Numerous visitors experienced the 2nd World Culture Festival in Hanoi.

The food court attracts many young people. Photo: Quynh Trang.

Experience the culture through familiar things.

During the festival days, a large number of visitors came to explore and experience the event. The international booths were bustling with activity, showcasing a diverse and captivating array of cultural elements. Each booth had its own unique character, from its layout and displayed products to the signature dishes offered to visitors.

Instead of just observing, many people chose to directly experience the handicrafts, enjoy the food, and participate in games. For Quang Khang, a third-year student at the Diplomatic Academy, through his experience, he found this year's festival to be well-organized and diverse in its activities.

Many tourists enjoy the culinary experience at the festival. Photo: Quynh Trang

During the festival, Khang spent time experiencing the cuisine and learning about the culture of many countries. He visited booths displaying products and handicrafts, and participated in interactive games and quizzes organized by various countries and international organizations.

According to the official program, on October 2nd and 3rd, screenings of international films attracted many viewers. Free screenings of films from countries such as India , Angola, Iran, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, China, France, Israel, Japan, Belarus, and Mexico offered exciting cinematic experiences.

These activities demonstrate that the culture at the festival is not only showcased through stage performances but is also extended to various experiential forms, allowing the public to actively learn and interact.

Cuisine - a bridge for cultural exchange.

Cuisine was one of the main attractions for visitors at the international booths. At the Pakistani booth, Muhammad Usman Arif showcased three dishes: chicken biryani, chicken kebab, and chana chat.

“All three dishes are popular, with chicken biryani being the most famous. Directly introducing the dishes, how to enjoy them, and the stories behind each dish gives Vietnamese diners the opportunity to learn more about Pakistani culinary culture,” Muhammad emphasized.

The food court showcases many tempting dishes. Photo: Quynh Trang

Muhammad Usman Arif said this was his second year participating in the festival. “We are very excited to be participating. We also participated last year and were very happy to be a part of it,” he shared.

Having lived in Vietnam for about four years, Muhammad Usman Arif also had kind words for the country and its people, calling Vietnam "a wonderful country with wonderful people."

Not far away, the Korean booth also attracted the attention of visitors with dishes that were characteristic of Korean culture.

Hung Nguyen, an employee at the Korean booth, said that by around 8 am, the food stalls had already welcomed many visitors. She commented that the atmosphere of the festival was quite lively and vibrant, and that participating in a program that brought together many countries and cultures was a memorable experience.

"I am very happy to be involved in such a culturally diverse program. As someone who enjoys studying world cultures, this is a very interesting experience for me," Hung Nguyen shared.

Beyond simply showcasing food, the international booths also facilitate direct conversations between cultural presenters and the public. This interaction makes seemingly unfamiliar information feel more relatable.

For Anna, a Russian living in Hanoi, the journey of discovering the festival also begins with the food. This is Anna's second time attending the World Culture Festival in Hanoi. While exploring the booths, she tried shashlik at the Ukrainian booth, barbecue/kebab at the Azerbaijani booth, and experienced Peruvian cuisine with her friend.

When asked about the food that left a lasting impression, Anna mentioned Peruvian cuisine, particularly enjoying the tender meat. She also commented that the cocktails at the stalls were quite delicious. As a foreigner living in Hanoi, Anna sees the festival as an opportunity for Hanoi residents to experience international cuisine firsthand. "I think this is a great opportunity for Hanoians to try dishes from many different countries," Anna shared.

From Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Peru to Pakistan, South Korea… each booth tells its own story. The food becomes a bridge for visitors to begin learning about a country and a culture they may not have had many opportunities to experience before.

The second World Cultural Festival in Hanoi took place from October 1st to 4th at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, with the participation of approximately 50 countries and international organizations. The festival, themed “Gathering Heritage – Shaping the Future,” coincided with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership in UNESCO. According to official information, the festival space featured 45 cultural areas and 35 international food stalls, contributing to a connected space in the heart of Hanoi.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dong-dao-du-khach-trai-nghiem-le-hoi-van-hoa-the-gioi-tai-ha-noi-lan-thu-2-1759312.html