Hanoi weekend events fuse local and international specialties

Vietnam Local Specialties Fair 2023

Organized by the Hanoi Promotion Agency, this trade-boosting event's goal is the introduction and promotion of local products to new markets.

Visitors attending the fair will get the opportunity to taste and buy specialties from various parts of Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Local Specialties Fair

With a vast 4,500-square-meter space of 280-300 booths, the fair will be a feast for the senses. Visitors can explore agricultural products and food products from remote mountainous regions like the northwest, northeast, the Red River Delta, and the Central Highlands.

The fair is open to the public from Nov. 22 to 26 at the Vincom Mega Mall Royal City commercial center, at No. 72A Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.

Japan Festa

Japan Festa is the foremost Japanese culture festival in northern Vietnam. The upcoming annual event focuses on the Japanese concept of Ikigai: the idea of finding joy and purpose in life through a balance of four fundamental elements: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Japan Festa poster. Photo courtesy of Japan Festa

Attendees can shop for discounted Japanese products, savor traditional dishes, and explore Japan through a 360-degree photo booth. Live music and performances will be featured throughout the two-day event. A cosplay contest will offer prizes for character enthusiasts, and there will be a dedicated children's area with fun and educational games.

The event will be held at Quan Ngua Stadium at 30 Van Cao Street, Ba Dinh District on Nov. 25 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and entry is free.

Painting workshop

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in an artistic experience at the Watercolor Painting Workshop, hosted at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake this Saturday. Attendees can unleash their creativity and create artworks while enjoying light refreshments such as finger sandwiches, French pastries, and fruits.

Visitors can have an enjoyable experience as they use watercolors to create their own pieces of art. Photo courtesy of the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake

The cost for attendance is VND600,000 ($24.80) per person. The workshop is scheduled for Nov. 25, at the Sunset Bar at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, at 5 Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho District, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Hanoi Swing Out

The November event "Hanoi Swing Out" provides a chance to engage in swing dance sessions on the rooftop of COMPLEX 01.

"Hanoi Swing Out" has been revamped and now includes new taster classes and group dance performances. The goal is to offer participants a deeply engaging experience with swing dancing. It aims not only to focus on the physical elements of the dance itself but also to provide an opportunity for participants to delve into the cultural aspects and context of swing dancing.

The event at COMPLEX 01 (3rd floor, 29 Alley 31 Lane 167, Tay Son Street, Dong Da District) will run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 26 and includes a 30-minute Taster Class. The fee is VND50,000 ($2) per person, payable at the door, and it includes mineral water.

Dining experience with chef Nicolas Isnard

Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Isnard is set to make a return to French Grill, following his first visit in 2017. Scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26, Chef Isnard will delight guests with an enticing dinner menu, featuring modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flavors.

Chef Nicolas Isnard will provide diners with a menu that includes modern French dishes. Photo courtesy of French Grill

Chef Nicolas will be present at the event for a total of five days, from Nov. 22 to 26. During this period, a set menu for dinner will be offered, with 4 courses including dishes like veal tenderloin, Patagonian toothfish, fresh oyster and foie gras. Additionally, there will be a lunch event featuring an à la carte menu, available only on Nov. 25 and 26.

The dinner set menu will be available from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and is priced at VND3,200,000 per person. The French Grill is situated within the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, at 8 Do Duc Duc Street, Tu Liem District.