Enhancing mutual understanding through Swedish - Vietnamese culinary exchange

On April 13th, in Hanoi, the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam organized a culinary event titled "Flavors of Sweden - Afternoon Treats." Attendees enjoyed light meals created through a fusion of Vietnamese and Swedish cuisine.

"Taste of Sweden - Afternoon Treats" introduces Swedish dishes called Mellanmål. Similar to afternoon treats, Mellanmål is a light meal between main meals, usually in the afternoon or at lunchtime. Both afternoon treats and Mellanmål offer moments of rest, provide nutrition, and help maintain focus throughout a long workday.

At the event, renowned Swedish chef Erik Videgård collaborated with the head chef of Daewoo Hotel ( Hanoi ), Mr. Nguyen Dang Linh, to prepare attractive drinks and dishes combining Vietnamese and Swedish cooking styles and ingredients.

Tăng cường hiểu biết lẫn nhau qua giao lưu ẩm thực Thụy Điển - Việt Nam

Swedish Ambassador to Hanoi Ann Måwe (second from right) and chef Erik Videgård (second from left) pose for a commemorative photo with guests at the event. (Photo: Hong Anh)

Erik Videgård said: "To prepare for the event, we worked together through online platforms for two months. Vietnamese and Swedish cuisine are quite different. We use many spices and strong pepper, while Vietnamese food aims for a harmonious, light flavor, using many fresh herbs. Therefore, the most difficult part was coming up with ideas: how to combine dishes from both countries while ensuring harmony and deliciousness. For example, we combined Vietnamese banh mi with Swedish meatballs and beetroot salad; Swedish veal sausage with Vietnamese pancake batter; or a Swedish hamburger made entirely from Vietnamese ingredients."

High school students in Hanoi enjoy hamburgers at an event. (Photo: Hong Anh)

Chef Nguyen Dang Linh, who personally prepared the veal hamburger, said: "This is the first time this dish has been introduced to Vietnamese diners. The dish is created using a Swedish recipe and cooking method, combined with ingredients from Vietnam. We tried to find and combine many ingredients and spices that can be purchased in Vietnam to create a special flavor for the dish. From the first taste, Erik Videgård was pleased because the dishes perfectly showcased the Vietnamese-Swedish fusion as envisioned."

According to Tran Nguyen Trang Nhung (a 6th-grade student at Yen Hoa Secondary School, Hanoi), this was her first time trying Swedish food: "I found all the dishes new and interesting. I especially liked the veal hamburger because of its delicious flavor. At the event, I also learned about Swedish culture through quizzes and met many new friends."

Guests enjoy the food at the event. (Photo: Hong Anh)

Speaking at the event, Ms. Ann Måwe, the Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, said: "The 'Taste of Sweden - Afternoon Treat' event, held to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden, marks an important milestone in the enduring friendship between the two countries. By celebrating culinary traditions, we enhance mutual understanding of each other's cultures and build stronger bonds. I am delighted to witness the fusion of Swedish and Vietnamese flavors, and I believe the event will provide a deeper understanding of the cultures and heritage of both countries."

On this occasion, the Swedish Embassy in Hanoi is committed to further promoting diplomatic relations between Sweden and Vietnam. Through promotional initiatives and cultural events organized in 2024, the embassy hopes to contribute to fostering understanding, cooperation, and friendship between the two countries.

Việt Nam - Thụy Điển: Triển vọng hợp tác mạnh mẽ từ tình bạn hơn nửa thế kỷ

Vietnam - Sweden: Strong prospects for cooperation stemming from a friendship spanning over half a century.

To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden, the Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Ann Måwe, wrote an article about the traditional and close friendship between the two countries.

Gần 200 bà con người Việt tại Thụy Điển và Latvia tham gia chương trình Tết cộng đồng 2024

Nearly 200 Vietnamese people in Sweden and Latvia participated in the 2024 community Tet (Lunar New Year) program.

Recently, the Vietnamese Embassy in Sweden organized a community Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration in 2024 with the theme "55 Springs of Vietnam - Sweden". This was an opportunity for members of the community to meet, socialize, and connect with their homeland.

Source