Culinary diplomacy brings Vietnamese flavors to foreign diplomats in HCM City
VOV.VN - The inaugural "Culinary Diplomacy: From Flavors to the Heart of the City" program was held on August 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, by the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association (VCCA), creating an exchange environment for the consular corps and international friends.
Through food and tea culture, Ho Chi Minh City introduced its traditional values, helping strengthen connections and promote its dynamic, compassionate image. The program drew the Consuls General of the Netherlands and Cuba, along with representatives from the Consulates General of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom in Ho Chi Minh City.
As an interactive cultural diplomacy activity, the initiative offered an intimate exchange setting between international diplomats and the city. Through representative dishes and drinks, the program introduced cultural values, indigenous knowledge, customs, and local life, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and friendship with the international community.
The debut edition, themed "Tropical Summer," took the form of a practical workshop combined with networking. Guided by culinary artisans and experts, delegates directly prepared fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), fried spring rolls (chả giò), and distinct dipping sauces.
These familiar dishes were selected not only for their balanced flavors, but also for their ability to tell stories of diversity, sophistication, and connection in Vietnamese food culture.
The event also presented the art of brewing and enjoying Shan Tuyết white tea and lotus tea, helping delegates feel the cultural depth, refinement, and nature-connected lifestyle of Vietnamese people. Each dish and cup of tea carried its own flavor while embodying memories, affection, and cultural heritage preserved across generations.
The "Culinary Diplomacy" program aims to build a series of interactive cultural diplomacy activities for the consular corps and international partners, contributing to promoting an image of Ho Chi Minh City that is civilized, modern, compassionate, dynamic, creative, and rich in identity.
Earlier on July 25, the Foreign Affairs Department organized "Walking to Understand the City," another highlight in the city's interactive cultural diplomacy series. The walking tour explored distinct cultural, historical, architectural, and urban spaces, giving diplomats a direct, vivid look at a vibrant, identity-rich Ho Chi Minh City.
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