Young Hanoians embrace heritage through lived experience
Many young people in Hanoi have found new meaning in old customs, dressed in traditional attire and surrounded by calligraphy, tea, and folk games.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hoa Yen Kinh Ky (Elegant Banquet of the Capital) not only provided a rare pause from modern life and offered more than nostalgia, but also encouraged a new generation to explore and reconnect with the depth of Vietnamese tradition.
After completing a cultural challenge, participants pose with silk scarves featuring traditional Vietnamese motifs. Photos: Hoang Nam/The Hanoi Times
Held at the Com Viet Heritage, this cultural evening invited young people in Hanoi to experience the past firsthand.
Through calligraphy workshops, folk games, poetic fortune readings, and the creation of handcrafted conical hats, participants stepped into a world shaped by history. This experience sparked their curiosity, respect, and pride, making them feel like carriers of cultural memory rather than mere spectators.
Young Hanoians dressed in ao dai are preparing for an evening of cultural discovery.
"We aim to create a unique cultural space where guests can discover and experience Vietnamese traditions through hands-on activities, helping to preserve the country's identity," said Dang Hoang Anh, Executive Director of Com Viet Heritage.
Com Viet offered a venue with a setting where culture could be tasted, seen, and felt all at once. With its traditional décor and heritage-inspired cuisine, the space felt like a living exhibition of the Vietnamese soul. For many young Hanoians, the evening was about more than just looking back; it was about belonging.
As part of its cultural showcase, Com Viet Heritage recreates a traditional Vietnamese setting with antique furniture and a red ao dai on display.
The calligraphy instructor demonstrates brush techniques and offers young participants a hands-on experience with traditional script.
Under the guidance of a master, a guest carefully practices calligraphy, reconnecting with the art of Vietnamese handwriting.
Guests enjoy playing the traditional game of bau cua (Vietnamese animal gambling game using three dice), which revives familiar childhood memories in a festive setting.
At the cultural event, a participant draws a fortune from Truyen Kieu and discovers age-old wisdom in poetry.
A traditional feast of Vietnamese dishes is arranged to reflect the ceremonial spirit of the cultural gathering.
A tray of savory dishes, including fried spring rolls and grilled pork wraps, embodies the festive spirit of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Desserts like banh xu xe (traditional Vietnamese dessert made from tapioca with mung bean) and peanut nougat sweets bring a sweet finish to the traditional menu.
