(TITC) – On October 23, in Italy, the 6th World Culinary Awards announced the list of outstanding global culinary destinations for 2025. Vietnam once again made its mark on the international stage, being named “Asia’s Best Culinary Destination 2025”, the capital city of Hanoi was honored as “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025”.
These recognitions affirm Vietnam’s growing reputation as one of Asia’s most dynamic and distinctive culinary hubs, where tradition and creativity intertwine to create flavors that captivate global palates.
Vietnam Street Food & Local Culture Journey
Global Recognition for Vietnamese Culinary Excellence
Among the honorees, Saigontourist Group’s “Culinary Culture Festival – Delicious Dishes” earned the title “World’s Leading Culinary Festival 2025”. The award highlights the group’s contribution to promoting Vietnam’s culinary culture through professional, large-scale events that celebrate the nation’s diverse regional cuisines and its authentic national identity.
Adding to Vietnam’s impressive achievements, Capella Hanoi Hotel received the award for “World’s Best Brunch Venue 2025”. The recognition of this luxury hotel’s restaurant not only underscores Vietnam’s growing sophistication in hospitality and gastronomy but also positions Vietnamese culinary establishments alongside the world’s most refined dining destinations.
Congratulating this year’s winners, Ms. Rina van Staden, Director of the World Culinary Awards, remarked “The 2025 winners embody the spirit of excellence and innovation, continuously raising the bar in the global culinary landscape”.
Vietnamese Cuisine – Cultural Heritage with Global Appeal
From bustling street corners to elegant dining rooms, Vietnamese cuisine represents a living cultural heritage – deeply rooted in history, yet constantly evolving. Each dish tells a story of the land, the people, and their enduring connection to nature.
Vietnam’s culinary diversity reflects its rich regional character: from the delicate flavors of Northern dishes such as pho and bun cha, to the bold, aromatic layers of bun bo Hue in the Central region, and the vibrant, tropical freshness of Southern specialties like banh xeo and hu tieu Nam Vang.
With fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a philosophy that values harmony and health, Vietnamese cuisine has won the hearts of diners worldwide. Its balance of sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and spiciness – combined with vibrant herbs and subtle presentation – embodies the nation’s sense of simplicity, sophistication, and creativity.
International experts, chefs, and travelers increasingly recognize Vietnamese food as both an art form and a lifestyle – one that celebrates community, balance, and respect for natural ingredients. This is why, year after year, Vietnam continues to be honored at major international culinary awards.
In previous seasons, Vietnam received “Asia’s Best Culinary Destination 2022” while Hanoi was honored as “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City 2023” and “Asia’s Best Culinary City Destination 2024”. In 2024, Hanoi even triumphed globally with the title “World’s Best Culinary City Destination”.
Michelin Recognition – Elevating Vietnam’s Culinary Standards
A milestone in Vietnam’s culinary journey came on June 5, 2025, when the prestigious Michelin Guide unveiled its latest list of recommended restaurants in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
The guide recognized 181 establishments, including nine restaurants awarded one Michelin star, 63 eateries receiving the Bib Gourmand title for offering “delicious food at reasonable prices,” and 109 selected restaurants featured for their overall quality and service excellence.
The presence of Vietnam on the Michelin map is a turning point – not only a mark of international acknowledgment but also a driving force that inspires local chefs and restaurateurs to pursue global standards while preserving the essence of Vietnamese flavors. It demonstrates that Vietnam is ready to compete on the world’s fine-dining stage, positioning the country as “Asia’s new culinary paradise”.
Cuisine as a Pillar of Sustainable Tourism
In recent years, culinary tourism has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most promising and sustainable tourism sectors. Across the country, many provinces and cities have integrated gastronomy into their tourism strategies – turning local culinary treasures into powerful storytelling tools that connect travelers with the soul of each region.
Festivals celebrating regional delicacies, traditional cooking workshops, and community-based culinary experiences have become highlights in destinations such as Hue, Hoi An, Can Tho, and Sa Pa. Meanwhile, high-end restaurants and resorts continue to elevate Vietnamese cuisine with contemporary interpretations that honor authenticity while embracing innovation.
This dual approach – preserving tradition while encouraging creativity – allows Vietnam’s culinary culture to evolve without losing its roots. As a result, the country now attracts not only food lovers but also chefs, researchers, and investors eager to explore its diverse culinary landscape.
Vietnam – A Rising Star on the World Culinary Map
Being continuously honored by prestigious international organizations such as the World Culinary Awards and Michelin Guide is a testament to Vietnam’s growing influence in global gastronomy. It reflects not only the nation’s culinary excellence but also its ability to connect culture, creativity, and tourism development.
Vietnam’s cuisine has become a symbol of its soft power – an ambassador of culture that inspires curiosity, admiration, and affection worldwide. From local markets to luxury dining venues, Vietnamese food invites every visitor to experience the country’s warmth, artistry, and spirit of innovation.
As Vietnam continues to expand its international presence, culinary tourism will remain a cornerstone of its sustainable tourism strategy – a journey where every flavor tells the story of a nation embracing the world while staying true to its roots.
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