Vietnamese cuisine highly appreciated at Brunei’s Hari Raya Festival
Originally a Western-style eatery, Yi’s Nation has undergone a transformation, blending traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, fresh and fried spring rolls, and signature Vietnamese salads into its menu. Each dish tells a story of culture, family memories, and homeland pride, as showcased at the festival.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Brunei Tran Anh Vu introduces 'pho' and 'nem ran' to a Brunei official (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) ▨– The Vietnamese Embassy’s booth was a standout attraction at the traditional Hari Raya Festival hosted by the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 19, captivating guests with the enticing aroma of 'pho' (noodle soup) and 'nem ran' (fried spring rolls) crafted by famous Vietnamese restaurant Yi’s Nation.
Originally a Western-style eatery, Yi’s Nation has undergone a transformation, blending traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, fresh and fried spring rolls, and signature Vietnamese salads into its menu. Each dish tells a story of culture, family memories, and homeland pride, as showcased at the festival.
The festival brought together nearly 20 overseas representative agencies, each showcasing uniquely themed booths highlighting their national identities, contributing to an atmosphere of unity, friendship, and rich cultural identity.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is the most important festival for Muslims. It is a time of reunion, with families and friends gathering to enjoy traditional dishes, share joyful moments, and celebrate with music and festivities.
With Islam as the official religion and Muslims comprising around 80% of Brunei’s 500,000 residents, the festival holds deep cultural significance in this sparsely populated Southeast Asian nation, where 76% live in urban areas./.
The Vietnam Trade Office, in collaboration with Chef Quoc Vo’s Vietnamese Restaurant and Ganh Xua Restaurant, served iconic dishes such as bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), nem ran (fried spring rolls), and pho tron (mixed pho), alongside essential Vietnamese food products like dried vermicelli, rice paper, and fish sauce.
The most captivating part of the event was when the spouses of ambassadors and local and international guests had the opportunity to try on traditional Vietnamese outfits, including the Ao Dai (traditional long dress), “Ao tu than” (four-panel traditional dress), and “Mo Qua” scarf (scarf is tired in a triangle on the forehead), before walking a mini catwalk at the Vietnam House.
The Vietnamese cuisine and cultural exchange festival is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur, featuring over 100 food stalls that showcase the culinary delights of Vietnam’s three regions to international and Malaysian friends.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
