by Marion Smith

The Embassy of Vietnam in the Republic of South Africa hosted a special farewell reception and Vietnamese Cuisine Day in Pretoria on Friday, 19 June 2026, as Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong and Mrs Vu Le Phuong prepared to conclude their diplomatic tenure in South Africa.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, business leaders, academics, media professionals, civil society representatives, and friends of Vietnam for an afternoon that celebrated not only the enduring friendship between Vietnam and South Africa, but also the rich culinary traditions that form an integral part of Vietnamese culture.

The reception marked the end of a memorable chapter for Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong, who reflected warmly on his years in South Africa, describing the country as a place that would forever hold a special place in his heart.

During his farewell remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the significant milestones achieved during his tenure, including the historic State Visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa to Vietnam in October 2025, which elevated bilateral relations between the two countries to a Comprehensive Partnership.

“I am happy and fortunate that we were able to make history happen through the State Visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa to Vietnam last year, which allowed our bilateral relations to be officially upgraded to a Comprehensive Partnership,” he said.

The Ambassador also recalled Vietnam’s participation in the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa, describing it as another landmark moment in strengthening relations between the two nations.

Expressing gratitude to the many people who contributed to his successful tenure, Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong thanked colleagues from government departments, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, universities, research institutions, the media, and even members of his security team and residence staff.

“My wife and I treasure the time we have shared with you. South Africa will always hold an eternal place in my career because this was my very first posting as an ambassador,” he said.

In one of the afternoon’s most heartfelt moments, the Ambassador compared his first diplomatic posting to a first love.

“Diplomacy is my first love, so South Africa is my very first kiss. We all know how sweet, how memorable and how unforgettable the first kiss is,” he said, drawing warm applause from guests.

Beyond diplomacy, the afternoon was also a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine and culture. The Ambassador noted that while diplomats often spend their lives attending meetings, receptions and official functions, food possesses a unique ability to transcend borders and connect people.

“Today we put all of that aside to speak a universal language that crosses borders and connects human hearts: the love of exceptional food and shared culture,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his childhood in Vietnam, the Ambassador shared personal memories of helping his mother collect vegetables from the family garden during a time when the country was much poorer than it is today.

He explained that food is not merely about luxury ingredients but about love, memories, friendship and the comfort of home.

“This is exactly the spirit we wish to share with you today. We are bringing a slice of Hanoi and other parts of Vietnam here to Pretoria,” he said.

Guests were introduced to the philosophy underpinning Vietnamese cuisine, which emphasises balance, harmony and the integration of flavours. The Ambassador explained that Vietnamese culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s ancient wet rice civilisation and continue to shape everyday life and social interactions.

“In Vietnam, instead of asking, ‘How are you?’, our everyday greeting literally means, ‘Have you eaten your rice?’,” he explained with a smile.

One of the most popular dishes served during the event was pho, widely regarded as the heart of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. A staple found throughout Vietnam, pho is enjoyed at all hours of the day and is cherished as both a comforting meal and a symbol of national identity.

The dish features a delicately prepared broth infused with ginger, onion and fish sauce, served with flat rice noodles and garnished with chopped spring onions and fresh coriander. Guests were encouraged to personalise their bowls with lime wedges and slices of chilli or chilli sauce.

The fragrant and flavourful soup quickly became a favourite among attendees, many of whom experienced the authentic taste of Vietnam for the first time.

As the afternoon concluded, guests reflected on the Ambassador’s contributions to strengthening relations between Vietnam and South Africa while enjoying a culinary journey through Vietnam’s rich heritage.

The farewell reception served as both a celebration of diplomatic achievements and a reminder that cultural exchange, friendship and shared meals remain among the most powerful tools for bringing nations and people together.