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Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Being a vegetarian in mostly meat-loving Hanoi: Must-try Vietnamese vegetarian dishes
Sandworm pancakes? Hemispheres Restaurant has been nominated for the prestigious World Culinary Award 2025 (Photo: Preeti Verma Lal) Stir-fry snake? Pork offal congee? Snail noodle? Blood pudding with pork and peanuts? Plonked on a grey chair in Sheraton Hanoi Hotel's Oven D'or all-day dining restaurant, I, the vegetarian, was caught in the bog-standard Vietnamese meal. No, these were not listed in Oven D'or's beaut menu but I had a million questions. Snake? Sandworm? Weasel? But Nguyen Cong Chung, Executive Chef & Director of Food and Beverage, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel was being gracefully patient. 'Not all, but some Vietnamese do have a menagerie on their dinner plates but the vegetarians needn't starve,' Chef Chung's lilting accent carried reassurance. Vietnamese women in traditional Ao Dai (dress) and Nón lá (hat). This painting adorns the lobby area of Sheraton Hanoi Hotel (Photo: Preeti Verma Lal) Vegetarian Pho? Bircher muesli? Hanoi Vegetarian spring rolls? Vegetarian Fried noodle? Vietnamese braised tofu in tomato sauce? Chef Chung rattled off tempting options but in the beautifully lit restaurant, I was distracted. By the nattily dressed people around a pretty cart loaded with gigantic pomelos. A lady in tidy toque was serving Chè bưở, a sweet, slimy pomelo rind soup topped with sweetened coconut milk, tapioca and shredded pink pomelo flesh. And there could nary be a dessert more sustainable than this - it is made of pomelo rind that is usually discarded as waste. And there is nary a sweet soup better than the Chè bưở. Slimiest & sweetest. Vietnamese Summer rolls (Photo courtesy: Marriott Bonvoy) In Hanoi, the World's Best Culinary City Destination 2024, I forgot the weasel, the snake, the sandworm and the balut (18-day fertilised hen or duck egg) that is often on the 'most disgusting/strange/terrifying food' list, and stepped into Hemispheres restaurant, a Michelin Selected (2023, 2024 & 2025) and TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2023 & 2024. In the tony restaurant, a set Vegetarian menu (roughly INR 4,000) awaited - La Dolce Burrata (Fresh fruits, pesto, pine nut, balsamic jelly and basil leaves), Pumpkin & Coconut Soup (Butternut pumpkin and coconut cream, salsa verde, feta cheese), Wild Mushroom Risotto (Chanterelle mushroom, peas, cherry tomatoes, asparagus & morels emulsion) concluded with Coconut Parfait (Coconut ice cream and granola). At Hemispheres, Chef de Cuisine Nguyen Nam Nguyen is famed for combining European techniques with local ingredients like Quang An kumquat, Ly Son garlic, Phu Quoc pink pepper, fish mint, Vietnamese mint that lend a seductive aroma to the dishes in this hugely popular fine-dining restaurant. Nguyen Cong Chung, Executive Chef cum Director of Food & Beverage, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel was named Chef Hotelier of The Year at the Hotelier Awards 2017 - Asia. Nowhere in the world have I looked at a calendar to know which day of the month is better for being vegetarian. In Vietnam, I was poring over the June calendar. Alas, I missed the best vegetarian days - the 1st and 15th of every month when Buddhists abstain from eating meat. Consequently, more vegetarian options are offered in restaurants and roadside eateries. In Miếu Đầm Temple dedicated to a snake-god that was raised by a farmer like his own child, the deity had lavish offerings - mango, lychee, bananas, biscuits, Pepsi. Not sure whether the gods prefer vegetarian dishes but I certainly do, specially the non-fried Vietnamese spring rolls. But that humid afternoon, I wasn't ready to pick one from The Lounge at JW Marriott Hanoi. I wanted to pick fresh herbs from the garden, wear toque & gloves and roll a roll in the hotel's manicured garden. Vietnamese Braised Tofu in Tomato Sauce (Photo courtesy: Marriott Bonvoy) A table was laid with braised tofu, sliced mangoes & avocado, finely cut cabbage & carrots. and a dainty rice paper sheet lazing on a wet towel spread on a porcelain plate. Cuong Trinh, Executive Chef of JW Marriott Hanoi, wore the toque, slipped his fingers into a pair of black gloves, and began the Vietnamese roll lesson. 'Hydrate the rice sheets with a little water. Add the vegetables/fruits at the centre. Then, gently roll. Gently into a wrap.' Quite like a diligent student, I followed his instructions to make a Vietnamese roll. I wore no toque, my roll was not as neat as the chef's but at least I rolled that popular Vietnamese summer roll. Ah! The joy of picking your own herbs, rolling your own roll, dipping it in soy sauce and eating it under a gazebo where the birds chirped and blue pea vine snaked around the laced roof. Housing some of Hanoi's best restaurants (Kumihimo Modern Japanese, Chinese Restaurant Wong Chi Ming, French Grill by Jean-Francois Nulli, The Lounge, JW Cafe), JW Marriott Hanoi was designed by the renowned architecture firm Carlos Zapata Studio. Inspired by the country's coastline, it evokes the image of a dragon and is also known for its 'reverse skyscraper' design with a dramatic cantilevered structure. (Photo: Preeti Verma Lal) Three days in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and all myths about it-is-impossible-being-a-vegetarian-in-Vietnam was shattered. I picked up handy phrases Tôi ăn chay (I am vegetarian), không thịt (no meat) and Không nước mắ (no fish sauce) to cajole the man in Phở Gà Nguyệt to rustle a Vegetarian Pho for me. The vegetarian request flummoxed the man at the street side restaurant that Michelin Guide calls a 'Gem for Chicken Pho lovers'. Minutes later, the man with a huge cleaver served the Vegetarian Pho on a low table flanked by plastic stools so low that the arse nearly hits the ground. At Kumihimo Modern Japanese, a must-order vegetarian dish is Savoury Mushroom tartlets filled with tender eringi mushrooms, fresh shiso, and a touch of Maldon sea salt (Photo: Preeti Verma Lal) But I was not done yet. Another day, more vegetarian delicacies: Savoury Mushroom tartlets filled with tender eringi mushrooms, fresh shiso, and a touch of Maldon sea salt, Cauliflower steak, Burned Eggplant with Orange Miso dressing at Kumihimo Modern Japanese, and Steamed Rice Roll with Mixed Mushroom, Braised Homemade Corn Beancurd, and Stir-fried Broccoli with Garlic at JW Marriott's Chinese Restaurant Wong Chi Ming. Chinese Restaurant Wong Chi Ming has several vegetarian options including Braised Flower Mushroom with Broccoli, Stir-fried asparagus, Steamed Bao, Fresh Mango Cream with Sago & Pomelo, Boiled Black Sesame Cream with Traditional Dumpling (Photo: Preeti Verma Lal) History tells us that King Gia Long of Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) ate the simplest food - only fish meat with vegetable rice while King Dong Khanh had 50 different dishes for every meal. When the meal bell rang, the food was delivered to the guard, the guard turned to the eunuch, the eunuch transferred food to five ladies favoured by the king who knelt to serve food for the emperor. In Hanoi, no meal bell rang for me, I had no guard, no eunuch, no favoured ladies but there was Nàng Thơm (Fragrant Lady). It is rice, silly. Not a lady. Must-try Vietnamese vegetarian dishes: Phở chay: Vegetarian pho Bánh mì chay: Vegetarian baguettes Gỏi cuốn chay: Fresh vegetarian spring rolls Mì xào chay: Stir-fried vegetarian noodles Fried Vegetarian Noodles (Photo courtesy: Marriott Bonvoy) Nộm hoa chuối: Banana flower salad with lime Đậu sốt cà chua: Braised tofu in tomato sauce Rau muống xào tỏi: Stir-fried morning glory with garlic Bánh xèo chay: Savoury rice pancakes with bean sprouts, and mushrooms Cao lầu chay: Hoi An noodles in soy dressing with greens Đậu hũ chiên sả ớt: Tofu fried with shredded lemongrass and chilli Cà tím mỡ hành: Eggplant simmered with green onion
The Star
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Vietnam's Hanoi to host large-scale culture and heritage festival in October
Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of Constellation of Literature) at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi attracts tourists with its lighting effects and traditional art performances. -- Vietnam News/ANN HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): The Hanoi People's Committee has issued the go-ahead on organising the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2025, aiming to honour, preserve and promote the values of cultural identities and heritage of the capital city. The event will take place from October 31 to November 9 at many key locations such as the walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Museum, the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, the walking street in Son Tay ancient citadel, with about 10,000 participants. Themed 'Heritage - connection - era', the festival will feature a wide range of unique cultural and artistic activities, including a heritage connection exhibition, a puppetry festival, an international music festival, an Ao Dai tourism festival, and art performances at many typical cultural spaces. A play titled 'Thang Long Capital' using 3D Mapping technology hosted by the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre will be a highlight of the event. The municipal Department of Culture and Sports has been tasked with ensuring the content, script, progress and quality of the event, while coordinating closely with press agencies, digital platforms and grassroots information systems to introduce and promote the festival. The Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2025 is expected to create a vibrant cultural exchange space, promote cultural cooperation between Hanoi and localities and countries. The event will also bring cultural heritage into contemporary life, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the capital's cultural industry, affirming Hanoi's position as a centre for creative culture and an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists. - Vietnam News/ANN
Barnama
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Guangxi's Baise City Hosts Series of Events to Promote China-Vietnam Cultural Exchanges
NANNING, China, June 6 (Bernama) -- The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties and the "Year of China-Vietnam Cultural Exchanges." Baise City of Guangxi shares borders with Vietnam and enjoys cultural similarities, with thriving cross-border trade and enduring people-to-people exchanges. In April this year, The People's Government of Baise City hosted a series of heartwarming and down-to-earth cultural exchange activities between China and Vietnam. These events effectively enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries, particularly among the younger generation, strengthened people-to-people bonds, and reinforced broader public support. In Jingxi City, Baise, residents from Cao Bang City, Trung Khanh District, and Ha Quang District of Vietnam's Cao Bang Province, along with domestic and international tourists, participated in the 2025 China-Vietnam Border Residents' San Yue San Festival Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition. Over ten featured activities showcased new chapters of friendship. During the festival, the China-Vietnam Youth Folk Music Concert was held at the ancient opera stage of Jinxiu Ancient Town in Jingxi, where young performers from both countries shared the stage and sang the song "Vietnam-China." The Egret Spring Scenic Area hosted a mountains-and-waters "T-stage show," featuring traditional Jingxi Zhuang costumes and Vietnamese Ao Dai dresses, creating a spectacular "fashion feast" against the picturesque landscape. In the specialty food exhibition area, Vietnamese coffee, Chinese tea, handicrafts, and other distinctive products were on display. At the embroidered ball-tossing event, young participants from both countries engaged in friendly competition using balls specially crafted in Jingxi's Jiuzhou Ancient Town.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Traditional Vietnam tailoring village weaves cultural heritage into economic growth
Photo taken on June 2, 2025 shows Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional long dress, in Hanoi, Vietnam. - Xinhua HANOI: As early morning sunlight spreads across the rice fields of Trach Xa village on Hanoi's outskirts, the sound of sewing machines signals not just a centuries-old tradition, but also a new path toward prosperity. In 2024, Trach Xa's Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional long dress, tailoring craft was listed as a Vietnamese national intangible cultural heritage, marking a turning point for the thousand-year-old village. "Since the recognition, business has improved significantly," said Vu Thi Hang, a local tailor with 14 years of experience. "Our Ao Dai are now showcased at exhibitions and fairs, and more people know about Trach Xa." "Some shops send us fabric and request up to 1,000 dresses per order, often for hotel staff or flight attendants," she said, adding that her income has risen to around 20 to 30 million Vietnam Dong (about US$790 to 1,185) monthly, excluding material and labor costs. Tourism is also emerging as a driver. "We've begun receiving both domestic and international tour groups," Hang said. "The government has conducted surveys and plans to promote tourism in this area." According to local officials, currently, over 100 households in the village engage in Ao Dai production, most from home, while others have opened shops under the Trach Xa brand in nearby provinces. Le Van Duan, who began sewing in 1988, said that preserving the tradition depends on making it economically viable for the next generation. To expand beyond the village, Vietnamese artisans are also embracing e-commerce. "Some tailors now sell their Ao Dai online, combining traditional hand-stitching with digital platforms," said cultural researcher Tran Doan Lam, former director of The Gioi (World) Publishers. Lam noted that fashion programs at Vietnamese universities such as the University of Industrial Fine Arts and the University of Culture are cultivating new talent in ethnic costume design. "Culture is both a goal and a driving force for economic development and national progress," Lam said. "Ao Dai will certainly contribute to the development of the economy, culture, and the country as a whole." - Xinhua
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
VinFast sets new record at IIMS Surabaya 2025 with four awards, VF 3 named 'Best EV City Car'
SURABAYA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 June 2025 - VinFast announces it has secured four prestigious awards at the Indonesia International Motor Show Surabaya (IIMS Surabaya) 2025. Achieving decisive victories in four key categories, voted on by both the Organizing Committee and show attendees, VinFast has solidified its reputation, standing, and strong appeal among industry experts, car enthusiasts, and consumers in Indonesia. The Organizing Committee of IIMS Surabaya 2025 has honored VinFast in four categories: ' Best EV City Car' for VF 3, 'Favorite New Car Launch' for VF 6, 'Best Booth Car ' and ' Best Costume | Miss IIMS Surabaya 2025 '. IIMS is the nation's premier and largest exhibition system, drawing dozens of automotive, motorcycle, and technology brands globally each year. IIMS Surabaya, held in East Java - Indonesia's second-largest region after Jakarta - consistently attracts a significant number of visitors and industry enthusiasts. The IIMS Surabaya 2025 expert panel features leading journalists and specialists from esteemed organizations. In the 'Best EV City Car' category, VinFast VF 3 outperformed competitors from China, Japan, securing an overwhelming 89% of the total votes. This impressive win was based on the votes of over 50,000 show attendees and the official voting system of the organizers. The VF 3 has garnered significant attention since its official debut in Indonesia, becoming the most-test-driven vehicle at IIMS 2025 in February. With its distinctive design, impressive features, and accessible price, the VF 3 has emerged as an ideal urban vehicle. It's truly empowering owners to showcase their individuality and unique style with passion. The Organizing Committee also honored the VF 6, the newest addition to VinFast's product lineup in Indonesia, with the 'Favorite New Car Launch' award. The expert panel highly praised the VF 6's modern design, advanced technological features, and exhilarating driving experience. This model is expected to quickly win over Indonesian consumers and pave the way for a future of 'Electrified Transportation for Everyone.' In addition to the product awards, VinFast was also honored with 'Best Booth Car' and 'Best Costume | Miss IIMS Surabaya 2025.' VinFast's exhibition booth stood out as the largest at the show, featuring a modern, futuristic design that powerfully inspired visitors with a vision of a green and civilized electric transportation future. The expert panel, media, and numerous attendees were particularly impressed by the elegant image of the Vietnamese Ao Dai. This created a unique cultural highlight, blending traditional beauty with modern appeal, and affirming the fierce spirit of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian people in the global green revolution. Mr. Rudi MF, as the Project Manager of Indonesia International Motor Show, stated: 'We are very impressed with the product quality, the message conveyed, and the connection established with the audience as demonstrated by VinFast. The VF 3 and VF 6 models stand out as an interesting model that resonate well with both experts and the general public—something that is increasingly difficult to achieve in today's competitive market. VinFast's positive engagement at IIMS Surabaya 2025 was clearly reflected in the high level of visitor enthusiasm at their booth. VinFast successfully captured attention with their innovative presentation and the opportunity for visitors to directly experience their electric vehicle technology. This extraordinary response not only affirms the appeal of VinFast's products but also signifies their strong position in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in Indonesia.' Mr. Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, shared: 'Winning four awards at IIMS Surabaya 2025 is an incredibly proud milestone for VinFast. We are confident that we are on the right path in accelerating the green transition in Indonesia. With our diverse product range, from the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, to the VF e34, and our comprehensive 'For a Green Future' ecosystem, VinFast is committed to continuing our journey with Indonesian consumers and contributing to the development of the region's most promising electric vehicle market.' In just one year of presence in Indonesia, VinFast has launched four EV models – VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, and VF e34 – while expanding its distribution network in major cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Bali. Additionally, VinFast is collaborating with partners such as Otoklix, and BOS to deploy 500 authorized service workshops nationwide by the end of 2025. VinFast is also accelerating the development of a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem in Indonesia through strategic partnerships with companies like GSM (electric taxi service) and V-GREEN (charging infrastructure), further reinforcing VinFast's long-term investment commitment to the Indonesian market.
