Students from HUTECH, LFI Duras, and LFKL explore M’Nong and Peranakan cuisines
- 12/04/2025
On April 10, students from the international joint program between Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) and Cergy Paris Université (France), along with peers from Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras (LFI Duras) and Lycée Français Kuala Lumpur (LFKL), came together for a unique cultural workshop titled Taste of Traditional: M’Nong and Peranakan Cuisines. The event offered an opportunity to present their research on two rich culinary traditions, M’Nong from Vietnam and Peranakan from Malaysia, while exploring the intersection of food, culture, and sustainability.
The workshop served as a platform for students from all three institutions to share their findings on traditional culinary practices, sustainable food preparation and preservation, and the role of cuisine in promoting responsible tourism. It was held as part of a lead up series to the Food and Society 2025 International Conference, scheduled for this November.
The workshop served as a platform for students from all three institutions to share their findings on traditional culinary practices, sustainable food preparation and preservation, and the role of cuisine in promoting responsible tourism. It was held as part of a lead up series to the Food and Society 2025 International Conference, scheduled for this November.
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The workshop offered students from the three institutions a chance to share their perspectives on the role of cuisine in tourism development
Opening the workshop, HUTECH students delivered an engaging presentation on Vietnamese coffee, highlighting key factors that influence quality and how to evaluate a good brew. Taking it beyond theory, they demonstrated the traditional Vietnamese phin brewing method step by step, giving international guests a hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for the country’s distinctive coffee culture.
HUTECH students shared an overview of coffee and the factors that influence its quality
Following this, HUTECH students guided participants through the culinary traditions of the M’Nong ethnic group, showcasing how local ingredients are used not only in cooking but also in traditional medicine. Remedies shared included drinking steamed papaya flowers with lemon to ease coughs, using betel leaves and ginger for joint pain, and preparing grilled salted dried fish to support postpartum recovery. Wild greens such as gnetum leaves, betel leaves, lemon basil leaves, and bitter leaves were also discussed for their anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties.
HUTECH students guided their international peers through an introduction to the M’Nong ethnic group
In the afternoon, students from LFI Duras presented reflections from their recent field trip to Dak Lak Province, offering authentic insights into the M’Nong community’s daily life, culture, and food customs. Their stories revealed how food, spirituality, and community are deeply connected, offering a richer understanding of a heritage that remains underrepresented.
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Student groups from LFI Duras presented their experiences from the field trip to Dak Lak
Meanwhile, students from LFKL introduced the Peranakan or Baba Nyonya community, a unique blend of Chinese and Malay cultures. Their vibrant presentation explored food systems, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism, illustrating how cuisine plays a vital role in maintaining ethnic identity.
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LFKL students shared insights into the Peranakan – Baba Nyonya community
One of the workshop’s highlights was a live cooking demonstration by HUTECH students, who prepared Stir Fried Bamboo Shoots with Pork, a dish that embodies the flavors of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Through presentations, performances, and interactive activities, the event inspired a deeper appreciation for indigenous culinary traditions and built strong momentum for the upcoming Food and Society International Conference.
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A highlight of the event was the stir-fried wild bamboo shoots with pork, prepared by HUTECH students
Representatives from HUTECH and UEF presented flowers and gifts to the attending guests
Distinguished participants included Ms. Catherine Garland and Mr. David Matthieu, lecturers from LFKL; Mr. Jean Engel from LFI Duras; Dr. Pablo Barriga, Director of International Relations at Leipzig University in Germany; Dr. Eric Jose Olmedo, Director of the UEF Institute of International Education; Ms. Nguyen Trinh, Manager of the UEF Institute International Education; and Mr. Tang Thong Nhan, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management at HUTECH and Program Coordinator for CYU.
News: Hoài Như
Photo: Ngọc Duy
Communication Center
News: Hoài Như
Photo: Ngọc Duy
Communication Center
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