Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Foreign diplomats based in Ho Chi Minh City had the unique opportunity to delve into Vietnamese culinary traditions by participating in a ‘pho’ (noodle soup) cooking class. The event, held on November 23, was an engaging culinary exchange featuring representatives from various countries.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the cooking class, co-hosted by the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Beverage Association (FBA), and the Saigon Professional Chefs Association (SPC), attracted diplomats from the UK, Australia, Belarus, Cambodia, Hungary, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, China, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Under the guidance of SPC chefs, participants prepared beef, lamb, and vegan versions of ‘pho’. Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs, Pham Tran Thanh Thao, highlighted the event’s significance in promoting Vietnamese culinary culture and sharing the art of crafting delicious ‘pho’. The occasion aligns with Vietnam’s Day of Pho on December 12, fostering cultural exchange and culinary appreciation among the international community. Following the class, participants received certificates and gathered to savor the noodle soup they had prepared. The event also featured a photo exhibit and a tasting of various dishes, further enriching the cultural experience for the attending diplomats.