On December 8, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 2024 International Culinary Festival under the theme "Gastronomy of Unity - Connecting Through Cuisine." The event featured more than 130 booths from 40 embassies, international organizations, 18 Vietnamese localities, and units within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marked the festival's 12th iteration, continuing its tradition as a vibrant cultural exchange.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of General Secretary To Lam, and Madam Mai Thi Hanh, wife of former President Truong Tan Sang, were among the distinguished attendees, alongside numerous ambassadors and international representatives.

Despite the chilly early winter weather, thousands of visitors flocked to the festival to experience the diverse flavors of global cuisine. Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, accompanied by delegates and the public, toured the stalls, sampling aromatic Southeast Asian delicacies and rich European specialties.

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The Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam, Chea Kimtha, introduces Cambodian culinary culture to Madam Ngo Phuong Ly.
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Madam Ngo Phuong Ly at the Indian Embassy's booth.

Vietnam, renowned for its rich culinary heritage, served as an ideal host for the festival. Vietnamese dishes, crafted with fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and meticulous techniques, were presented alongside culinary masterpieces from around the world.

Madam Vu Thi Bich Ngoc, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, remarked on the festival's evolution since its inception in 2014. "The success of the past 11 festivals has built a strong reputation for this event, which has become a cultural, culinary, and diplomatic exchange of international significance," she noted.

She emphasized the deeper stories shared through food and performances: "Each dish and artistic presentation not only conveys the essence of its flavors but also narrates the history and cherished traditions of peoples worldwide."

Over the years, donations collected from the festival have supported charitable initiatives, aiding orphans, people with disabilities, disadvantaged women, and impoverished communities across Vietnam.

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The wife of the General Secretary, the wife of the former President, along with ambassadors and heads of representative offices, attended the gala.

Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, highlighted the universal power of food. "Culinary arts connect people across cultures, uniting us through a shared language of food," she said.

Tamesis expressed her admiration for a performance showcasing Vietnam's multicultural sandwich, reflecting the creativity and integration of Vietnamese cuisine. She also commended sustainable agricultural practices, zero-waste kitchens, and eco-friendly packaging efforts by chefs, farmers, and food producers.

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Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and other delegates judged a competition for the fastest spring roll wrapping among diplomats.
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The International Culinary Festival is not only a bridge to promote cultural exchange between nations and enrich culinary experiences for the public, but it also contributes to showcasing the cultural and tourism image of Hanoi – the City of Peace.

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The 2024 International Culinary Festival is the largest ever held.
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With thousands of visitors exploring and experiencing the culinary booths, the festival run throughout the day.

One of the festival's highlights was a competition to roll the fastest spring rolls, judged by Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and other delegates at the Southern Vietnamese food booth.

The 2024 International Culinary Festival was the largest in its history, serving as a bridge for cultural exchange between nations. It enriched culinary experiences for attendees while promoting the cultural and tourist appeal of Hanoi - a city of peace.


Tran Thuong - Pham Hai