Vietnamese cuisine-a cultural bridge connecting Vietnam with international friends
VOV.VN - Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette), Nem (spring rolls), and Cà phê (coffee)- signature dishes deeply rooted in Vietnamese culinary culture drew large crowds at the 2025 ASEAN-China Bazaar held on November 1 at Francisco Miranda Park in Caracas, Venezuela.
With their rich and refined flavors, Vietnamese delicacies not only delighted local visitors but also helped promote the image of a friendly and hospitable Vietnam to the international community.
The bazaar was jointly organized by the diplomatic missions of ASEAN member states and the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela to enhance national branding, enhance cultural exchange, and strengthen ties of friendship with Venezuela. The event brought together representatives from Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various ministries, political and social organizations, businesses, as well as residents of Caracas and the international diplomatic corps.
In his opening remarks, Indonesian Ambassador Fikry Cassidy, who currently chairs the ASEAN Committee in Caracas (ACC), emphasized that ASEAN is home to one of the world’s most diverse and distinctive cultures. He underscored that unity and consensus form ASEAN’s core strength, adding that the bazaar provided a meaningful opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and cultural connections among ASEAN, China, and Venezuela.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My said the event offered a platform to highlight Vietnam’s cultural and culinary heritage, contributing to the promotion of cultural diplomacy, international cooperation, and friendship between ASEAN–China and Venezuela.
At the exhibition area, Vietnam’s pavilion impressed visitors with its distinctly national ambiance, featuring Ao dai (traditional long dress), conical hats, handicrafts, and traditional dishes. The flavors of banh mi, spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee became a highlight of the event, showing the growing appeal of Vietnamese culture across Latin America and reaffirming Vietnam’s active role in global cultural exchange.
Many visitors expressed their fondness for Vietnamese cuisine. “I’ve heard a lot about banh mi, and tasting it here was a wonderful experience,” said Maria Fernanda, a Caracas resident. “I especially loved the harmony between the warm, crispy bread, fresh vegetables, and rich sauce.”
Local businessman Guillermo Torres shared a similar sentiment:, “Vietnamese food is refined and balanced. The spring rolls were delicious, fresh ingredients and a subtle yet deep flavor.”
Japanese Ambassador to Venezuela Yasushi Sato also praised the unique taste of Vietnamese banh mi and coffee, while hailing Vietnam’s cultural promotion efforts at the event.