The culinary event “From Arancina to Bun Cha - A culinary journey between Italy and Vietnam” is part of the 2024 Italian Cuisine Week in Vietnam, ongoing until 9pm on November 24 at Casa Italia, 18 Le Phung Hieu, offering locals and visitors the chance to experience the funkiest Italian and Vietnamese street food.

ThThe culinary event at Casa Italia in Hanoi. Photo: Italian Cuisine Week in Vietnam

This year, the festival features distinctive Vietnamese and Italian street delicacies served at well-known Vietnamese and Italian restaurants in Hanoi. Pizza fritta, porchetta, focaccia farcita, panino con salsiccia, shrimp cakes, pho rolls, and banh bot loc are among the highlights. Gelato and sweet soups from various parts of Vietnam also make for some of the most popular Italian treats.

Speaking on the link between the two countries' culinary traditions, Francesco Arcuri, Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Vietnam, said that although Vietnam and Italy are on different continents and separated by nearly 9,000 kilometers, their culinary traditions are incredibly different and yet exquisitely intertwined.

Italian restaurants often offer "grandma's specialties" alongside  refined dishes, while Vietnamese menus promise "mom's recipes" that deliver rich and heartwarming flavors. Italian chefs are notoriously selective about fresh ingredients, much like Vietnamese grandmothers and mothers who hand-pick the freshest produce at the market each morning. The lively atmosphere of an Italian street food stall reflects the vibrant street culture found on every corner in Vietnam.

The Italian street food at the culinary event. Photo: Italian Cuisine Week in Vietnam

"The gastronomic festival is not only an opportunity to promote Italian cuisine, but also a chance to connect with Vietnamese cuisine, people and culture. This is what makes this year's event special," he said.

The event featured distinguished speakers and experts from the culinary industry, including Hoang Tung, co-founder and executive chef of Å by TUNG and T.U.N.G Dining; Madame Binh, executive chef of Luk Lak Restaurant; wine expert Tram Tran, and others.

Ngo Thanh Hoa, chef and owner of East by Ngo Thanh Hoa restaurant, noted that experiencing Italian street food in the heart of Hanoi is a rare opportunity. "Each Italian dish offers a unique taste. However, I was most impressed by the Italian burger. The meat infused with dill gives it a unique taste," he said.

Visitors to the event can also participate in mini-games to win exclusive gifts, as well as a raffle for a chance to win two round-trip tickets from Hanoi to Milan.

Launched in 2016, Italian Cuisine Week is an annual global event that celebrates Italy's culinary heritage and promotes the values of the country's culture and identity.

This year's Italian Cuisine Week in Vietnam (from November 15 to December 5) has the theme "Mediterranean Diet and Vegetarian Cuisine: Health and Tradition", with a variety of events including: "Scent of Italy", which highlights truffle mushrooms; the introduction of Pecorino Toscano cheese products; the culinary event "From Arancini to Bun Cha - A culinary journey between Italy and Vietnam"; the Italian Wine Festival; and others.