Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese culture and cuisine were in the spotlight at the annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar held on November 23 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, with the Embassy of Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka presenting a vibrant showcase.
Expanded this year to include over 100 international booths, the event offered a lively platform for cultural and culinary exchange.
Vietnam’s booth stood out with its distinctive national identity. The red of the Vietnamese flag, traditional garments, and red shirts adorned with yellow stars created an eye-catching display.
Visitors were drawn to signature products such as pho, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee, instant noodles, dried bananas and jackfruit, coconut candy and handicrafts including bamboo dragonflies and leather wallets. Pho and spring rolls, regarded as “culinary ambassadors” of Vietnam, attracted long queues, while Vietnamese coffee sold out quickly.
Many visitors, familiar with Vietnamese flavours through local restaurants, media, friends, or previous trips to Vietnam, expressed excitement at tasting the dishes and purchasing souvenirs.
Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted the fair’s importance, saying it is an important occasion for cultural exchange and people-to-people connections between Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other participants. Vietnam participates annually, showcasing its most representative cultural and culinary products.
The ambassador expressed delight when Sri Lankan and international friends enjoy Vietnamese cuisine and handicrafts, reflecting the growing recognition of the Vietnamese brand in Sri Lanka.
Nguyen Mai Trinh, Head of the Vietnamese Community Liaison Committee in Sri Lanka, added that the fair is an opportunity for overseas Vietnamese to express national pride and promote Vietnam’s image internationally. Proceeds from the event will support needy compatriots affected by storms and floods in Vietnam and contribute to charitable programmes in Sri Lanka.
With careful preparation, an impressive display, and authentic traditional products, Vietnam’s booth remained a highlight of the fair, strengthening tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
According to Sri Lankan authorities, an average of 300 Vietnamese visited Sri Lanka and 1,000 Sri Lankans visited Vietnam per month during the first ten months of 2025, with an upcoming direct flight route expected to further boost these figures./.
Vietnam showcases culture in Brussels
From traditional flavours to heartfelt exchanges, Vietnam’s participation in the Hakuna Matata Festival in Brussels not only enriched the festive atmosphere but also underscored its message of unity and a world without war.
