Spreading Vietnamese culinary quintessence to the world through diplomacy

Besides diplomatic activities, foreign politicians also spend time exploring cuisine during their friendship visits to Vietnam. This is an opportunity to promote Vietnamese cuisine, culture and people to international friends.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese eats bread and enjoys draft beer on Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi on June 3. Photo: Hai Nguyen

Vietnamese cuisine conquers foreign politicians

During his official visit to Vietnam in early June, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoyed draft beer and banh mi on the first day.

The Australian Prime Minister praised Vietnamese bread and drank beer while the customers cheered at the beer hall on Duong Thanh Street, Hanoi. Praising the delicious and diverse Vietnamese cuisine, Mr. Albanese also ate boiled peanuts, fish cakes, grilled pork belly, fried tofu... while drinking beer.

The image of foreign heads of state and leaders strolling and enjoying street food seems to have become a tradition every time Vietnam welcomes international politicians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince William used to drink coffee on the sidewalk; former President Barack Obama ate Hanoi bun cha in 2016; former President Bill Clinton marked his first visit to Vietnam in 2000 by eating pho...

The visits of foreign politicians further affirm the culinary culture, in addition to the hospitality of the people, always leave a beautiful impression in the eyes of international friends. Naturally, the addresses that have welcomed politicians in Vietnam receive strong media effects to become famous.

From Vy Coffee Shop on Le Thanh Ton - Le Anh Xuan Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) to Huong Lien Bun Cha Restaurant on Le Van Huu Street (Hanoi), all have created a "fever" after receiving the head of state. Notably, the Bun Cha restaurant also has a unique menu that attracts both domestic and international diners, called "Obama combo", including a portion of Bun Cha, seafood spring rolls and beer like the portion the former US President once ate with legendary chef Anthony Bourdain.

Culinary diplomacy

Vietnamese cuisine can be considered a rich resource to exploit and develop in promoting the country, culture and people. Culinary diplomacy can be said to be an important element in the strategy of promoting Vietnam's image.

Chef Nguyen Thuong Quan, owner of Old Hanoi restaurant, who has been in charge of a culinary diplomacy program including a series of Vietnamese culinary days parallel to politicians' activities abroad, believes that diplomacy gives cuisine an opportunity to promote.

“Along with diplomatic activities, our chefs express hospitality, patriotism, the beauty of the country and Vietnamese people through dishes created by the golden hands of talented Vietnamese chefs.

That is a very subtle and graceful accompaniment in diplomatic visits. I think that cultural diplomacy is not only through words, but also through concrete actions in culinary diplomacy" - Mr. Nguyen Thuong Quan said.

Culinary artist Anh Tuyet, who served meals for 21 heads of state at the APEC Da Nang 2017 Conference, assessed that Vietnamese cuisine is completely worthy of reaching out to the world. She cited the example of a meal for the heads of state served 100% traditional Vietnamese cuisine that was warmly received and left a deep impression.

What is lacking is the right strategy and plan to develop and elevate cuisine into a brand - Ms. Anh Tuyet analyzed.

“Vietnamese cuisine has many delicious dishes to promote. I think that not just one or two dishes, but any Vietnamese dish is different, any dish can make international guests excited. The problem is that we need to have an overall strategy in promotion,” said Ms. Tuyet.

The promotion story cannot be done in a day or two but requires a long process, through many stages. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and soon Vietnamese cuisine will mark an important milestone with the launch of the Michelin Guide - a handbook with a restaurant rating system using "stars" that is considered the "Oscar" of world cuisine.

“We have been observing Vietnamese cuisine for a long time and are delighted to announce the first Michelin Guide selected restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Our anonymous reviewers were excited to discover many culinary gems with sophisticated preparation and distinctive flavors,” said Mr. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guide.

The Michelin Guide’s presence in Vietnam is not only a milestone in recognition of the dedication and efforts of leading chefs and restaurants, but also a celebration of the diversity and sophistication of Vietnamese cuisine. This will be an opportunity for Vietnam to introduce and promote its culinary quintessence to international visitors.

laodong.vn