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Korea Herald
22-07-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Hanoi's street food culture gains ground with Michelin nods
HANOI, Vietnam (Viet Nam News/ANN) -- Several Hanoi street-side eateries have earned recognition from Michelin, but the question remains: is this enough to elevate the city's vibrant street food scene? Hoan Kiem bun cha, pho take the spotlight From its very first year in Vietnam, the Michelin Guide was quick to take note of bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs), a humble yet iconic dish from Hanoi. In 2023, two bun cha spots made it into Michelin's recommended list: Bun cha Dac Kim on Hang Manh street and bun cha Huong Lien on Le Van Huu street. That same year, other sidewalk eateries such as Ba Xuan Steamed Rolled Pancakes on Hoe Nhai street, Cham Chicken pho (rice noodle) on Quan Thanh Street, and Tien pho on Nguyen Truong To street were also spotlighted. These dishes, particularly bun cha and pho, were further recognized in the "good food at reasonable prices" category. In subsequent years, the list has grown to include pho Khoi Hoi and Pho Lam, Cham Chicken Pho on Yen Ninh Street, and Chinh Thang Pho Cuon. Other humble dishes such as the eel vermicelli from Dong Thinh and Chan Cam eateries, or the nostalgic countryside-style perch soup from Hieu Luc on Hai Ba Trung street, have also made their way into the guide. A notable trend is that most Michelin-recognized street eateries are clustered in the Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem ward and adjacent areas. Yet despite global acclaim, no banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) vendor has been featured, an absence that food experts find surprising given its international reputation and even inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary as a Vietnamese-style sandwich. In 2024, banh mi was listed among the world's best sandwiches, yet it remains absent from Michelin's radar. A foundation for growth, but more is needed There are currently no official statistics on whether Michelin recognition has caused a significant surge in patronage at these eateries. However, from a culinary tourism standpoint, this attention presents an opportunity, especially if supported by a strategic plan. For instance, multiple bun cha restaurants gaining recognition could create a ripple effect, boosting the visibility of other outstanding bun cha establishments across the capital. One approach is to develop cultural projects that spotlight Hanoi's culinary richness. The recently launched sketchbook project "Flavors of the Old Quarter" highlights many highly rated bun cha spots, such as those tucked away in Hang Quat, Bat Su, Cua Dong, and Gia Ngu streets. Author Pham Tien Long notes that seasoned locals still frequent hidden gems in Dong Xuan market or on Luong Ngoc Quyen and Nguyen Du streets, where traditional bun cha que tre, grilled pork skewers on bamboo sticks, is served. Long also pointed to a small but thoughtful gesture at Michelin-recommended Dac Kim: "Western visitors often recommend the spot to friends because it's frequently mentioned in Hanoi travel and food guides. The restaurant is considerate enough to keep forks in the chopstick holders, anticipating guests who may not be used to chopsticks." This detail highlights an important point: if bun cha alone can spark Michelin interest, other Hanoi street foods also deserve curated recognition. At the same time, upgrading services, like offering utensils for international guests, goes a long way in enhancing the overall experience. According to Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy from the Vietnam National University, to elevate Hanoi's street food, vendors must first ensure their offerings are distinctive, something that builds a unique brand identity. Food safety, friendly and enthusiastic service, and active digital communication are also essential. Engaging customers on social platforms can help turn them into ambassadors for the business. She added that street vendors should aim to serve both dine-in and takeaway customers. Embracing technology, such as food delivery apps, not only reduces staffing needs but also helps manage operations efficiently, offering visuals, prices, and ordering options to customers. Thuy noted that food tech service providers are now readily available, and integrating these solutions could significantly improve service quality.
Washington Post
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
Tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, killing dozens
Dozens of people are dead after a tourist boat capsized during a storm in northeastern Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, according to state media reports, as rescue operations continued into the early hours Sunday. Navy divers were deployed to help with the search, which was hampered by rough seas, strong winds and heavy rains. At least ten people were rescued, and the capsized vessel was salvaged and towed ashore, Viet Nam News reported.
Korea Herald
18-07-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Dong Giao: the Vietnamese village where wood comes to life
HANOI, Vietnam (Viet Nam News/ANN) -- It's a typical day in Dong Giao wood carving village in Hai Phong City's Cam Giang District. Throughout the village, the rhythmic sounds of chiselling, sawing and carving fill the air. At the village entrance, visitors may catch sight of artisan Vu Xuan En hard at work on a massive tree root. He is creating an ambitious sculpture featuring hundreds of prominent figures from Vietnamese history. The root itself is impressive: 6 meters wide, 3.3 meters tall and around 5 (metric) tons in weight. The work is expected to be completed by the end of next year. "I'm deeply passionate about this piece," said En. "My older brother shares a deep love for Vietnamese history, so together we decided to create this sculpture, '4,000 Years of Vietnamese History,' from a single tree root. We wanted it to be not only beautiful but meaningful." En is one of the village's most respected artisans, having inherited the craft from his family over generations. "To master this craft, you need both passion and natural talent," he explained. "That's the only way to become a truly skilled artisan." After working in the trade for 37 years, En has mastered every task involved. Yet he said the most challenging part is carving human figures, as details must be exact, so people can recognize who they are. The artisan has made a good livelihood through wood carving. Profound passion Like En, many artisans in Dong Giao remain loyal to their craft for decades. "This work demands perseverance, a love of learning and genuine passion," said woodcarver Vu Van Tao, 27, who has 12 years of experience. "If you're only in it for the money, it won't work." Tao added that young people like him bring fresh creativity. "With social media, there's so much to learn, including techniques from China that we adapt and build upon," he said. "We continuously refine the details -- facial expressions, carving lines -- and over time, our work becomes more beautiful and unique." Nguyen Thi Hoa, one of the few women in the trade, said her love for the craft keeps her going, even when the work is exhausting. "I'm so passionate about it, I just can't walk away," she said. Hoa has been carving for nearly 20 years and has noticed more young people joining the trade. "That's why I keep learning from those more skilled than me, always seeking new ideas to improve my products and increase their quality and value," she explained. For 60-year-old woodcarver Vu Van Nang, President Ho Chí Minh's teachings remain relevant. "President Ho once said, 'Study, study more, study forever,'" he recalled. "As craftsmen, we must do the same -- keep learning endlessly, only stopping when our minds can no longer go on." Nang said he has loved this craft since childhood, and everyone here is dedicated to nurturing and strengthening it over time. Dong Giao village is home to over 1,000 households, with 95 perz cent still practicing the centuries-old tradition of wood carving. "The local authorities actively support the community, first by facilitating access to loan programmes, especially employment-support loans through policy banks, to help villagers maintain and grow their woodworking businesses," said village head Vu Duc Thinh. "We're also training apprentices from other regions, passing on skills so they can contribute to the future of our craft village." Long tradition The wood carving craft in Dong Giao has existed for over 300 years. In the past, Dong Giao artisans were renowned for producing worship items such as altar tables, temple gates, horizontal panels and couplets. These products were highly prized in neighboring provinces and cities. Moreover, the skilled hands of Dong Giao craftsmen have left their mark on many famous architectural works across the country. Even today, the people of Dong Giao take pride in the contributions of their talented artisans in building the ancient Imperial City of Hue. According to village legend, during the reign of King Le Canh Hưng (1740–1786), Dong Giao craftsmen, represented by Vu Xuan Ngon, were present in Hue to participate in construction projects for the feudal dynasty. To this day, in Hue, there remains a village of Dong Giao artisans called Dong Tien, which continues to preserve the craft passed down through generations. Dong Giao craftsmen are known for their skillfulness, intelligence and diligence. Over time, they have continuously innovated, improved their designs and enhanced their skills. They have also applied scientific and technical advances in production, creating an incredibly rich and diverse range of wood carving products for both domestic and overseas markets, including China among others.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam rolls out key tax reforms starting July 1
Tourists ride three-wheel bicycle taxis, known as cyclos, in the old quarter of Hanoi - AFP HANOI: From July 1, Vietnam will officially enforce a new set of tax laws that are expected to reshape the country's tax system in both structure and administration. These changes follow the passing of several amended tax laws, including the revised Law on Value-added tax (VAT), Law on Corporate Income Tax, Law on Personal Income Tax, and Law on Special Consumption Tax. The updates are seen as a major reform to improve fairness, efficiency and transparency in taxation. Under the new rules, the VAT system will see major changes. One key highlight is the mandatory use of non-cash payments for VAT input deduction. This applies even to purchases under 20 million dong. In the past, only payments over that threshold required bank transfers. Now, businesses must show non-cash payment proof for all purchases to claim VAT credit. This aims to prevent fake invoices and strengthen tax integrity. It may pose challenges at first for small vendors and traditional market sellers. But in the long run, non-cash payments will help them build a clear financial history, which makes it easier to access official credit. — Viet Nam News/ANN
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
President Tharman, SM Lee send condolence letters to Vietnam after death of former president
Vietnam's former president Tran Duc Luong died on May 20 at the age of 88 after an illness. PHOTO: AFP President Tharman, SM Lee send condolence letters to Vietnam after death of former president SINGAPORE - President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent condolence letters to Vietnam's leaders on May 26, following the death of the country's former president Tran Duc Luong. Mr Luong died on May 20 at the age of 88 after an illness, reported Viet Nam News . He served as Vietnam's president from 1997 to 2006 . 'On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of former president Tran Duc Luong,' President Tharman wrote to his counterpart, President Luong Cuong. Mr Tharman noted that Mr Luong had 'served his country with steadfast determination during a time of profound transformation for Vietnam'. He added that the late Vietnamese leader had helped to steer his country in the aftermath of Doi Moi, or a series of market reforms in 1986, seeing Vietnam through the Asian financial crisis of 1997, and 'its integration into Asean's structures' after it became a full member in 1995. 'His contributions were immense, and will be remembered,' said Mr Tharman. SM Lee wrote to Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, remembering his introductory visit to Vietnam in December 2004 where he met Mr Luong as then Prime Minister of Singapore. 'President Luong was a statesman who devoted his life to serving his country,' said SM Lee. 'Under his leadership, Vietnam advanced steadily along its reform path and deepened its engagement with Singapore and the rest of the region. He played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the enduring trust and friendship between our two countries. His legacy will be remembered.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
