The Decline of Vietnam as a Top Culinary Destination by 2025

Vietnam’s culinary reputation appears to be waning, as it did not make Tripadvisor’s 2025 list of top food destinations, despite travelers praising its cuisine. Experts attribute this to increased competition and changing travel trends. To improve its standing, Vietnam is encouraged to innovate its culinary offerings, collaborate with international chefs, and enhance promotional efforts.

Gary Johnson, a seasoned traveler who has visited 89 countries, believes that Vietnam’s cuisine is its major tourist attraction. According to him, visitors often commend the food before discussing the nation’s scenic vistas or affordability. Susan Halliwell, who visited Vietnam recently, also praised Vietnamese cuisine, specifically enjoying items such as banh xeo and trung vit lon, despite initial reservations about street food. Both travelers expressed surprise that Vietnam did not feature in Tripadvisor’s 2025 list of top food destinations, given their positive culinary experiences.

Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards recognize top destinations based on traveler reviews; less than 1% of the eight million destinations receive this honor. Culinary expert Ho Dac Thieu Anh suggests that Hanoi’s slip in rankings could stem from competing destinations enhancing their food offerings. Additionally, Martin Koener, Commercial Director of Anam Group, indicated that changing travel trends may have led to a shift in interest toward newer culinary spots. Changes in traveler reviews and demographics may also explain Vietnam’s absence in 2025.

Koener emphasized that Vietnam is facing stiff competition as other destinations innovate their culinary scenes. Experts have warned that without significant updates, Vietnam’s position may continue to decline. Remi Van Peteghem, Executive Chef at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, noted that international tourists might not be experiencing the full diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, contributing to the lower ranking.

Despite this year’s setbacks, it is notable that several cities, including Rome, Paris, and Bangkok, maintained their positions within the top 25 culinary destinations. The absence of Hanoi and other cities like Crete, which ranked highly in previous years, raises questions about the relevance of such rankings. British traveler Nigel Halliwell remarked that rankings may not accurately reflect personal tastes, pointing out the subjectivity of culinary preferences.

Thieu Anh asserted that Hanoi’s food retains its traditional and cultural essence, which continues to garner appreciation among travelers. Koener commended Hanoi’s culinary offerings, underscoring the quality of its ingredients and cooking methods. Experts suggest that Vietnam could benefit from collaborations with global chefs and participation in food festivals to enhance its international visibility.

Promoting interactive culinary experiences, including food tours, street food adventures, and cooking classes, could attract more food enthusiasts to Vietnam. Furthermore, emphasizing sustainability and maintaining high food quality standards are deemed essential for boosting the nation’s appeal. Van Peteghem questioned why Bangkok, known for its street food, garners recognition, while Vietnam’s comparable offerings remain underrepresented.

He further advocated for robust promotional campaigns to showcase Vietnamese cuisine on the world stage. The promotion of local specialties, such as coffee and artisanal products, is essential for enhancing Vietnam’s culinary reputation. However, experts warn that Vietnam must also address issues such as overpricing. Nguyen Ba Thien An cited concerns over street vendors charging foreign tourists exorbitantly, adversely affecting the perception of Vietnamese cuisine.

In 2024, Vietnam’s international tourist arrivals nearly reached pre-pandemic levels, with January 2025 reporting 2.1 million foreign visitors. Some experts argue that rankings are less crucial than the actual number of visitors and their expenditure during their stay. Nguyen Van My, Chairman of Lua Viet Tours, emphasized that the primary concern should be how many international travelers are attracted and the impact on local spending, rather than ranking positions.

In summary, the absence of Vietnam from Tripadvisor’s 2025 top food destinations has raised concerns among travelers and experts alike. While the country’s culinary offerings remain celebrated, increasing competition and shifting travel trends may have contributed to its drop in ranking. Experts suggest that Vietnam could enhance its standing by collaborating with global chefs, improving promotion strategies, and ensuring fair pricing practices for tourists. Overall, fostering a positive culinary reputation will be crucial for Vietnam to reclaim its status as a premier global food destination.

Original Source: e.vnexpress.net