International Food and Culture Festival 2025 joins hands to help people in the Central region

Attending the opening ceremony of the Festival were: Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam; Ms. Ha Thi Nga, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, leaders, former leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their spouses, ambassadors, heads of representative agencies and their spouses, international organizations, localities, businesses and a large number of people who came to visit and enjoy the cuisine.

With a larger scale and nature than every year, the 2025 International Food Culture Festival taking place from November 22 and 23 has gone beyond the framework of a normal exchange activity to become a symbol of culinary cultural exchange, the spirit of friendship, sharing, international solidarity in Hanoi and above all, a special occasion for diners to join hands to support our compatriots to overcome storms and floods.

Delegates attending the opening ceremony of the Festival. Photo: Organizing Committee

In her opening speech at the Festival, Ms. Le Nguyet Anh, wife of Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, highlighted the core humanistic values that the International Culinary Culture Festival always aims for: to make culture and cuisine become the bond that connects hearts, so that every sharing can overcome geographical distance and borders.

Ms. Le Nguyet Anh also sent her deep condolences and sympathies to the localities, families and people of Vietnam who are suffering heavy losses due to natural disasters and floods. All contributions from this Festival will be sent to some localities suffering from natural disasters and floods such as: Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang , Ha Tinh, Hue city.

Ms. Le Nguyet Anh, wife of Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, spoke at the Opening Ceremony. Photo: Organizing Committee

At the Festival, Ms. Ha Thi Nga, Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, called for joint efforts to support the people of the Central region suffering from natural disasters and floods: "In recent days, historic floods have caused great damage to people and property, leaving behind many losses and sorrows. More than ever, the spirit of "mutual love", the most beautiful value of the Vietnamese people, needs to be aroused and spread strongly.

On behalf of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, I call on you to promote the spirit of humanity and join hands to support our compatriots in flood-affected areas. Whether it is financial or in-kind contributions, big or small, each heart is a priceless source of encouragement to help people overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives. We commit that all resources received will be transferred to the right place, the right people, in the most timely and transparent manner."

Ms. Ha Thi Nga calls for solidarity to support people affected by natural disasters and floods. Photo: Organizing Committee

Mrs. Nga affirmed: Natural disasters can sweep away property, but cannot sweep away humanity. Today, when enjoying the unique flavors from international friends, we hope that we also send warm sharing, because food nourishes the body, and kindness nourishes the soul.

Mrs. Ngo Huong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, and delegates visited the booths. Photo: Organizing Committee

Sharing the same affirmation of the profound significance of the International Food Culture Festival and the joy, passion and connection that cuisine brings to people, Mr. Ha Vi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Vietnam also sent condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam for the heavy losses caused by the storm and flood. The Ambassador also announced that the Chinese Government has decided to provide 500,000 USD (Five hundred thousand US dollars) in aid to the localities and people affected by the flood disaster.

Besides cuisine, there are many unique souvenirs from different countries. Photo: Organizing Committee

This year's festival had the participation of 128 booths from 50 embassies, 20 local foreign affairs agencies, 8 units under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, businesses and many international organizations. The culinary festival was really exciting with the culinary promotion "Culinary Diary without Borders", the experience "Taste Journey around the world", the promotion "Flavors of Vietnam" and many other interesting activities.

The Organizing Committee estimates that nearly 20,000 visitors came to visit and enjoy diverse and typical dishes from many countries prepared and sold in the common space of the Festival.