On the sidelines of the 2-month-long Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2017, a special programme entitled ‘Five Elements Food Space’ is running until 30 September at 1 Phan Dang Luu, opposite the Tien Son Sports Arena in Hai Chau District.  The programme opens daily from 10.00am to 10.00pm, and admission is free for visitors all day long.

Chairman Tho (1st left), Mr Hai (centre), and Mr Dang Minh Truong, General Director of Sun Group, from the organising board

Present at its opening ceremony on Saturday evening were municipal People’s Committee (PC) Chairman Huynh Duc Tho, PC Vice Chairman cum Head of the Department of Publicity and Training Dang Viet Dung, and other PC Vice Chairmen Ho Ky Minh and Nguyen Ngoc Tuan.

This important and attractive programme is being directly managed by Pham Tuan Hai who is a culinary expert, a passionate chef, and a Masterchef Viet Nam judge.

‘Banh xeo’ (steamed rice flour pancakes) being offering to visitors

The magnificent culinary space, with 5 open kitchens representing the 5 elements of ancient oriental philosophy, offers between 300 and 500 national and international dishes.

The ‘Earth’ kitchen introduces visitors to delicious dishes served in hand-made clay pots.  Most notable is the chicken stuffed into well-cooked ball-shaped glutinous rice or clay.  The ‘Water’ kitchen features dishes incorporating a soup such as ‘bun’ (rice vermicelli), ‘pho’ (Vietnamese noodle soup), and other broth-based dishes.  Grilled dishes and those served with a variety of fruit and vegetables are offered at the ‘Fire’ and ‘Wood’ kitchens respectively.

A food stall with a queue of hungry customers

Mr Hai remarked that the event is seen as a perfect place for famous chefs to share their professional skills.  Also, it is attracting locals and visitors who come to enjoy the numerous delicious dishes, or participate in the many exciting cooking classes and eating minigames.

In addition, visitors have the chance to meet with Viet Nam’s leading chefs and culinary experts to gain an insight into the tasty flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Bustling atmosphere at the culinary event

Throughout the programme, visitors will also be treated to fascinating arts performances.