Vietnam, 17 June 2025 – Vietnam’s culinary spotlight beamed across borders as Saigontourist Group hosted its first international Vietnam Culinary Culture Festival in Osaka, Japan, on June 14–15. Held at the Asia Pacific Trade Center, the two-day event drew thousands of visitors including Japanese locals, Vietnamese expats, and international tourists, eager to taste the diversity of Vietnam through over 50 traditional dishes from across the country.
Participating chefs from prominent hotels under the Saigontourist umbrella, including Rex Hotel Saigon, Majestic Saigon, Hotel Grand Saigon, and Bến Thành Tourist, collaborated with Vietnamese restaurants in Japan to present an extensive culinary showcase. Signature dishes such as phở, bún chả, bánh khọt, bánh mì, and fresh spring rolls were served alongside lesser-known regional specialties, giving attendees a flavorful tour of Vietnam’s rich gastronomic landscape.
But food was just the beginning. The festival created a full cultural experience through traditional music and dance performances, áo dài fittings, folk games, and workshops where guests could learn to make classic Vietnamese dishes. A Vietnam–Japan tourism promotion conference also took place, with support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, Vietnam Airlines, and tourism leaders from both countries. The conference aimed to promote bilateral travel and business partnerships.
According to Saigontourist Group Chairman Phạm Huy Bình, the festival is part of the Group’s larger cultural diplomacy strategy, using cuisine to foster people-to-people connections and invite more Japanese visitors to explore destinations throughout Vietnam.
This event builds on Saigontourist’s past success in Japan, including the Vietnam Phở Festival held in Tokyo and Osaka in 2023, which welcomed over 85,000 visitors. With the Osaka event receiving high praise from both the public and culinary experts, Vietnamese cuisine continues to establish itself as a compelling ambassador on the global stage.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 