Home » ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS » Cultural Exchange in Tel Aviv Celebrates Vietnamese Cuisine, Culture, and Tourism: Strengthening Vietnam-Israel Ties Published on
September 15, 2025Israeli and international communities came together in Tel Aviv on September 14, 2025, for a historic event that focused on Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on its vibrant history, cuisine, and tourism. The International Women’s Club of Israel (IWC Israel) organised the event, which acted as a bridge to foster interpersonal interactions between Israel and Vietnam and to increase knowledge of Vietnamese culture. Cultural exchanges like this are essential to promoting respect and understanding between the two nations as their bilateral ties continue to grow, particularly in areas like trade, technology, and tourism.An Evening of Insight and ReflectionThe discussion in Tel Aviv was graced by the presence of Professor Nir Avieli, a prominent cultural anthropologist, who shared his extensive knowledge and insights into Vietnamese food culture. Professor Avieli, who serves as the President of the Israeli Anthropological Association and a senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Ben Gurion University, is a well-respected authority in the field. Since 1998, he has conducted in-depth ethnographic research in Vietnam, particularly focusing on Hoi An, a coastal town renowned for its rich food culture.Advertisement His academic contributions, including his acclaimed book “Rice Talks: Food and Community in a Vietnamese Town” (Indiana University Press, 2012), have provided a deep dive into the intersection of food, community, and local culture in Vietnam. The book examines how meals play a critical role in the social fabric of Vietnamese communities, fostering unity and collective identity. During the event, Professor Avieli eloquently discussed how food not only nourishes the body but also reflects cultural values, social roles, and even gender dynamics within a community.The Role of Cuisine in Vietnamese CultureAt the heart of the discussion was the essential role of food in Vietnamese life. Professor Avieli explained how Vietnamese meals are more than just sustenance; they are a medium through which the cultural identity of the country is expressed. He elaborated on the intricate balance of flavours, in …
