Sweet diplomacy: Leaders’ wives share moments over Hanoi’s banh com
The sweet, fragrant bites of banh com (green sticky rice cake) the two ladies shared are more than a treat but a testament to the enduring Vietnam-Japan bond, built on mutual respect and shared traditions.
THE HANOI TIMES ─ Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of General Secretary To Lam, welcomed Ishiba Yoshiko, wife of the Japanese Prime Minister, on Monday during the Prime Minister's first visit to Vietnam.
Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of the General Secretary, makes banh com with Ishiba Yoshiko, wife of the Japanese Prime Minister. Photo: Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie as the two rolled up their sleeves to make banh com, a traditional Hanoi treat made from young glutinous rice and mung bean paste and wrapped in banana leaves. Guided by local artisans, they kneaded dough and shaped the sweets, their laughter echoing the shared joy of cultural discovery.
General Secretary's wife, Ngo Phuong Ly, enjoys banh com with Japanese Prime Minister's lady, Ishiba Yoshiko.
Yoshiko expressed her pleasure of visiting Vietnam and was captivated by the country's energy and hospitality. Noting the cultural similarities between Vietnam and Japan, she hoped for more exchanges to strengthen ties between the two peoples.
The two ladies vow to strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting wasn't just about food, it was about bridging cultures. Ly shared Vietnam's pride in its women, who have historically embodied resilience and dedication, contributing to the nation's independence and modern development.
The two women also shared their mutual appreciation for each other's cultural and culinary traditions, noting how Vietnamese and Japanese dishes are cherished in both countries.
They share about traditional values and role of women in national building and development.
Banh com, a symbol of Hanoi's culinary heritage, has been gaining international admirers. Though not as famous as pho or banh mi, its subtle sweetness and rustic charm have won over travelers and food lovers.
Banh com is sold in global supermarkets such as AEON and Coopmart, while tourists often bring it home as a treasured gift. Banh com has been listed in travel guides as a must-try delicacy that embodies Hanoi's timeless elegance.
