Miss Grand International 2023 Contestants Explore the Rich Flavors of Central Vietnam

The 70 contestants of Miss Grand International 2023 recently took a break from their rigorous competition schedule to immerse themselves in the authentic culinary culture of Central Vietnam. During their stay in the historic city of Hue, the beauty queens were treated to a traditional Vietnamese family-style dinner, featuring staples that define the region's 'soulful' cooking. The menu included braised mackerel in a clay pot, spring rolls (cha ram), chicken salad, and various vegetable dishes served with 'kho quet' (a savory caramelized dipping sauce).

For many of the international delegates, the experience was both challenging and delightful. A major highlight was the mastery of chopsticks. After two weeks in Vietnam, many contestants shared that they have finally become proficient. Miss Grand Philippines even joked about testing her skills by successfully picking up three individual grains of rice with her chopsticks. While some flavors were new and exotic, dishes like the braised fish and fresh vegetables were universal hits. Interestingly, Miss Grand Angola and Ecuador found themselves enjoying the fermented fish sauces, a flavor profile that is often considered an 'acquired taste' for international visitors.

Isabella Menin, the reigning Miss Grand International 2022 from Brazil, noted that this was her third visit to Vietnam, but this trip felt particularly special. She expressed a newfound love for Vietnamese braised fish (ca kho to), despite not usually being a fan of fish dishes. The contestants also had the opportunity to wear traditional 'ao ba ba' and learn how to cook 'banh xeo' (Vietnamese sizzling pancakes), further deepening their connection to the local heritage.

The cultural journey in Hue wasn't just about food. The ladies explored the ancient capital's landmarks, wore the elegant 'ao dai,' and listened to the UNESCO-recognized Hue Court Music (Nha Nhac). This culinary and cultural stopover is a vital part of the Miss Grand International mission to promote the host country's tourism. As the competition moves toward the final stages in Ho Chi Minh City, including the National Costume Show and the Grand Finale, these memories of Central Vietnamese hospitality and flavors will surely stay with the contestants forever.

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Top Beauty Queens to Watch at Miss Grand International 2023: Latin and Asian Powerhouses

The Miss Grand International 2023 pageant has officially become a global sensation, showcasing an elite lineup of contestants who excel in both physical fitness and stage performance. This year, the competition is fiercer than ever, with distinct groups from Latin America and Asia emerging as frontrunners. The Latin group is particularly noted for their incredible physiques and seasoned experience. Miss Grand Colombia, a former Miss World representative and a runner-up at Miss Universe Colombia 2021, has been a standout. Her performance in the 'Best in Swimsuit' segment and the VBFF show proved her exceptional communication skills and stage presence. Similarly, Miss Grand Peru has captured hearts with her impressive profile as a famous singer and KOL with over 4.5 million followers. Her 'six-pack' abs and vocal talent during the 'Grand Voice' competition have solidified her status as a top-tier candidate.

From the Asian region, the 'sash factors' remain incredibly strong. Representatives from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Cambodia have brought high-fashion wardrobes and strategic camera interactions to the stage. Miss Grand Myanmar has particularly stood out, leveraging a massive fan base to dominate the voting categories for the Top 20. This year’s competition also introduces a 'Business' element, where the organization is looking for multifaceted women who can excel in the music industry. This has allowed contestants from Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, and Germany to shine during the vocal segments.

As the host representative, Vietnam's Le Hoang Phuong (Lê Hoàng Phương) faces both an advantage and a significant challenge. Being on home soil means she is well-adjusted to the climate and culture, but it also brings immense pressure to perform perfectly. A professional model by trade, Le Hoang Phuong has dazzled audiences with her catwalk skills, particularly in the bikini segment. Her performance of the 'Vu khuc thien long' (Dance of the Heavenly Dragon) during the National Costume night was a highlight, showcasing her ability to handle a costume weighing dozens of kilograms with grace. Beyond the competition, she has been praised by fellow contestants, such as Miss Grand Czech Republic, for her friendly and hospitable nature. As the grand finale on October 25 approaches, all eyes are on whether this professional model can keep the crown in Vietnam.

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