COLOMbO – The Embassy of Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Sheraton Colombo, hosted the “Sips of Viet Nam” and “Soul of Viet Nam” programmes on the evening of 11 September 2026, showcasing the rich culinary traditions, distinctive coffee culture and vibrant cultural heritage of Viet Nam to Sri Lankan and international audiences.
The event was attended by Hon. Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. K. A. Vimalenthirarajah, Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, members of the diplomatic community, representatives of businesses and the media, as well as a large number of Sri Lankan and international guests.
Addressing the event, H.E. Trịnh Thị Tâm, Ambassador of Viet Nam to Sri Lanka, highlighted the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine across different regions of the country, as well as the variety of beverages prepared from Vietnamese coffee. She expressed her hope that the programme would provide Sri Lankan and international audiences with a deeper understanding of Viet Nam and its people, while contributing to people-to-people exchanges, tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly at a time when direct air connectivity between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka has been strengthened.
Minister Senevi welcomed the initiative of the Embassy, noting that the growing presence of Vietnamese culture and cuisine in Sri Lanka was a vivid reflection of the expanding connections between the two countries following the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership.
Mr. K. A. Vimalenthirarajah underscored the opportunities for greater cooperation in trade and business connectivity. He noted that introducing Vietnamese coffee and food products to Sri Lankan consumers was not only a cultural initiative but also created opportunities to promote products, develop brands and expand bilateral trade, contributing to the shared goal of increasing two-way trade to USD 1 billion.
The Vietnamese coffee experience featured the participation of Vietnamese business representatives and professional baristas from Aramour, a well-known Vietnamese coffee brand. Guests had the opportunity to taste different varieties of Vietnamese coffee, learn about Vietnamese coffee culture and interact directly with the baristas.
As part of the culinary promotion, Vietnamese chefs from Marriott Danang Non Nuoc Beach Villas, together with the culinary team of Sheraton Colombo, introduced a selection of traditional and distinctive Vietnamese dishes. Guests were able to experience the preparation of Vietnamese cuisine and engage directly with the chefs, providing an interactive platform for cultural exchange.
The programme also featured performances on traditional Vietnamese musical instruments and Vietnamese calligraphy, creating an engaging cultural space and offering guests further opportunities to discover the country’s artistic traditions.
Vietnamese cuisine has been gaining increasing popularity in Sri Lanka. While Colombo had approximately four Vietnamese restaurants in 2024, the number has grown to around ten in 2026. This rapid growth reflects the growing interest of Sri Lankan consumers in Vietnamese cuisine and highlights the potential for Vietnamese businesses to explore investment and cooperation opportunities in the restaurant, hospitality and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka.
Against the backdrop of enhanced air connectivity between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, cultural and culinary promotion activities have taken on additional significance. They contribute not only to two-way tourism and people-to-people connectivity, but also to stronger business links and commercial exchanges between the two countries.
The “Sips of Viet Nam” and “Soul of Viet Nam” programmes therefore went beyond a conventional food promotion event. By combining cultural diplomacy, culinary diplomacy, trade promotion and tourism promotion, the programmes offered an engaging introduction to a dynamic Viet Nam rich in cultural identity and increasingly connected with the region and the wider world.
The event also demonstrated the important role that cultural exchange and people-to-people contacts can play in deepening understanding and strengthening the growing Comprehensive Partnership between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
