Vietnam’s culinary scene promotes its culture to the international community, as foreign leaders explore local cuisine during visits, offering valuable opportunities for engagement and culinary diplomacy. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese experienced Vietnamese delicacies during his recent visit, joining other prominent leaders in enjoying street eateries and cafes in Vietnam.
Prime Minister Albanese, on his first day in Hanoi, delighted in sampling popular local delicacies, such as “bia hoi” (brewed beer) and “banh mi” (Vietnamese sandwich). This firsthand encounter exemplifies the growing fascination among foreign leaders, including Barack Obama, Justin Trudeau, Bill Clinton, and Prince William who have also frequented street eateries and cafes in Vietnam.
Vietnamese cuisine’s diversity and significance in the country’s strategy to promote its image, people, and culture cannot be understated. Renowned chef Nguyen Thuong Quan, the owner of Old Hanoi Restaurant, highlights the role of cuisine as an elegant and integral part of diplomatic activities during official visits.
Artisan Anh Tuyet, who served 21 foreign guests during the 2017 APEC Leaders’ Week in Da Nang, believes that Vietnam’s culinary prowess has the potential to become a national trademark, provided a comprehensive promotion strategy is implemented.
While Vietnam has a long way to go according to experts, the recent recognition from the renowned Michelin Guide marks a significant milestone. Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guide International Director, expressed excitement about the guide’s inaugural selection of Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This acknowledgment not only honors the excellence of Vietnamese cuisine but also serves as an excellent platform to showcase Vietnam’s culinary excellence to international visitors.
Vietnam has strategically utilized culinary diplomacy and cultural exchanges to advance its national interests and bolster its soft power on the global stage. By harnessing food as a tool to influence international relations and foster cultural exchange, Vietnam draws inspiration from the successful culinary diplomacy efforts of other nations. The country’s gastronomic treasures play a pivotal role in building goodwill and elevating its international reputation.
Through these initiatives, Vietnam is effectively leveraging its culinary heritage to captivate foreign leaders, promote cultural understanding, and solidify its position as a prominent player in the international community.
