Hanoi hotels: spreading patriotism through cuisine

THE HANOI TIMES — As Vietnam approaches the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2, tributes to history and national pride are being celebrated not only through art and culture, but also in a uniquely personal and evocative way through food.

From luxurious hotels to everyday eateries, meals infused with the spirit of the homeland are being served, gently reminding diners of their roots and sharing patriotic sentiments in every bite.

At Grand Mercure Hanoi Hotel on Cat Linh Street, a specially curated menu honors the occasion with thoughtful culinary offerings. The highlights of the menu include the Freedom Afternoon Tea Set and the Revolutionary Menu, which reimagines humble wartime meals in a refined setting.

Particularly memorable are the hotel’s signature cocktails, each creatively named and rich in symbolism.

The Flag’s Hue, inspired by the golden star fluttering in the early morning light of Independence Day, offers a dazzling and unexpected flavor experience.

The Mountains & Rivers leaves a lingering finish that evokes the quiet resilience and enduring strength of the Vietnamese spirit. 

Meanwhile, the Great Victory is light and refreshing - reminiscent of the cool autumn breeze that drifts through Hanoi’s early mornings.

Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel also joins in the celebration, with chefs preparing themed menus for the occasion.

Guests can enjoy offerings such as the Independence Pride Breakfast, the Great Ceremony Sum Vay banquet, the Independence Day Tea Party, and three snack packages thoughtfully named Independence - Freedom - Happiness.

According to Tiffany Hwang, General Manager of Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, the hotel will not increase prices as the demand for accommodation and food tends to increase until the end of the holiday, .

“We want to take this opportunity to thank local people and tourists coming to Hanoi with super preferential all-inclusive luxury resort experiences," she said.

"We hope to bring our beloved guests a memorable experience, sharing the joy with the Vietnamese people on the happy Independence Day,” she stated.

Sheraton Hanoi Hotel offers the Taste of Freedom - 80 Years of Independence Buffet that features beloved Hanoi dishes such as cha com (green rice paste) and sticky rice. Complementing the meal, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary beer and wine, adding to the festive spirit.

At Thang Long Opera Hotel, an elegantly presented afternoon tea set takes on a patriotic theme, with vivid red and yellow colors echoing the national flag. The experience includes familiar Vietnamese sweets like peanut and sesame candies.

The hotel has also created an “Independence” display booth and a special viewing area for National Day fireworks, enhancing the celebration for visitors. 

Here, the culinary journey is more than just taste but it’s an experience.

Guests can enjoy National Day iced tea - cool, refreshing, and symbolic of freedom; Freedom candy - sweet, evoking nostalgic childhood memories; Happiness cake - bringing joyful energy; as well as creative local drinks such as egg coffee, salted coffee, and National Day salted cacao which are blends of the familiar and the new, offering rich flavors.

InterContinental Landmark 72 by IHG presents a patriotic-themed Afternoon Tea Party in honor of National Day.

With the breathtaking view on the 62nd floor, guests can sip Vietnamese-inspired drinks featuring local ingredients like Popcorn Cold Brew, Banana Matcha, Chrysanthemum-Pear Tea, and Salted Apricot, while soaking in the city’s sunset.

Restaurants, too, are embracing this cultural trend. In Dong Da Ward, a chicken pho eatery has become a talking point with its “patriotic chicken pho.” Each bowl is adorned with a delicate image of the national flag, artistically crafted from noodles.

Ho Duc Manh, the restaurant owner, shared: “Each person will have different ways to express their love for the Fatherland on this occasion. I just want to spread the spirit of patriotism and special emotions to diners who come to our restaurant on the occasion of September 2.”

In addition, diners at Ngon Garden Restaurant can enjoy a unique Independence Tet Meal that inspired by history and cultural pride.

Pham Bich Hanh, General Director of Phuc Hung Thinh Management Services JSC, explained: “This idea comes from a true story. Before September 2, 1945, Uncle Ho returned to Hanoi from the war zone, and the first place he stopped was the house of Nguyen Thi An in Phu Gia Village (now Phu Thuong Ward)."

"He stayed and worked in this house for two days from August 23 to August 25, 1945 to prepare for National Day - the Independence Declaration Day. During his stay, the family prepared a modest but heartfelt meal.”

“From this true story, we've recreated the Independence Tet Meal to recall a part of the historical and cultural story of Hanoi,” Hanh added.

Journalist Hoang Vinh Quyen, who contributed to the research and recreation of the Independence Tet Meal, said that the team visited the now-designated Special National Monument - the house of Nguyen Thi An - to gather firsthand stories from villagers.

“According to the villagers, we've learned that the meal that Phu Gia Village served Uncle Ho included rice, braised fish, taro soup, ham and sticky rice. Drawing from this history, the production team has enhanced the menu to make the experience even more meaningful today,” Quyen said.

The Independence Tet Meal now features signature dishes from the North, Central, and South regions, symbolizing unity and shared celebration.

The meal includes southern-style braised catfish in clay pot, traditional Hue cakes, Nam Dan eggplant with soy sauce, Thanh Chuong pickled mustard greens (specialties from Nghe An Province), and classic Hanoi flavors such as crab and taro soup, Phu Thuong sticky rice, boiled chicken, among others.

Through the creative lens of cuisine, chefs in Hanoi have crafted delicious and visually striking dishes that bring joy to diners.

These innovative culinary creations reflect deep national pride, serving as heartfelt reminders of unity, gratitude, and love for the homeland.