ever incorporation of digital technology through a “Digital Interaction Corner”.

Visitors will be able to explore program information, event maps and signature dishes from each country-ensuring a modern, convenient and more connected experience. Complementing this are creative activities such as the “Borderless Culinary Diary”, “Fashion Food Show”, and “Global Beer Fest”.

This year’s program also features a three-region Vietnamese heritage space, recreating a “miniature Vietnam”. In the northern zone, visitors can enjoy Hanoi and Nam Dinh pho prepared by culinary artisans from the Vietnam Royal Chef Association and the traditional Van Cu craft village.

The central region will present specialties such as mi Quang and Nha Trang grilled nem lui, while the southern area offers iconic dishes like banh xeo (crep) and banh mi (bread). The artistic performances will link the culinary traditions of all three regions with international friends, helping elevate Vietnamese cuisine on the global stage, where visitors can experience its identity, stories and cultural essence.

Participants at the press briefing enjoyed culinary within the framework of the event. (Source: SDDC)

Speaking at the event, Madame Elena Bezdetko, spouse of the Russian Ambassador to Vietnam, expressed her honour to join the program and reaffirmed the traditional Vietnam-Russia friendship. She noted that the Russian Embassy consistently seeks to introduce the uniqueness of Russian cuisine to Vietnamese and international guests.

This year, the Russian booth will feature signature dishes such as Russian salad, grilled meats and smoked butter served with rye bread.

Visitors will also be able to explore traditional Russian souvenirs such as Pavlovsky shawls, Matryoshka dolls, and other cultural items. Madame Elena Bezdetko underscored that such culinary exchange events serve as bridges that strengthen friendship and cooperation between nations.

The 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival is supported by major contributions from its main sponsor, Masan Consumer Holdings. Other partners include Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage Corporation (HABECO); Southern Invest Trading JSC; Bao Minh Confectionery JSC; culinary associations such as the Vietnam Fish Sauce Association, Ninh Binh Culinary Culture Association and Vietnam Culinary Culture Association.

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