(NhanDan) This is one of the most distinctive cultural diplomacy events, where flavours of cuisine become a common language connecting international friends.

The 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival is being carried out under the direction of the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Department of State Guest House Services was assigned to coordinate with the Department of State Protocol, the Press and Information Department, The World & Viet Nam Report newspaper, and other agencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with principal sponsorship from Masan Consumer Corporation (Masan Consumer-MCH).

At the press briefing in Ha Noi on November 11, Hoang Thu Nga, Deputy Head of the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival Organising Committee, said this year’s theme of “Trip of Flavours – A Global Taste Journey” carries the message of celebrating cuisine as a journey of emotions and connection between cultures.

This year’s festival brings together nearly 120 booths from over 50 embassies, consulates and foreign cultural centres, together with 13 local Departments of Foreign Affairs and many major enterprises. This large participation reaffirms Viet Nam’s role as the “common home of world cultures”.

Each dish is a story of culture, history, and national identity. Through each flavour, we hope to spread understanding, cooperation, and sharing. The festival is a place to present global cuisine, and at the same time to send the message of a dynamic and friendly Viet Nam ready to connect for peace, cooperation, and development. Mrs. Hoang Thu Nga, Deputy Head of the 2025 International Culinary Culture Festival Organising Committee.

A new feature of this year’s festival is the “Digital Interaction Corner”, helping visitors easily look up information, view the event map, explore national specialities, and engage in modern multimedia experiences. Alongside this is a creative programme series featuring “Borderless Culinary Diary”, “Fashion Food Show”, “Global Beer Fest”, and thematic areas such as “ASEAN Common Home”, “Global Culinary Avenue”, and “Three Regions of Viet Nam”.

Le Nguyet Anh, spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, affirmed that the festival provides an opportunity for nations to exchange, understand, and learn from each other about culture, thereby nurturing understanding and respect for differences and together moving towards a peaceful world.

The presence of Le Nguyet Anh, spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, and Elena Bezdetko, spouse of the Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam, together with the chargé d’affaires and diplomatic mission representatives from over 50 countries present at the press briefing, is a major highlight reflecting the spirit of connection between cultural diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy.

Additionally, Le Nguyet Anh said: “The application of digital technology at the festival reflects the spirit of renewal, affirming the country’s strong transformation in the digital era. Above all, the event seeks to spread the message of love for humanity, love for homeland and the shared aspiration for peaceful co-existence among nations.”

Meanwhile, Hoang Thu Nga said that this year’s event is divided into clearly themed areas. The ASEAN Zone, covering 11 countries, is arranged as the “Southeast Asian Culinary Journey,” other embassies are located on the “Global Culinary Avenue,” and the local Foreign Affairs Departments and partner enterprises are interspersed, creating a seamless journey of experience.