The inaugural edition of the “Culinary Diplomacy – From Flavours to the Heart of the City” programme took place at the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF) on August 1.
Organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Viet Nam Culinary Culture Association (VCCA), Vietravel and IDECAF, the event welcomed members of the diplomatic corps, including the Consuls General of the Netherlands and Cuba, along with representatives of several foreign consulates.
Held under the theme “Tropical Summer”, the programme combined hands-on cooking with cultural exchange. Guided by culinary artisan Nguyen Ho Tieu Anh and chef Ly Kim Long, participants prepared Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, fried spring rolls with shrimp and chicken, and a variety of dipping sauces representing the culinary traditions of northern, central and southern Viet Nam.
The featured dishes were chosen not only for their distinctive flavours and visual appeal but also for their ability to showcase the diversity, refinement and cultural richness of Vietnamese cuisine.
Guests also experienced the art of preparing and tasting Shan Tuyet white tea and lotus tea, learning about the origins of the ingredients, traditional processing techniques and Viet Nam’s tea culture. The session highlighted the country’s appreciation of nature, hospitality and the cultural values preserved through generations.
According to the city’s Department of Foreign Affairs, food is a universal cultural language that transcends linguistic and geographical barriers. By cooking, sharing meals and exchanging stories, participants gained deeper insights into the people, traditions and hospitality of Ho Chi Minh City while strengthening mutual understanding and friendship.
The programme follows the city’s “Walk to understand the city” initiative and forms part of a broader series of experiential cultural diplomacy activities designed for the diplomatic corps and international partners. Through cuisine and cultural exchange, Ho Chi Minh City aims to present itself as a modern, dynamic, creative and welcoming destination with a rich cultural identity.
