The announcement was made by Le Thi Anh Mai, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, at a press briefing ahead of the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2025 to be held from December 19-21 at Thong Nhat Park.
According to Mai, the official recognition decision will be announced at the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2025.
Le Thi Anh Mai, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports at a press briefing on the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2025 (Photo: Van Trong)
Dang Van Bai, former head of the department of cultural heritage, said cha ca in particular, and culinary culture more broadly, are valuable heritage and tourism resources that help shape local and national identity.
Cha ca La Vong
Cha ca La Vong was created in 1871 by Doan Xuan Phuc and his wife, Bui Thi Van, and was first sold at No 14 Hang Son Street, later renamed Cha Ca Street. Despite historical upheavals, the Doan family has preserved the craft, with the fourth generation continuing to serve the dish to domestic and international diners.
“The dish has spread widely, with many places adapting the preparation and moving away from the traditional method. In the dossier submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for national heritage status, only two addresses are cited, No 14 and No 5 Cha Ca Street, both run by the Doan family,” Bai said.
Before cha ca La Vong was listed, Hanoi had six culinary traditions recognised as national intangible cultural heritage, including Me Tri green rice flakes, Quang An lotus tea, Phu Thuong sticky rice, Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls, Bat Trang ceremonial feasts and Hanoi pho.
Held under the theme “Hanoi, a culinary journey of creative connection”, the Hanoi Food Culture Festival 2025 will feature 60 booths showcasing renowned dishes, alongside live demonstrations and storytelling by artisans aimed at engaging younger generations.
