Việt Nam to nominate phở and water puppetry for UNESCO recognition
Việt Nam is preparing to bring two of its most iconic traditions – phở and water puppetry – to the global stage with a UNESCO nomination.
Two of Việt Nam’s most cherished cultural features – water puppetry and phở (noodle soup) – are set to be nominated for inscription on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
The Government Office has issued instructions to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the People’s Committees of Hà Nội, Hưng Yên, Ninh Bình and Hải Phòng, to prepare dossiers for the nomination.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Văn Chính approved the proposal following recommendations from the ministry of culture and with the agreement of relevant local authorities.
Under the directive, Hà Nội will take the lead in compiling the dossier for phở, working closely with the ministry of culture, Ninh Bình Province, and other localities where the dish is deeply rooted in community practice. Similarly, Hà Nội will also spearhead the dossier for water puppetry, in collaboration with Hải Phòng, Hưng Yên, and the ministry of culture.
The ministry will provide guidance and ensure that both dossiers meet UNESCO’s standards, criteria and legal requirements, while reporting any issues beyond its jurisdiction to higher authorities.
Water puppetry dates back to the 11th century, originating in rural villages in the Red River Delta and closely linked to Việt Nam’s wet rice cultivation.
A foreign visitor examines a puppet used in a traditional water puppetry performance. Photo: VNS
Celebrated for its artistic ingenuity and ability to convey rural traditions and universal stories, the art was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2012. With brightly painted puppets gliding across the water in performances that surprise and delight audiences, it has long been hailed as a must‑see for visitors to Việt Nam.
Phở, meanwhile, was officially recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2024, with both Nam Định and Hà Nội culinary styles honoured for their cultural significance. The dish has already gained international acclaim.
CNN Travel listed Vietnamese beef phở among the world’s top 20 soups in 2024, while TasteAtlas ranked it third among the 10 best meat broths in 2023. Photo: VNS
In recent years, phở has continued to shine on the global stage. CNN Travel listed Vietnamese beef phở among the world’s top 20 soups in 2024, while TasteAtlas ranked it third among the 10 best meat broths in 2023.
Together, these nominations highlight Việt Nam’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage, ensuring that both the artistry of water puppetry and the culinary tradition of phở are recognised and celebrated internationally.