A Culinary Milestone for Vietnam: Claiming a Spot at the Prestigious Bocuse d’Or Grand Final
For the first time in history, Vietnam’s culinary prowess has earned its place among the world’s gastronomic elite, with Team Vietnam advancing to the Bocuse d’Or 2025 Grand Final in Lyon, France.
This landmark achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the nation but also heralds its arrival on the global culinary stage.
For the first time in history, Vietnam’s culinary prowess has earned its place among the world’s gastronomic elite, with Team Vietnam advancing to the Bocuse d’Or 2025 Grand Final in Lyon, France. This landmark achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the nation but also heralds its arrival on the global culinary stage.
In honor of this triumph, a formal press conference was convened at the Residence of France in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, October 25, 2024. The gathering, hosted by Mrs. Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, the Consul General of France, united culinary luminaries, media representatives, and supporters to celebrate Team Vietnam’s triumph and discuss their plans for the upcoming Grand Final. “This exceptional success highlights the culinary talents of Vietnamese chefs and promises exciting prospects for our national cuisine on a global platform,” she noted, emphasizing the weight of this achievement.
The Bocuse d’Or, a revered culinary competition named after the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, has been challenging the world’s top chefs for over three decades. This January, Vietnam will debut on this prestigious global stage, led by Chef Vu Xuan Truong and his commis, Nguyen Quang Tam. The duo is set to present a dish that encapsulates Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage and their innovative gastronomic vision.
Chef Vu Xuan Truong shared his feelings on this historic opportunity, “It’s a victory for Vietnamese cuisine and the heritage we proudly represent. Competing in Lyon is both an honor and a formidable challenge. We carry the pride of our nation and invite everyone to support us as we showcase our culinary excellence on the world stage.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Chef Sakal Phoeung, President of Bocuse d’Or Vietnam, said, “What Team Vietnam has accomplished is unprecedented. For the first time, Vietnam will stand among the world’s top chefs at the Bocuse d’Or Grand Final. Chef Truong and his team have shown immense creativity and dedication, proving that Vietnam is a rising force in global gastronomy. This win is a victory for the entire Vietnamese culinary community.”
The inspiration behind their winning dish, a creative interpretation of the legendary Vietnamese tale of the Dragon and the Fairy, symbolizes the harmonious blend of land and water, a core aspect of Vietnamese culture. Featuring elements reminiscent of the Mekong River, mountains, flowers, and rice fields, the dish also highlights sustainable culinary practices with its thoughtful use of veal.
As Team Vietnam gears up for the Grand Final in Lyon, they extend a heartfelt invitation to their compatriots: “We need your voices, your coverage, and your encouragement as we move forward in this journey,” Chef Sakal Phoeung noted. “Together, we can celebrate this milestone and rally behind our chefs as they compete on the world’s biggest culinary stage.”
This participation not only puts Vietnam on the culinary map but also sets the stage for the nation to further its reputation in the world of fine dining. With the support of their countrymen, Team Vietnam is poised to inspire a new generation of chefs and affirm that Vietnamese cuisine is indeed, a cuisine of the world.
