Bringing Vietnamese cuisine closer to international friends in heart of Bangkok

Creating an immersive Vietnamese culinary and cultural space for international friends in Thailand’s capital was the aim of the Vietnamese culinary experience programme held on April 24.

Saturday, April 25, 2026 10:16

The programme attracted a large number of international guests and members of the Vietnamese community in Bangkok. (Photo: Minh Thang)

The event was organised and presented by staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand, together with their spouses.

Dozens of guests — including spouses of members of the diplomatic corps in Bangkok, officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and overseas Vietnamese — took part directly, trying their hand at making banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and nem ran (fried spring rolls) in a warm and welcoming setting that bridged linguistic and national divides.

The programme went beyond introducing familiar dishes, serving instead as a cultural bridge that offered international friends deeper insight into the lives and spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Guests were guided step by step through the process of making banh cuon. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Through these hands-on experiences, participants gained a clearer understanding of Vietnamese culinary philosophy — one that elevates cuisine through a harmonious balance of flavours and colours, reflected in both preparation and presentation.

Under the title “Vietnamese Cooking Morning,” the programme contributed to promoting Vietnamese culinary culture among international audiences, while showcasing the image of a friendly and hospitable Vietnamese people. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen exchanges and foster closer ties among diplomatic missions, further enhancing friendship between Viet Nam and Thailand, as well as with other countries.

Ho Thi Thu Trang hoped that guests would enjoy meaningful experiences while tasting Vietnamese dishes. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Speaking to a Nhan Dan Newspaper’s correspondent in Bangkok at the end of the event, Ho Thi Thu Trang, spouse of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand and host of the programme, said that meticulous preparations had been made — from bringing specialised tools for making banh cuon from Viet Nam to carefully selecting ingredients and seasonings, and especially arranging live cooking demonstrations for distinguished guests.

By participating in the cooking process, guests could enjoy more meaningful experiences when tasting banh cuon and nem ran, which was also the wish of the women working at the Vietnamese Embassy.

“Chefs” dressed in Ao dai and Ao ba ba (the traditional southern Vietnamese blouse) highlighted the elegance of Vietnamese women. (Photo: Minh Thang)

Through their participation in the programme, guests not only enjoyed dishes rich in national identity but also had the opportunity to appreciate the gentle and refined beauty of Vietnamese women.

The programme concluded on a warm note, leaving lasting impressions on international friends as the beauty of Vietnamese people and cuisine was celebrated in a complete and memorable way.