Making Vietnamese Pho a Global Culinary Icon
	Vietnam Pho Day in South Africa: Showcasing Vietnamese Cuisine

Photo: VNA

In December 2024, images of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh strolling through Hanoi's ancient streets with NVIDIA's President and CEO Jensen Huang, while enjoying street food, were widely circulated on both domestic and international media and social networks. The renowned entrepreneur even prepared a cup of Hanoi’s signature egg coffee for those present, showcasing the charm of Vietnamese cuisine and the country's friendly atmosphere.

It has become a trend for world leaders and celebrities visiting Vietnam to praise the local cuisine, making it a unique aspect of promoting Vietnamese culinary culture globally. Notable mentions include Apple CEO Tim Cook, who visited two Vietnamese coffee shops in one day in April 2024; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who enjoyed Hanoi beer, banh mi, boiled peanuts, and cha ca in June 2023; Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who sipped street coffee in Ho Chi Minh City in 2017; and former US President Barack Obama, who enjoyed bun cha in Hanoi in 2016.

Additionally, international celebrities from the US, South Korea, China, and other countries have shared their delightful culinary experiences in Vietnam, contributing to the global recognition of Vietnamese cuisine.

In 2024, Vietnamese cuisine also made a significant impact at numerous cultural and diplomatic events, as well as large-scale food festivals. The 2024 International Food Festival in Hanoi, themed “Gastronomy of Unity,” featured hundreds of booths from 60 countries and territories. Vietnamese food pavilions from all regions were bustling with visitors, offering a blend of tradition and innovation that attracted thousands. Other notable events included the Hanoi Food Festival 2024, the Saigon Street Food Festival 2024, and the Pho Festival 2024 in Nam Dinh Province.

Recognizing the potential of cuisine in promoting the country's image, the Department of Cultural Diplomacy and UNESCO has actively pushed for "culinary diplomacy" through the annual "Vietnam Day Abroad" series. At the "Vietnam Day in Saudi Arabia 2024," Middle Eastern public and international friends experienced the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes like herbal beef pho, chicken spring rolls, and fried spring rolls with lotus seed filling, reflecting Vietnam's history, culture, and lifestyle. The Vietnam Pho Festival in South Korea 2024, the Vietnam Pho and Spring Rolls Day in Italy 2024, and similar events received large crowds and are expected to open many opportunities for cooperation in cuisine and tourism.

In recent years, dishes like pho and spring rolls, along with many other Vietnamese delicacies, have captivated diners worldwide. Experts and organizations have praised Vietnamese cuisine for its harmonious flavors, natural ingredients, life philosophies, and artful presentation.

In 2022, the World Culinary Awards named Vietnam the "Best Culinary Destination in Asia 2022," surpassing many renowned names. In 2024, Hanoi was honored as the "World’s Leading Culinary City" and "Asia’s Leading Culinary City." CNN featured pho in its list of "20 Best Soups in the World 2024."

In December 2024, Taste Atlas announced its awards, with many Vietnamese dishes and localities receiving accolades. The Michelin Guide has also awarded stars to some Vietnamese restaurants, affirming the status of Vietnamese cuisine and enhancing its appeal to travelers.

Nguyen Quoc Ky, Chairman of the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association, emphasized that cuisine plays a crucial role in international understanding of Vietnam, contributing to the nation's "soft power." Culinary experiences can spark the desire to visit Vietnam or create memorable experiences that keep tourists returning. When promoted as a national brand, culinary culture also supports the promotion and consumption of Vietnamese agricultural products, contributing to economic development.

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