dream of becoming the “New Culinary Capital of the World”

Kinhtedothi - In a 2023 poll of culinary experts and chefs, Vietnamese cuisine ranked 22nd in the list of the 100 best cuisines in the world . Beef noodle soup, vermicelli with grilled pork, rice vermicelli, fried spring rolls, Hue beef noodle soup, Phu Quoc fish sauce... are highly rated dishes.

Now, Vietnamese cuisine has gone further, reaching the dream of becoming the “New Culinary Capital of the World” by 2030 – an inspiring ambition shared at the C asean Vietnam 2024 event with the theme: “Perspectives on culinary culture and mobility” recently held in Hanoi in mid-December 2024.

At the event, Mr. Chu Hong Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam Restaurant Association, not only outlined the goal but also pointed out the ways to achieve it: from organizing regional culinary competitions, to promoting international cooperation with leading organizations such as WFTA (World Food Tourism Association). This is not only a recognition of quality, but also affirms the cultural value behind each Vietnamese dish.

Experts from various fields including international culinary review units, restaurant association alliances, transportation service providers, chefs and restaurant founders shared at the event "Perspectives on culinary culture and mobility"

But the special point of this sharing session is not only about the food story but also about the movement. Food does not stand still. It follows Vietnamese people on their journey through the streets, appears in high-end restaurants, or is in the palm of their hands through food ordering apps like Grab.

Ms. Dang Thuy Trang, External Affairs Director of Grab Vietnam, emphasized: “Technology not only changes the way we approach cuisine but also opens up opportunities for the world to understand and love Vietnam more.” In fact, data analysis tools have helped Vietnamese restaurants optimize their presence on online platforms, while bringing the culinary experience closer to international consumers.

If gastronomy is a journey, Michelin is a trustworthy companion. Mr. Ahmad Faiez Mohamed Pisal, General Director of Michelin Vietnam, recounted the brand's more than 130-year journey from tire manufacturing to the creation of the MICHELIN Guide - the gold standard in the global culinary industry.

But the highlight this year was the Michelin Green Star , an award given to restaurants that are committed to sustainability. Names like Nen in Da Nang have proven that protecting the environment and celebrating traditional culture can go hand in hand. This not only puts Vietnam on the world culinary map, but also highlights its pioneering role in promoting awareness of protecting the planet.

Behind every dish is a story. Behind every restaurant is a philosophy. The stories of Ms. Summer Le, head chef of Nen, or Ms. Sam Tran, co-founder of Gia Restaurant, all revolve around the simplest things: people, culture, and connection.

With her “fearless change” approach, Ms. Sam Tran skillfully turns each menu into a journey of discovery for diners. Meanwhile, Ms. Summer Le sees each of her dishes as a responsibility – not only to make them delicious, but also to convey sustainable values, from using traditional ingredients to training a new generation of chefs.

Culinary culture and mobility are not only two separate elements, but also wings that bring Vietnam closer to the dream of globalization. The C asean Vietnam 2024 event has affirmed that cuisine is not just food, but also identity, heritage, and a bridge to the world.

The question is: “Are you ready to be a part of this journey?” So that every Vietnamese meal is not only delicious, but also a journey of discovering culture, history and sustainable values.

C asean is a civil society organization that aims to enhance connectivity in the ASEAN region. It is a collaborative platform connecting business, arts and culture. Since its establishment in 2015, C asean has been collaborating with various organizations to enhance connectivity in the region, promoting sustainable development activities across all segments of the economy. C asean Vietnam in Hanoi is the first overseas branch of C asean, established in June 2022. In organizing dialogues on ASEAN arts and culture, C asean believes that it is a unified language that creates a strong connection of understanding and harmony.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/am-thuc-viet-giac-mo-tro-thanh-kinh-do-am-thuc-moi-cua-the-gioi.html