[VOVWORLD] - When the term "Halal" is invoked globally, it is most frequently understood as purely religious dietary restrictions observed by Muslims worldwide. But insights from top Pakistani culinary and diplomatic experts reveal a profound paradigm shift. From Pakistan’s perspective, Halal has evolved far beyond a basic spiritual obligation. Today, it is a rigorous national standard of quality, a standard of hygiene, and a massive engine driving international trade and culinary diplomacy.

[VOVWORLD] - Spain’s musical tradition sits at the intersection of earthy folk music and the sophisticated structure of Western classical music. To celebrate the 150th birthday of legendary Spanish composer and pianist Manuel de Falla, Spanish cellist Lorenzo Meseguer last week performed in Hanoi, featuring works by Falla and some other composers. He will now talk with us about “the Spanish sound”.

[VOVWORLD] - If there's a type of food that can truly capture the taste buds, and the centuries-old dining culture of Spain, it has to be tapas. These small, delightful bites, often enjoyed alongside a drink, are so deeply woven into everyday life that they even come with their own verb - tapear. Today on Cultural Rendezvous, let’s take a closer look at this Spanish delicacy with Marcel Ruiz, a marketing student from Barcelona.

[VOVWORLD] - Just as the Vietnamese people have their beloved bun cha and pho stalls, Mexicans have their iconic puesto de tacos, or taco carts. These stands are part of the community and neighborhood. Mexican Ambassador to Vietnam, Alejandro Negrín, and Octavio Muñoz, co-founder of NacoTaco, an authentic Mexican restaurant right here in Hanoi, together will tell us more of what is perhaps the most famous —yet most misunderstood—food in the world: the taco.

[VOVWORLD] - Hanoi is about to get a taste of the Arabian Sea as a culinary delegation from Pakistan’s Sindh province will arrive in the capital later this month. Today, we discussed with Pakistani Ambassador Kohdayar Marri about that province’s rich spices, legendary rice, and maritime traditions and the culinary heritage of Sindh.

[VOVWORLD] - The Embassy of Pakistan in Vietnam held a Pakistani Day celebration on Wednesday at the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, drawing a large number of students and faculty members.

(VOVWORLD) -Located in the Midwestern region of the United States, the state of Michigan is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes. At the center of the state is Detroit, a city with a strong industrial legacy and a dynamic spirit. Today on Culture Rendezvous, we are joined by Joe Mitchell, an American software engineer from Detroit, who will share some insights about his home city and what makes it special.

(VOVWORLD) - As we step into the Year of the Horse in 2026, we look for symbols of strength, endurance, and heritage. While Lunar New Year celebrations light up Vietnam and many other Asian countries, our journey today takes us thousands of miles to Dalarna, the snow-covered heartland of Sweden to explore that country’s beloved horse symbol – the Dala horse.

(VOVWORLD) - Located along the Chao Phraya River on the edge of Bangkok’s Chinatown, Song Wat Road may be short, but offers one of the city’s most compelling blends of heritage and modern creativity. Once a busy trading street lined with spice merchants and warehouse shophouses, it is now home to artisanal shops, minimalist cafés, street art, and carefully preserved architecture. This week’s Culture Rendezvous takes you to Song Wat—often described as an open-air museum and one of Bangkok’s most fascinating creative districts.

(VOVWORLD) - There are many reasons to attract tourists to Japan, from its unique blend of ancient traditions and futuristic modernity to its stunning natural scenery, world-renowned cuisine, rich culture, exceptional safety, cleanliness, and legendary hospitality. But recently, a growing number of visitors, especially anime and manga fans, have been traveling to Japan to visit the real-life locations that inspired their favorite stories. They come to savor the atmosphere, recreate beloved scenes, and relive emotional moments. This week’s Culture Rendezvous takes you on a journey through some of Japan’s most iconic anime pilgrimage destinations.