The event saw the attendance of spouses of ambassadors and diplomats from ASEAN member states, representatives of several international organizations, and U.S. and foreign friends living and working in Washington D.C.. It aimed to strengthen cultural exchange and promote the unique values of Vietnamese cuisine. It also provided an opportunity for ASC members and international guests to learn more about culinary traditions closely associated with Vietnamese cultural and spiritual life.
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Chef Anna Le (in red dress) shares techniques and secrets for preparing Vietnamese vegetarian dishes using simple yet flavorful ingredients. |
Delivering welcome remarks at the event, Tran Thi Bich Van, spouse of the Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S., noted that the gathering was held during the special atmosphere of March – a month honoring women with International Women’s Day on March 8. She emphasized the role of diplomatic spouses as “bridges of soft diplomacy,” helping preserve cultural identity while promoting friendship and understanding among nations.
She said the theme of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine was chosen to highlight a distinctive aspect of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. In Vietnam, vegetarian food is not merely a dietary choice but also a philosophy rooted in peace, compassion, and a deep respect for nature. It reflects the Vietnamese soul - gentle yet flavorful, simple yet sophisticated. Familiar ingredients such as lotus seeds, tofu, mushrooms and fresh herbs are transformed into light, nutritious dishes that embody the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy.
Van expressed her hope that the event will offer guests a glimpse into Vietnam’s peaceful cultural heritage. She also noted that enjoying these flavors together will further strengthen solidarity within the ASEAN Spouses Circle.
“Though we come from different countries, we share many common values—especially the importance of family, hospitality, and the joy of a shared meal. Like the ingredients in a fine dish, our individual cultures come together to create a unique and harmonious ASEAN identity,” stressed Van.
A highlight of the program was an interactive cooking experience guided by chef Anna Le, founder of the Asian culinary brand Ahna Gourmet. With more than 25 years of experience in the culinary field, Anna Le shared techniques and secrets for preparing Vietnamese vegetarian dishes using simple yet flavorful ingredients. Through the hands-on demonstration, guests not only sampled the dishes but also experienced the preparation process and gained deeper insight into the art of combining ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine.
Source: VNA