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Vietnamese oyster exports skyrocket in the opening five months of the year (Photo: VOV)
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The strongest export growth was recorded in oysters with more than 2,700 tonnes worth over US$5 million, up 100% in volume and 81% in value on-year. This was followed by sea cucumber with 73 tonnes worth US$1.7 million, up 160% in volume and 40% in value.
Furthermore, dried fish also represented a favourite item among international customers in the reviewed period with more than 39,400 tonnes of dried fish, up 40% on-year, while canned fish also reached over 11,200 tonnes, up 20% on-year. This sudden increase can be attributed to the fact that consumers prefer unique and rare products.
Currently, China represents the largest consumer of Vietnamese oysters. According to details given by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), dried fish and canned fish are widely considered to be a bright spot amid a downward trend in seafood exports.
The top five markets for dried fish consumption include China at 56%, Russia at 17%, and Malaysia at 8%, Hong Kong (China) at 4% and the Republic of Korea at 3%.
Statistics compiled by the General Department of Vietnam Customs indicate that the nation shipped 816,000 tonnes of aquatic products worth US$3.47 billion over the opening five months of the year, representing a drop of 15.3% in volume and 25.9% in value compared to last year’s corresponding period.
Industry insiders assessed that seafood exports are showing signs of recovery and will see robust growth ahead in the third quarter of the year, with the export value fluctuating between US$850 million and US$900 million.
Bamboo paper exhibition hits in Da Nang until July 23
An exhibition of 52 truc chi (bamboo paper) artworks is being exhibited at the central city’s Fine Arts Museum on July 14-23, marking the second event of its kind in the city, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
The exhibition, which gathers top pieces from 13 artists, will be on display alongside workshops and panel discussions about the art.
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At the exhibition (Photo: VNA)
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Organisers of the event said they hope it will help visitors feel the peaceful and friendly energy of the artwork that has been gradually innovated over the past decade.
Truc chi, which was developed by artist Phan Hai Bang from Hue City, is seen as a relatively new art developed from a traditional craft which artists have used as inspiration in their work.
The first exhibition was organised at the museum in 2017 with the participation of the founder of the style Bang and other members of the Vietnam bamboo paper project.
A talkshow on methods and techniques used in the style will be held during the exhibition throughout the week.
Two other exhibitions on Truc Chi are expected to be held in Hanoi in October and Ho Chi Minh City by the end of this year.
Vietnam Dance Week 2023 kicks off
The Vietnam Dance Week 2023 was officially launched on July 15 with the preliminary round - the 24-second video challenge, reported the Vietnam Dance Artists’ Association (VDAA) the same day, said the Vietnam News Agency.
Activities during the country’s annual biggest dance event, including a folk dance competition and an international dance festival, will take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from July 15 to October 29.
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Vietnam Dance Week 2023 will take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
from July 15 to October 29 – Photo for illustration (Source: NDO)
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Co-organised by the association, the Hanoi municipal Department of Culture and Sports, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the management board of Hanoi Thong Nhat park and Kinh Ky Foundation media company, the event is open to all professional and amateur artists living in Vietnam, including foreigners, who could compete in four age categories of 6-9, 10-18, above 18, and above 50.
In the folk dance competition, the preliminary round is underway from July 15-17 while the semi-final is slated for September 22 on an online format, and the final in the south from October 19-22 and in the north from October 26-29.
Vietnamese starters grab foreign headlines
Vietnam is one of the world’s best countries for food, and Vietnamese cuisine, especially starters, always leaves tourists wanting for more, Radio the Voice of Vietnam quoted the information of Will Fly for Food, a travel blog for people who love to eat.
Bánh Cuốn (steamed rice roll), a northern Vietnamese dish that’s become popular throughout the country, is a top suggestion.
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Bánh Cuốn, a northern Vietnamese dish (Photo: laodong.vn)
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The rice rolls are made from a thin sheet of steamed fermented rice batter filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms.
Topped with herbs and fried shallots and served with a bowl of nước chấm (Vietnamese fish sauce), they’re typically served with a side dish of giò lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), sliced cucumber, and bean sprouts.
Bánh bao bánh vạc (White Rose Dumplings), a regional dish available only in Hoi An, is delicious and a must-try in central Vietnam. The recipe for this dish is a well-guarded secret that’s been kept in the family for three generations, it wrote.
The article also mentioned Bánh Huế which refers to a family of rice flour cakes popular in Hue and central Vietnam. Types of Bánh Huế include bánh nậm, bánh lọc, bánh bèo, bánh ram ít, bánh ướt, and chả tôm.
They taste relatively similar – silky, soft, and loaded with umami, a travel blogger shared.
Bánh cống is a popular dish in southern Vietnam. It’s a muffin-shaped snack made with mung beans, taro, and whole shrimp with their heads and shell still intact.
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Banh Nam – a popular dish in Hue city (Photo: thuathienhue.gov.vn)
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Bột chiên, one of the most popular Vietnamese street food from Ho Chi Minh City, is another good suggestion for any traveler.
Bột chiên is basically rice flour mixed with tapioca starch that’s steamed, cooled, and then cut into flat squares before being pan-fried in lard with some egg and green onions until it turns golden brown and crispy.
It’s served with a refreshing side of green papaya salad and a thickened sweet sauce to offset the oiliness./.