The 2024 International Food Festival will be held on December 7-8 at the Diplomatic Corps Area (No.298 Kim Ma Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi) with the participation of more than 60 countries and territories.

According to Hoang Thai Ha of the Diplomatic Corps Service Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Food Festival is one of the annual events to promote cultural and culinary exchanges.

Press conference held by the Diplomatic Corps Service Department on November 21 to provide information about the food festival. Photo: Lai Tan/The Hanoi Times

This year's festival, themed "Gastronomy of Unity", will introduce and promote the countries' culinary culture. It is also an opportunity to promote Vietnam's culture and cultural diplomacy, enhance the country's global projection and further expand the spirit of international cooperation.

According to Hoang Thai Ha, from 2014 to date, the International Food Festival has been held 11 times, creating an international cultural and culinary exchange opportunity, attracting many embassies, foreign cultural centers, international friends, provincial and municipal foreign affairs departments, enterprises, sponsors, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"This year, the International Food Festival will not only celebrate the richness and diversity of global cuisine, but also emphasize that cuisine is a common language - where people from different cultures find harmony. Through each dish, we will share the quintessence of culinary flavors and spread stories about the history and traditions of good values in each nation," said Ha.

The new features of this year's festival are elaborate food presentations, art performances and playful activities such as Beer Festival, Culinary Passport, Cuisine on a Plate, Five Continents Kitchen, and more.

Participants will enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world, such as Russian grilled meat and Italian dishes. The Vietnamese side will introduce pho (noodle soup), nem (spring rolls) and many other regional culinary specialties.

Pho cuon (fresh beef rolls) will be presented at the International Food Festival. Photo: Ngo Minh/The Hanoi Times

At the press conference on November 21, culinary artist Le Thi Thiet affirmed that the 2024 International Food Festival will tell participants emotional stories through culinary dishes from many countries and regions. 

 "Vietnamese cuisine will be a highlight, showing the exquisiteness with rich flavors of dishes. In doing so, we will both preserve tradition and be creative to meet international friends. Hopefully, each participant will feel the blended flavors, creating connections between cultures through interesting stories about cuisine," said artisan Thiet.