The 2024 International Food Festival was a culinary journey through over 60 countries and territories, with more than 130 booths showcasing the very best of their cuisine. Held on December 7-8, the festival attracted a large number of visitors eager to explore the world of flavors and cultures.
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| The festival draws a diverse crowd, all united by their love for food. Photos: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times |
Each booth was a window into a unique culinary world, offering a taste of traditional dishes and a glimpse into the cultures and traditions of the participating countries. The annual event truly showcased the diversity and richness of global cuisine.
One of the highlights of the festival was the presence of world-renowned chef David Sahib Israfilov, also known as Don David. He delighted attendees with a special presentation of Azerbaijani specialties, including dönər, beef, lamb, and chicken shishlik, as well as lula kebabs. Don David, a famous representative of the World Barbecue Association, shared his passion for preserving authentic flavors and the stories behind the dishes.
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| David Sahib Israfilov (Don David) showcases his lamb chop kebab, a beloved Azerbaijani dish. |
“Through these dishes, we share the essence of our culinary heritage and the stories that shape our nation’s history and traditions,” shared Don David. He emphasized the importance of preserving authentic flavors, as any alteration can impact the quality and uniqueness of a dish.
Don David’s passion for Azerbaijani cuisine and his admiration for Vietnam have led him to explore opportunities to open a restaurant in the country. He aims to introduce the authentic flavors of Azerbaijan to Vietnam and has been traveling extensively across the nation, experiencing the local culture and cuisine.
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| Visitors eagerly await a taste of Azerbaijan’s culinary delights. |
When asked about his decision to expand from his successful restaurant in Moscow to Vietnam, David shared that he wants to bring authentic Azerbaijani cuisine to a wider audience. “In many places, you can find restaurants offering international cuisines, but in Vietnam, it’s not always easy to find food from all countries. That’s why I plan to open a restaurant here, to share the flavors of Azerbaijan with both the local community and expatriates,” he explained.
The 2024 International Food Festival truly embodied the idea that food brings cultures together. It celebrated the diversity of global cuisine and highlighted the universal language of food, connecting people from different backgrounds. The event also recognized the outstanding contributions of the Embassy of Azerbaijan, acknowledged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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| Nguyen Thanh Van and her daughter, Dang Vy Hieu Anh, enjoy the festival and discover new flavors. |
Nguyen Thanh Van, a resident of Hai Ba Trung District, shared her excitement about trying different types of kebabs and introducing her daughter, Dang Vy Hieu Anh, to traditional Azerbaijani food. The festival offered a diverse range of dishes, from Indian samosas to Colombian arepas and Russian beef stew soup, alongside Vietnamese favorites such as pho, spring rolls, sticky rice, and dumplings.
In addition to culinary delights, the festival also showcased traditional costumes and souvenirs, providing a holistic cultural experience. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the booths and discover the unique traditions and crafts of each participating country.
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| A taste of Haiti: Traditional soup on display. |
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| Kazakhstan booth showcases their delicious cuisine and traditional attire. |
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| Russian souvenirs on display, offering a piece of cultural heritage to take home. |
The festival also featured booths with special causes, such as the ActionAid booth, which promoted products made by vulnerable groups, showcasing their skills and supporting their empowerment.
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| The Cuba stall brings a taste of the Caribbean with their famous mojitos. |
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| Cyan Michel, a long-time resident of Vietnam, promotes the flavors of Mexico and the Dominican Republic. |
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| The Palestine stall emphasizes the power of connection and cultural exchange. |
Hanoi’s Culinary Legacy
The festival also celebrated Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage, with dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh mi taking center stage. These iconic dishes, especially pho, which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, represent the essence of Hanoi’s culinary tradition.
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| Hanoi’s chefs showcase the art of making traditional Vietnamese bread. |
Hanoi’s chefs played a vital role in introducing the city’s traditional dishes to a wider audience. They presented the authentic flavors of pho, bun cha, and traditional cakes and jams, while also demonstrating their culinary skills and craftsmanship.
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| Bui Nguyen Duc, a young ambassador for Hanoi’s cuisine, promotes the city’s famous pho and bun cha. |
Bui Nguyen Duc, a kid MC who was recording videos for a TV show, shared his passion for promoting Hanoi’s culinary delights to international friends. “I want to showcase the unique flavors of Hanoi and introduce them to the world,” he said.
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| Young Hanoians proudly showcase their traditional long dresses (ao dai). |
The festival’s theme, “Gastronomy of Unity,” was highlighted by various TV shows and bloggers, promoting not just the culinary offerings but also the cultural connections and exchanges that food facilitates.
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| The festival provides a platform for locals to proudly showcase their cultural heritage. |
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