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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