Keeping the flame of traditional culinary culture alive

Delegates attending the discussion.

Hoan Kiem District cuisine is a convergence of sophistication, harmony and respect for the origin. From a bowl of elaborate bun thang to a soft banh cuon, from a pot of traditional beef pho to a plate of fragrant fish cakes - all bear the mark of "family tradition" - the family tradition of the ancient Hanoians . "Family tradition" is not only the way of cooking, but also the philosophy of life; the meticulousness in each ingredient; the patience in each stage; the respect for what is passed down from grandparents and parents.

In many families in Hoan Kiem district, cooking is not a spontaneous choice, but a "genealogy of taste" - where each generation takes on the responsibility of preserving and passing on. There are restaurants and bakeries that have existed for 3 - 4 generations, with recipes that are not written down, but only passed down by eye, by hand, and by heart.

Those people - the artisans, the owners of culinary establishments, the keepers of the fire in each small kitchen - are the soul of Hoan Kiem's culinary heritage. Without them, the flavors of Hanoi would fade away...

At the seminar, culinary heritage owners shared their journey of preserving their profession and developing traditional dishes in the context of integration and constant change of society. They are the ones who practice, hold and pass on skills, techniques, secrets and have a deep understanding of cuisine.

According to Vice Chairman of Hoan Kiem District People's Committee Le Anh Thu, when mentioning Hoan Kiem, people often think of the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, 36 moss-covered streets, and roofs stained with time. But besides the architectural and historical heritage, Hoan Kiem is also the cradle of a special heritage - culinary heritage.

Vice Chairman of Hoan Kiem District People's Committee Le Anh Thu said that preserving culinary heritage does not mean keeping a recipe intact in a glass cabinet. It is how to make that heritage continue to "live", continue to "breathe", continue to spread in a world that is changing every day. Therefore, it is necessary to bring traditional dishes into modern spaces, pass on the profession to the younger generation, introduce Hanoi cuisine to the world - not only by its delicious taste, but also by its cultural depth. That is the responsibility not only of the professionals, of the managers, but also of those who live, work, and love this land...

Through the inspiring stories at the seminar, the public has the opportunity to understand more deeply the value of culinary culture as well as the difficulties and challenges that the "fire keepers" have faced and are facing. At the same time, the program also helps the subjects to enhance their pride and awareness in preserving and promoting the value of culinary heritage, and is an opportunity for people to exchange, connect, and form a culinary heritage network in Hoan Kiem district.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/giu-lua-di-san-van-hoa-am-thuc-truyen-thong.656791.html