During a career orientation session at Byron Nelson High School in Texas, USA, my daughter and I had the opportunity to experience an exceptionally well-organized Culinary Arts vocational training model. In the U.S. education system, students are guided toward basic career paths as soon as they enter middle school, preparing them for vocational training in high school if they choose not to pursue a university pathway.

After more than four years of planning, preparation, and dedicated passion, Hue Culinary Association was officially launched on the evening of May 28. The initiative aims to build and elevate the culinary culture of Hue City, living up to its reputation as the “Culinary Capital of Vietnam.”

With the theme “Vietnamese Culinary Exchange”, the Hue - Culinary Capital festival is not only an activity within the framework of the National Tourism Year and Hue Festival 2025 but also an opportunity to showcase, promote, and elevate the culinary culture.

Hue is famous for its delicious cuisine, and the local authorities are actively promoting the brand name “Hue - The Culinary Capital”. However, the city has yet true food tours (Food Tour) in a proper and structured manner.

Drawing from nearly 720 years of Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan's heritage, Hue boasts a treasure trove of culinary excellence, offering a competitive advantage for tourism in the ancient capital. Becoming a centrally governed municipality brings Hue new opportunities, and alongside its fresh, vibrant identity, people will think of Hue as a culinary city where quintessence converges.

From the historical roots of Thuận Hóa - Phú Xuân nearly 720 years ago, Hue has inherited a rich culinary elite resource, offering a competitive edge for the ancient capital tourism. Achieving the status of a centrally governed municipality brings new opportunities for Hue. Alongside its fresh and vibrant developments, Hue is increasingly recognized as a culinary city where quintessence converges.

The writing contest "Hue - the Capital of Gastronomy" with 2 phases aims to promote and preserve the beauty of Vietnamese culinary culture in general and Hue cuisine in particular.