On March 24, the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City officially announced the launch of the annual Taste of Australia 2026 program.
Speaking at the event, Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the significance of this year’s edition as it coincides with the second anniversary of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. She noted that cooperation between the two countries continues to strengthen, delivering tangible results within an open, stable, and rules-based international trading system that benefits both economies. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded AUD 22 billion, reflecting the complementary strengths of Vietnam and Australia.
A key highlight of Taste of Australia 2026 is the appointment of Chef Sam Tran as the program’s ambassador. A recipient of the Michelin Young Chef Award 2023, her restaurant Gia has retained one Michelin star for three consecutive years (2023–2025). Her culinary approach blends Vietnamese heritage with modern techniques and international influences, embodying the diversity that defines Australian cuisine.
Consul-General Hooper emphasized that Australia’s food culture is shaped by high-quality ingredients, multicultural influences, and a spirit of creativity – elements that contribute to a dynamic and evolving culinary identity. She also underscored the role of cuisine as a powerful connector, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between nations.
Marking her final Taste of Australia in Vietnam ahead of the conclusion of her tenure in April, Hooper described the event as not only a celebration of Australian gastronomy but also a symbol of friendship, creativity, and the deepening partnership between the two countries.
The program will feature a series of highlights, including a nationwide restaurant promotion campaign from March 28 to April 26, the Taste of Australia Showcase on April 18, and a gala dinner held the same evening.
Through its combination of culinary experiences, business engagement, and cultural exchange, Taste of Australia 2026 is expected to continue serving as a platform that brings Vietnamese consumers and businesses closer to Australian food, beverages, and culture.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 