(VOVWORLD) - The culinary heritage performance and talk show called "Home-cooked Rice and Tet Feast" was recently held at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center. Jointly organized by the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem district and the Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage Values, the event offered Hanoi residents a warm and festive atmosphere in the days leading up to Tet.
 Tet feast presented by artist Pham Thi Anh Tuyet. (photo: VOV)
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"On the first day of the year, on the Tet fruit tray we must have sticky rice with gac fruit because it holds a Feng Shui meaning. The red color of gac fruit represents good luck for the new year. Traditionally, the Tet feast also included banh chung (square sticky rice) paired with braised fish,” said culinary artisan Pham Thi Anh Tuyet explaining the traditions of Tet, the Lunar New Year Festival.
Vietnamese cuisine has long been a vivid symbol of creativity, cultural exchanges and traditional values. In particular, family meals embody a unique cultural essence, connecting family members while preserving time-honored values. The Tet feast, or "tray of offerings," symbolizes reunion, gratitude to ancestors, and the Vietnamese philosophy of life expressed through each dish and its presentation.
At the talk show, the guests who are culinary artists, cultural experts, and heritage researchers, shared their perspectives on the significance of the Tet feast.
 People enjoy the feast at the event. (Photo: VOV) |
Nguyen Duc Tang, Director of the Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage Values, said: "The event 'Home-cooked rice and Tet feast' brings to life the flavors and memories of Hanoi's cuisine. It’s not just about food and drinks—it’s about the stories, people, and culture of the capital city. The culinary heritage of Hoan Kiem district evokes nostalgia of many generations and inspires people to reconnect with family and loved ones during Tet. This activity aims to introduce the invaluable cultural heritage of the Old Quarter and express gratitude to ancestors and the unforgettable spirit of Tet."
"Home-cooked rice and Tet feast" is part of a broader initiative under the project developing and promoting the culinary cultural heritage of Hoan Kiem district, aiming to boost the city’s tourism development until 2025 with a vision to 2030. The event continues efforts to preserve and celebrate traditional Vietnamese dishes, contributing to the promotion of Vietnam's rich culinary identity on a global stage.