The knowledge of preparing and enjoying La Vong fish cake is an intangible cultural heritage.

From December 19th to 21st, at Thong Nhat Park, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports will organize the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2025 with the theme " Hanoi - A Culinary Journey Connecting Creativity," aiming to honor the culinary values of the capital city, making cuisine an attractive cultural tourism product, and contributing to the development of the cultural industry.

Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports.

According to Ms. Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the expansion of administrative boundaries and cultural exchange have created a rich and diverse culinary identity in Hanoi. To date, Hanoi has 7 culinary heritages recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage, including Hanoi pho, Me Tri sticky rice flakes, Quang An lotus tea, Phu Thuong sticky rice, Thanh Tri rice rolls, and the traditional Bat Trang pottery cooking techniques…

At the opening ceremony on the evening of December 19th, the Organizing Committee will announce the decision to inscribe the knowledge of processing and enjoying La Vong fish cake into the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and will also introduce the story of six generations of the Doan family associated with this famous dish.

Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai - Vice Chairman of the National Cultural Heritage Council - believes that the origin of fish cake is not only linked to family memories but also contains a special cultural story. In many old Hanoi families, fish cake was a cherished dish, often reserved for the most beloved person. From this, the dish has become a culinary memory passed down through generations, accompanied by fascinating stories to tell tourists, especially international visitors.

According to him, the value of fish cake lies not only in its flavor but also in the entire process of preparation and enjoyment: from the way the fish is sliced, marinated, grilled, to the moment it's stir-fried in a pan of boiling oil, served with vermicelli, vegetables, dill, roasted peanuts… All of this creates a "culinary ritual," where the emotions and skills of the cook blend with the experience of the diner.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Van Bai.

Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai emphasized that fish cakes in particular, and cuisine in general, are a form of cultural heritage resource, and also an important tourism resource. Today, cuisine has become a unique tourism product, contributing to the local cultural identity and, more broadly, the national brand. According to many international statistics, approximately 80% of tourists are willing to spend money to experience culture, with cuisine playing a key role.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Dang Van Bai, recounting the stories surrounding fish cakes is an effective way to introduce Vietnamese culture to the world, helping tourists not only enjoy delicious food but also gain a deeper understanding of a city with a thousand years of cultural heritage.

This year's festival features 60 spaces showcasing Hanoi and regional cuisine, thematic seminars on developing culinary human resources, demonstrations by artisans, and cooking competitions for students. In addition, there will be a series of cultural and artistic activities such as Xam singing, Van singing, circus performances, street performances, photo and book exhibitions, and demonstrations of traditional culinary heritage.

A new highlight is the " Ten Thousand Words of Pride" check-in space , where locals and tourists share their love and pride for Vietnamese pho, contributing to spreading the value of this culinary art to the community and the world.

With its diverse and creative activities, the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2025 is expected to become an attractive weekend destination, contributing to making cuisine an important resource for promoting the development of the capital's cultural industry in accordance with Resolution 09 of the Hanoi City Party Committee.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tri-thuc-che-bien-and-thuong-thuc-cha-ca-la-vong-la-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the-2473190.html