The 2018 International Food Festival will take place on Dec. 9 at Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound, 298 Kim Ma, Hanoi.

This is an annual cultural – charity fund-raising event hosted by the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps (SDDC) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

The pavilion of Ho Chi Minh City attracts visitors with "Banh khot" (cripsy savory pancakes). (Photo:NDO/Thuy Linh)

The fifth annual event will feature 130 pavilions representing over 30 foreign embassies in Vietnam, alongside foreign cultural centres, non-governmental organisations, foreign relations departments of provinces across the country, units under the MOFA, and a number of enterprises.

The booths also will showcase specialty foods and souvenirs from different countries and Vietnamese localities, while presenting unique handicraft products and other types of products from craft villages and businesses across Vietnam.

Visitors will get to enjoy signature dishes from countries all over the world and from all regions of Vietnam. Apart from the cuisine, you will also have the chance to enjoy spectacular cultural performances of many countries, Vietnam included.

The food festival, sixth of its kind, is expected to attract thousands of visitors of the diplomatic corps and the local people.

The festival offers a platform for foreign diplomats and international organisations to enhance exchanges with MOFA officials and Vietnamese people, thus helping to strengthen mutual understanding and promote tourism and cuisines of participating countries. Besides, it provides Vietnamese businesses with an opportunity to advertise their brands, services, and products to international friends.

Apart from cultural and cuisine activities, the Food Festival carries the humanitarian meaning as well, with donations from organisations and inpiduals going to charity.

Entrance fee: VND 10,000 (USD 0.43)/ticket at door.

All revenue will be donated to charity./.

VNF