An international culinary festival will take place from March 14 to 20 in the ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam, local authorities announced on Tuesday.

The announcement was made at a presentation session hosted by the People’s Committee of Hoi An City to introduce the event.

Hoi An City is home to Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO-recognized site in Quang Nam Province.

The festival will enjoy the participation of 12 chefs from 12 different countries -- including Germany, Russia, Turkey, the UK -- members of the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs), and 12 local chefs.

The festival’s grand opening will take place on the evening of March 14 at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, where the participating chefs will draw lots to be assigned a restaurant within the town 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.

Local restaurant owners are seen attending the presentation session in Hoi An, March 8, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

“On the opening night, the 24 chefs will show off their techniques by preparing one hot dish and one cold to exchange with one another,” said Pham Thi Ngoc Dung, deputy head at Hoi An City’s Office of Trade and Tourism.

“On the closing night, the 12 international chefs will prepare signature dishes to introduce to their foreign friends,” Dung added.

“In addition, over the course of seven days, these chefs will prepare and serve visitors specialties from their home countries’ using ingredients native to Vietnam."

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

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