With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the festival—organised by the Services Department for Diplomatic Corps—has grown into an annual event eagerly anticipated by the diplomatic community, international organisations, and the people of Ha Noi. Over the years, it has transcended the framework of a festival to become a space where culture, gastronomy, and international solidarity converge.
This year’s festival stood out for its scale, cultural diversity, and especially its humanitarian message aimed at supporting communities suffering losses after recent storms and floods.
In her opening remarks, spouse of Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, Le Nguyet Anh, highlighted the decade-long journey of the International Culinary Culture Festival, noting that it has grown far beyond a typical cultural exchange to become a symbol of friendship, compassion, and international solidarity.
She emphasised that each booth, each dish, and each cultural story conveyed through flavours helps build bridges between peoples, nurturing friendship with sincerity and goodwill.
The spirit of sharing was also reflected in the remarks of Ha Thi Nga, Member of the Party Central Committee and Vice President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee. She noted that the recent torrential rains and floods have caused severe damage in the central region, the south-central coast, and the Central Highlands, leaving deep losses behind. At such times, the most cherished values of the Vietnamese people—the spirit of solidarity and mutual support—need to be strongly promoted. She called on the international community, diplomatic missions, businesses, and citizens to join hands in supporting affected communities.
She affirmed that all contributions will be delivered to the right places and people, ensuring transparency and timeliness, to help residents soon rebuild their lives after natural disasters. Disasters may sweep away possessions, she said, but compassion remains a pillar that helps communities overcome hardship.
Speaking at the programme, Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam He Wei impressed the audience with his portrayal of cuisine as a universal language of humanity. He shared that although each country has its own values and traditions, food naturally brings people closer together. He painted vivid images—such as a European friend who loves Peking duck or an Asian diner who enjoys steak—to illustrate how cuisine connects emotions and cultures.
Ambassador He Wei also said that thanks to culinary artistry passed down through generations, each dish becomes a “miniature cultural museum”, allowing diners to sense the history, customs, and soul of a nation.
Expressing deep sympathy for Viet Nam’s heavy storm and flood losses, Ambassador He Wei announced that the Chinese Government would provide 500,000 USD in cash to affected localities, and affirmed that Chinese enterprises in Viet Nam would continue contributing in various ways. He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Party and Government, the Vietnamese people would soon overcome difficulties and restore normal life.
The 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival featured 128 booths, including 50 embassies, 20 provincial foreign affairs departments, international organisations, units under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and numerous businesses. The organisers estimated nearly 20,000 visitors over the two days—testament to the festival’s strong appeal to the diplomatic community and Ha Noi residents.
With the extensive participation of international friends, the warm engagement of diplomatic missions, and heartfelt support for disaster-affected communities, the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival concluded with lasting impressions—offering not only a rich sensory journey but also an emotional journey of connection and compassion.
