Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival highlights the capital's Pho

Held from November 29 to December 1 at Thong Nhat Park, Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024 introduced the “Digital Pho Hanoi” programme, where robots prepared and served pho for diners. This activity showcased a new approach to Hanoi’s traditional dish.

Guests experienced Hanoi’s signature pho made by smart robots with precision, from broth preparation to table service.

The robot can handle every step required to complete a bowl of pho, from blanching the noodles and meat to adding herbs and pouring the broth. According to the automatic order system, the robot will immediately begin processing the order, following the same sequential steps as professional chefs.

The robot takes on the task of selecting each ingredient to complete the bowl of pho. Photo: Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival 2024

According to the organisers, this robotic preparation and service reflected innovative applications of technology and digital transformation in Vietnam’s culinary industry.

Alongside this unique experience, a seminar titled “Preserving and Promoting the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hanoi Pho” was held on December 1 as part of the festival. Participants included cultural experts, policymakers, pho artisans from Hanoi, and representatives from Acecook.

Artisan Pham Thi Anh Tuyet, renowned for serving Hanoi's pho to international dignitaries and famous artists, shared her insights: “When I serve pho to international guests and high-ranking leaders, they are often surprised by its harmonious flavours. Hanoi's pho is a remarkable creation of Vietnam, combining spices in a delicate and refined way.”

Cultural experts, artisans, and heritage practitioners shared their insights at the seminar. Photo: Ho Ha

Shinsuke Kajiwara, representing Acecook, said, “As a partner of the event, Acecook is committed to preserving and developing the traditional taste of pho, bringing convenient products while retaining the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.”

Discussing the importance of pho being recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage, Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly, vice president of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association said, “Recognition as intangible heritage means the state has a responsibility to protect it. Hanoi's pho is a valuable cultural asset that requires state policies for its preservation.”

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