Gourmets in Vietnam now have a chance to sate their appetites with esthetic delicacies from all over the world as an international culinary festival opened in the central region on Monday.

The Hoi An International Food Festival is ongoing at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, located in the ancient town of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province.

Iconic cakes of Hoi An were showcased on Tuesday at 12 stands at the fest, along with the process to cook them.

Visitors will have the opportunity to make such native dishes on their own under the chefs’ guidance.

Thomas Gugler, chief of chefs at the festival, said that the event is not only a great occasion to introduce the world’s cuisine to this lovely town but also a precious moment to share experience with local cooks.

“This is a golden opportunity for us to promote Hoi An’s image of tourism and culture,” said Nguyen Van Son, deputy chairman of the Hoi An City People’s Committee.

Hoi An City is home to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO-recognized site.

Two expats are seen relishing a Hoi An specialty at the 2016 Hoi An International Food Festival. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Since its opening, the fest has charmed locals as well as winning tourists’ hearts, for it features diverse hues and shades of the world’s cuisine, highlighted by 12 chefs from 12 nations – including the UK, France, Russia, and India – members of the World Association of Chefs Societies, and 12 Vietnamese cooks.

The chefs are expected to come to different restaurants in Hoi An City where they will demonstrate their culinary skills over the course of the festival.

Each restaurant will be decorated according to the nationality of its chef so that it can be instantly recognized by diners.

The festival is Hoi An’s first attempt at hosting a culinary event on an international scale, and its organizers expect it to be a great opportunity to promote the city's beauty to both foreign and local tourists, as well as for local chefs to learn and share experience with international gastronomists.

The food fest is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, with signature dishes prepared by the 12 international chefs to be showcased during the closing ceremony, according to Pham Thi Ngoc Dung, deputy head at Hoi An City’s Office of Trade and Tourism.

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