In recent years, Hanoi’s culinary offerings have made waves on prestigious international rankings. The city continues to actively promote its cuisine to bolster tourism and position Hanoi as a culinary brand on the global stage.

In October 2024, Hanoi surpassed renowned destinations like Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), and Tokyo (Japan) to win the title of “Best Culinary City in Asia” at the World Culinary Awards. This award is part of the World Travel Awards program, recognizing excellence in the travel and hospitality industry.

In 2023, Hanoi also claimed the title of “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary Destination,” outshining strong contenders such as Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Taipei (Taiwan, China).

Earlier in 2024, Tripadvisor readers ranked Hanoi among the world’s top 15 culinary destinations.

In 2023, Hanoi had three restaurants awarded one Michelin star, 13 restaurants recognized with Bib Gourmand status for high-quality, affordable dining, and 32 establishments listed in the Michelin Selected category. By 2024, Hanoi added five new Bib Gourmand restaurants and five more to the Michelin Selected list.

To capitalize on its culinary tourism potential, Hanoi has intensified efforts to promote its Michelin-recognized establishments, alongside other reputable local dining spots. This promotion extends across various media channels, social platforms, and tourism events both domestically and internationally.

Hanoi has hosted numerous food-themed events to showcase its gastronomic offerings, foster cultural exchange, and attract more visitors.

In August 2024, the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival, themed “Hanoi’s Delicacies,” was held at the pedestrian zone on Tran Nhan Tong Street. The event celebrated Hanoi’s culinary heritage, emphasizing the preservation and promotion of traditional recipes and cooking techniques. It also honored artisans and contributors to Vietnam’s culinary legacy, strengthening the city's tourism potential.

From November 29 to December 1, 2024, the Hanoi Culinary Culture Festival took place at Thong Nhat Park, drawing nearly 110,000 visitors. Featuring over 80 booths, the festival showcased Hanoi’s specialties, dishes from eight other provinces (e.g., Ha Giang, Son La, and Quang Binh), and cuisines from 16 embassies, including India, Japan, France, and Laos.

Shortly after, the International Food Festival 2024, themed “Culinary Connection,” was held on December 7–8 with the participation of 60 countries and territories, further cementing Hanoi’s position as a global culinary hub.

Hanoi districts like Son Tay, Gia Lam, and Hoan Kiem are actively introducing and promoting their culinary culture to tourists. Hoan Kiem District, for instance, is developing a project titled “Developing and Promoting the Culinary Heritage of Hoan Kiem District for Tourism Development by 2025, with Orientation to 2030.” The initiative includes creating a digital culinary map to enhance tourist experiences.

Hanoi is also focusing on training programs to improve service quality. These include workshops on cultural etiquette, customer service, and communication for local vendors, service staff, and tourism professionals. The goal is to create a more welcoming and professional environment for visitors, solidifying Hanoi’s reputation as a culinary destination.

PV