Promote the essence of Vietnamese cuisine to international friends

In addition to diplomatic activities, foreign politicians also spend time exploring Vietnamese cuisine during their visits to Vietnam. This is a good opportunity to promote Vietnamese food, culture and customs to international friends.

In early June this year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tasted Vietnamese Hanoi draft beer, bread, boiled peanuts, fish balls, grilled pork belly and tofu soaked in spring onions on the first day of his official visit to Vietnam. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had many kind words to praise the delicious and diverse Vietnamese cuisine.

The image of foreign heads of state and leaders walking on the streets and tasting and enjoying street food seems to have become a habit during their visits to Vietnam. For example, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince William drank coffee on the street, former US President Obama tasted Hanoi barbecue noodles in 2016, and former US President Clinton tasted Vietnamese Pho during his first visit to Vietnam in 2000.

The visits of foreign politicians once again emphasized that Vietnamese food and hospitality have left a good impression on international friends. Vietnamese cuisine is regarded as a rich resource in the promotion of national culture and customs. Food diplomacy can be said to be an important part of improving Vietnam’s strategic image.

Nguyen Chang Quan, owner of Old Hanoi restaurant, said that along with the diplomatic activities, our restaurant expresses their hospitality, patriotism and the beauty of Vietnamese customs through dishes prepared by outstanding Vietnamese chefs. Diplomatic events bring opportunities to promote gastronomy.