Food promotion should have its own list.

It has been 2 years since Michelin published its list of culinary destinations in Vietnam. But it seems that the list is hard to please everyone. More importantly, localities still lack lists to introduce their own culinary destinations. What do you think about this?

Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy

It is true that if we need to promote culinary destinations, Vietnam tourism should have its own list and not depend on Michelin. In fact, tourism management departments often make lists of recommended dishes, such as Hai Phong's culinary map. But not every locality has a list like Hai Phong. In Hanoi, it is spontaneous, and there is no agency to evaluate such recommendations.

Hai Phong already has a list, but it is still simple. How do you think the culinary map list should be made?

In my opinion, you should first establish clear criteria before choosing. For example, the criteria for individual guests will be different from those for large groups. A restaurant with limited capacity may be suitable for guests traveling alone or with a small group and exploring on their own; while guests traveling in large groups cannot enter deep and far alleys.

There is another way which is user criteria, like we go and evaluate ourselves. Based on such customer reviews, we can also map. That is, we can map based on our criteria as well as map based on customer criteria.

Does that mean I should also open a review channel to build a culinary map?

Previously, the Tourism Association still had the Green Lotus rating to evaluate units that made efforts in protecting the environment, using resources and energy effectively, contributing to protecting heritages, developing the local economy, culture, society and developing sustainable tourism. With cuisine, we can also have similar ratings, with stars and labels similar to restaurants.

Not only the tourism industry, many units can participate in forming a culinary map. For example, the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association has also attached a sign of Culinary Cultural Heritage Space to the Bun Oc Ba Ngoai restaurant in Hanoi. This is a space built with highly appreciated old Hanoi dishes.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/quang-ba-am-thuc-nen-co-danh-sach-rieng-185240706233250907.htm