Vietnamese culture and cuisine were in the spotlight at the annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar held on November 23 at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, with the Embassy of Vietnam and the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka presenting a vibrant showcase.

Vietnamese booth at the fair.

Expanded this year to include over 100 international booths, the event offered a lively platform for cultural and culinary exchange.

Vietnam’s booth stood out with its distinctive national identity. The red of the Vietnamese flag, traditional garments, and red shirts adorned with yellow stars created an eye-catching display.

Visitors were drawn to signature products such as pho, fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese coffee, instant noodles, dried bananas and jackfruit, coconut candy and handicrafts including bamboo dragonflies and leather wallets.

Pho and spring rolls, regarded as “culinary ambassadors” of Vietnam, attracted long queues, while Vietnamese coffee sold out quickly.

Many visitors, familiar with Vietnamese flavours through local restaurants, media, friends, or previous trips to Vietnam, expressed excitement at tasting the dishes and purchasing souvenirs.

Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted the fair’s importance, saying it is an important occasion for cultural exchange and people-to-people connections between Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other participants. Vietnam participates annually, showcasing its most representative cultural and culinary products.

The ambassador expressed delight when Sri Lankan and international friends enjoy Vietnamese cuisine and handicrafts, reflecting the growing recognition of the Vietnamese brand in Sri Lanka.

Nguyen Mai Trinh, Head of the Vietnamese Community Liaison Committee in Sri Lanka, added that the fair is an opportunity for overseas Vietnamese to express national pride and promote Vietnam’s image internationally.

Proceeds from the event will support needy compatriots affected by storms and floods in Vietnam and contribute to charitable programmes in Sri Lanka.

With careful preparation, an impressive display, and authentic traditional products, Vietnam’s booth remained a highlight of the fair, strengthening tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

According to Sri Lankan authorities, an average of 300 Vietnamese visited Sri Lanka and 1,000 Sri Lankans visited Vietnam per month during the first ten months of 2025, with an upcoming direct flight route expected to further boost these figures.

“Red Rain” listed among 86 films eligible for Oscars

According to The Hollywood Reporter, among the 86 foreign films eligible for consideration at the Oscars selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the US, Viet Nam’s representative film “Red Rain” has been included.

 

Vuon Chuoi: Tracing 4,000 years of life in ancient Hanoi

Vuon Chuoi (Banana Garden), an archaeological site in Hanoi’s Hoai Duc commune discovered in 1969, vividly reflects the continuous habitation of ancient residents on Thang Long – Hanoi land over nearly 4,000 years

 

Hanoi Autumn Festival 2025 draws visitors with 150 booths, new experiences

The festival kicked off at the Tran Nhan Tong Pedestrian Street and Thong Nhat Park on November 21 evening, under the theme Hanoi Autumn – A Season of Memories.

 

Ho Chi Minh City sets record with 100 rice-noodle dishes

The first-ever festival features nearly 100 booths presenting regional specialities, showcasing the breadth of Vietnamese culinary traditions from the North to the South.

 

Red River festival showcases vibrant Vietnamese, Chinese cultural heritage

Running from November 18 to 24 in Lao Cai and Cam Duong wards, as well as various places in Lao Cai province, the festival offers a diverse programme covering culture, tourism, trade and sports.

 

Vietnamese designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam brings ‘Ao dai’ to international fashion stage

The Vietnamese ‘Ao dai’ took to the spotlight as a symbol of national pride during the event “Taste of Viet Nam × VNARP 10 Years” at the Blackhawk Museum in California, the US.