Preserving the flame of traditional culinary cultural heritage.

The delegates participating in the seminar.

The cuisine of Hoan Kiem District is a convergence of sophistication, harmony, and respect for heritage. From the elaborate bowl of bun thang (a type of noodle soup) to the soft, tender rice rolls, from the traditional beef pho to the fragrant fish cakes – all bear the mark of "family traditions" – the family values of old Hanoi . "Family traditions" is not just about cooking methods, but about a philosophy of life; about meticulous attention to detail in every ingredient; about patience in every step; about cherishing what has been passed down from grandparents and parents.

In many families in Hoan Kiem district, cooking is not a random choice, but a "family tree of taste"—where each generation takes on the responsibility of preserving and passing on the tradition. Some restaurants and bakeries have existed for 3-4 generations, with recipes not written down, but passed down only through sight, touch, and heart.

These people – the artisans, the owners of food establishments, the keepers of the flame in each small kitchen – are the soul of Hoan Kiem's culinary heritage. Without them, the flavors of Hanoi would fade…

At the seminar, those involved in culinary heritage shared their journey of preserving and developing traditional dishes amidst the ever-changing landscape of society. They are the practitioners, holders, and transmitters of skills, techniques, secrets, and profound knowledge of cuisine.

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

According to Le Anh Thu, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee, preserving culinary heritage doesn't mean keeping a recipe intact in a glass case. It means ensuring that heritage continues to "live," "breathe," and spread in a world that is changing every day. Therefore, it's necessary to bring traditional dishes into modern spaces, pass on skills to the younger generation, and introduce Hanoi's cuisine to the world – not just through its delicious taste, but also through its cultural depth. This is the responsibility not only of those working in the profession and of the management levels, but also of everyone who lives, works, and loves this land…

Through inspiring stories shared at the seminar, the public had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value of Vietnamese cuisine, as well as the difficulties and challenges faced by those who "keep the flame alive." At the same time, the program contributed to enhancing the pride and awareness of those involved in preserving and promoting the value of culinary heritage, providing an opportunity for people to interact, connect, and form a network of culinary heritage in Hoan Kiem district.

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