The Capital’s Culinary Delights: Hanoi, a City of Flavours

Hanoi has solidified its reputation as the “World’s Best Culinary City,” boasting a diverse and captivating culinary scene that captivates locals and attracts visitors from all walks of life. The city’s culinary treasure trove is infused with the refined and distinct charm of Hanoi, from its cooking techniques to presentation and dining style.

**The Capital’s Unique Allure:**

Recent media headlines were abuzz with Nvidia Corporation President Jensen Huang’s business trip to Vietnam. Aside from the agreement signed between Nvidia and the Vietnamese government to establish AI centers, Huang’s exploration of Hanoi’s cuisine also captured attention. On a wintry day, the billionaire donned sneakers and a black t-shirt, blending seamlessly into the tranquil Hanoi streets. Accompanied by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Huang braved the cold to indulge in the city’s street food delights, including fried fermented pork rolls, fried tofu with scallion sauce, and the quintessential Truc Bach beer. Huang’s stroll through the vibrant yet elegant Hanoi Old Quarter captured the essence of Vietnamese culture.

The Nvidia CEO also savored a bowl of pho on Bat Dan Street, sipped egg coffee like a true tourist, and even sat on a plastic stool at a modest eatery on Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, enjoying beer with rolls and snails. Huang’s appreciation for Egg Coffee, a symbol of Vietnamese resilience and creativity, was evident during his visits.

At Cafe Giang, a Hanoi coffee shop, Huang was served egg coffee in cups crafted by artisans from Bat Trang Ceramics Village, adorned with paintings of iconic Hanoi landmarks.

Huang is not the only international figure captivated by Hanoi’s rustic street cuisine. Former US President Barack Obama, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Prince William have all indulged in the city’s culinary delights. Notably, Obama’s visit to Bun Cha Huong Lien earned the eatery the nickname “Bun Cha Obama,” attracting diners eager to follow in his footsteps.

While pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee are staples for Hanoi residents, they also top the must-try lists of international tourists. CNN rated egg coffee as one of the most impressive Hanoi specialties, and during the 2019 Hanoi summit between North Korea and the US, Cafe Giang supplied nearly 3,000 cups of this delicacy to the delegates.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also showcased his love for Vietnamese cuisine, posting about his enjoyment of egg coffee and traditional Vietnamese music upon his arrival in Hanoi.

**Embracing Gastronomy for Cultural Development:**

Hanoi’s cuisine has garnered international acclaim and is making its mark on the global food map. The city’s quintessential dishes, such as pho, bun cha, banh mi, sticky rice, steamed rice rolls, fish cakes, and, of course, egg coffee, have captivated countless visitors with their unique flavors and presentations.

Experts praise Hanoi’s cuisine for its delicate ingredient selection, masterful cooking techniques, elegant presentation, and distinct dining customs. Each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and aesthetics, leaving a lasting impression on those who indulge. This recognition has resulted in Hanoi receiving numerous international accolades over the years.

In October, Hanoi was crowned the “World’s Leading Culinary City Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Culinary City Destination” at the 5th World Culinary Awards, beating strong contenders from across the globe. Additionally, a Tripadvisor article named Hanoi one of the 15 must-visit food cities worldwide, highlighting the subtle and delicate nature of its cuisine and the diverse culinary experiences it offers.

Recognizing the potential of gastronomy in cultural industry development, the Hanoi Party Committee passed a resolution in 2022, aiming to boost the sector’s contribution to the city’s GRDP to about 8% by 2030.

To celebrate and promote Hanoi’s culinary culture, the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024, themed “Hanoi Connects the World,” attracted nearly 110,000 visitors in just three days. This event reflected the special appeal of Hanoi’s cuisine and its potential to draw tourists seeking unique culinary experiences.

According to experts, to fully unlock the potential of Hanoi’s cuisine in the cultural industry, it is essential to view it through a cultural and heritage lens. Creating memorable dining experiences that immerse diners in history and culture, in addition to offering delectable flavors, is key to success.

Bui Hoai Son, a standing member of the National Assembly Committee on Culture and Education, envisions “food events and festivals [as] great carnivals where people from all over the world gather to experience the richness and uniqueness of Hanoi cuisine.”

Hanoi’s culinary delights, including Me Tri green rice flakes, Phu Thuong steamed sticky rice, Quang An lotus tea, and, of course, pho, have been inscribed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2024, ensuring their protection and promotion for generations to come.

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