For the first time, both tourists and hosts happily shared and enjoyed Tien Yen chicken curry, Dam Ha fish curry, Quang Ninh squid coated with curry powder, Ha Long tomyum... in a Halal party organized to welcome the Indian delegation to Ha Long following the Halal tourism trend.
At 5:00 p.m., the bus carrying the Indian tourists headed into the main lobby of the 5-star Delasea Hotel on Marina Boulevard in Ha Long City. Tired after a long journey, the Indian tourists got off the bus one by one, stopped in front of the yard to take a deep breath of the sea scent that was carried by the wind from Ha Long Bay. Many people suddenly opened their eyes wide and exclaimed in surprise when they saw two rows of young girls wearing red ao dai appearing at the hotel entrance, bowing respectfully to greet the guests.
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| Indian tourists were solemnly welcomed at the 5-star Delasea Hotel in Ha Long. (Source: Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Tourism) |
The kindness of the Vietnamese people
Entering the main lobby of the hotel, the tourists were even more surprised when a group of politicians with beautiful orchid wreaths in their hands, smiling and putting them around their necks and saying "Welcome to Ha Long". Compliments and thanks echoed throughout the lobby. Many people shared that they were quite surprised when the leaders of a state agency such as the Department of Tourism of a province came to the hotel to welcome them and give them flowers to show their hospitality.
The group was guided by the hotel receptionist to the elevator through a separate entrance to the lobby for Halal guests. All check-in procedures were ready. While waiting to receive the room keys, the guests were offered fragrant, cool fruit teas. Meanwhile, some guests shared their feelings and stories with their new Vietnamese friends.
An elderly Indian tourist said that she had just visited 15 countries on her trip around the world. Nowhere else had she been welcomed like in Vietnam. Her impressions and information about Vietnam were still too little, but they would certainly increase a lot after this visit. She said she would tell her relatives and friends about the flower wreath and the unexpected gift she received when visiting the small, beautiful country on the East Sea.
According to the head of the Indian tourist group, his group consisted of tourists from many different parts of India, bringing with them different cultures, religions, and very distinct lifestyle and eating preferences. Organizing such a group is extremely difficult because they have to pay attention to each guest's habits. However, when he arrived here, he felt relieved of his worries because of the thoughtful reception at the stopover at Delasea Ha Long.
In addition, the solemn reception showing the hospitality of the Vietnamese people also made the members of the delegation very satisfied. This was the second time he brought the delegation to Ha Long, and he saw many positive changes. He shared that, with good impressions of the professional, thoughtful, and hospitable reception, he will bring the third delegation to Delasea- Ha Long when he returns this September.
Halalfood Party
Despite not being informed in advance about the Halal Festival taking place at the Delasea Ha Long Hotel, where the group would stay overnight, some tourists still accepted the invitation to join the Halalfood party. The party included both Vietnamese and foreign guests, leaders of the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism and representatives of a number of accommodation and travel service companies in the province.
The party took place in the high-floor lobby of Delasea Hotel, an open space, with views of mountains and sea on all sides, continuing during the beautiful sunset. Before the party, guests were led to the mobile Halal kitchen area, where they were shown and introduced in detail about Halal food, drinks, spices, etc.
Pakistani chef Janjua Chaf introduced the guests to the process of making chicken curry (butter chicken), then turned on the fire to start the dish. Boiling oil, garlic and an imported spice were added, a fragrant aroma rose up that made everyone admire. The Tien Yen chicken breast (Quang Ninh) under the dancing hands of the Halal chef gradually dyed the yellow color of turmeric, chili, star anise, cinnamon and curry, absorbed the spices until full and then submerged in the rich butter, egg, milk and coconut sauce until soft...
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| Mr. Tran Van Tan Cuong - Director of Vietnam National HALAL Company (first, from left) introduces Halal cuisine at the 5-star Delasea Hotel Ha Long. (Source: Quang Ninh Provincial Department of Tourism) |
The dish of Quang Ninh squid coated with spices and fried crispy at the mobile kitchen also made the diners fascinated and unable to take their eyes off. The hotel staff took turns inviting the guests to taste the dishes just presented. The feeling of seeing with their own eyes, tasting the food with all their senses and finally tasting it with their tongues made everyone smile with delight and endlessly complimenting.
When the visual feast had whetted their hunger, the real Halal feast began. Everyone waited happily. Fragrant curry dishes, mada cakes with curry dip, Indian fried rice, premium Thai tomyum soup... served on beautiful white porcelain plates were brought up one after another.
Notably, guests were excited to enjoy the fermented red dragon fruit drink that a Binh Thuan business has just been certified internationally Halal. The combination of the fermented fruit drink with spicy Indian dishes helps those who are not used to this type of food not feel uncomfortable. Finally, guests also had dessert with fresh fruit and a cup of milk tea made from Vietnamese tea mixed with Indian milk tea spices.
Ms. Nguyen Huyen Anh, Deputy Director of Quang Ninh Department of Tourism shared: “Although this is the first time I have enjoyed Halal dishes, I find them quite delicious. They are not unfamiliar. There are many spices but they blend together. Perhaps partly because the local ingredients of Quang Ninh are mixed very flexibly. I think this is also a creative way that chefs should research to create attractiveness and novelty for Ha Long.
Quang Ninh has many delicious and precious products that can be combined to create new dishes with international cultural nuances. I think international tourists will love it here. We have beautiful beaches, amazing world natural heritage, and now many delicious dishes, diverse cultural nuances will be important strengths to welcome international visitors all year round."
A young Vietnamese man said that this was the third time he had enjoyed Indian food and the first time he had eaten Halal food: “It is very easy to eat, many dishes are delicious. I especially like fish curry, mada cake and Indian fried rice. The spices are moderate, not too salty or spicy, the aroma is mild and attractive, not too strong.”
When Halal "marries" with Vietnamese food
Mr. Hosen Yousof Tuan Anh, Bifa Chef of Staff, Halal kitchen consultant for Delasea Hotel, said that Muslims take eating very seriously. When going somewhere, the first thing they care about is eating: Where to eat? Is the food clean and safe? Does it have a clear origin? Is it certified by an international Halal certification company? Is it processed (slaughtered) according to Halal rituals and requirements? Is it prepared by Muslims?... Then, they learn about the taste and preparation of the dish.
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| Buffet party at Halal restaurant at 5-star Delasea Ha Long hotel. (Source: Quang Ninh Department of Tourism) |
Sharing information collected from the Indian delegation, Mr. Hosen said that Halal or Indian-style dishes are a plus for the restaurant. “What could be better than enjoying home-cooked food while being away from home? They also like to experience new foods, especially seafood, vegetables, organic agricultural products... These are Vietnam's advantages. If we can take advantage of these advantages on the basis of respecting beliefs and culture, in the near future, Vietnam in general and Quang Ninh in particular will become an attractive destination for Muslim tourists,” said Mr. Hosen.
According to Mr. Hosen, many provinces and cities in Southern Vietnam have been welcoming Muslim tourists regularly and in large numbers. Many provinces have planned, discussed directions and moved very quickly to welcome this flow of visitors.
With the advantage of a country stretching across many latitudes, a cool and diverse climate, many beautiful seas, many majestic mountain areas, a multi-ethnic culture that still retains traditional customs, and a rich variety of natural and man-made products... we can completely welcome, retain and spread the attraction to this type of visitor.
"Quang Ninh is the pioneer province in the North to welcome the Halal tourism trend. Delasea Ha Long Hotel is the chosen unit to open the way. In the near future, more units will approach Halal tourism services, creating a new resource and opening a new playground for Quang Ninh tourism," Mr. Hosen emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Ha Hai, Vice President of Quang Ninh Tourism Association, said that the trend of shifting Muslim-friendly services that the Quang Ninh Tourism Department is piloting at Delasea Ha Long should be maintained and promoted.
“Ha Long already has Halal accommodation and food at Delasea, tourism professionals should also research, invest, and build entertainment venues that are worthy and suitable for Halal and Indian tourists. By doing so, they will gain the trust and affection of tourists, keep them staying longer to explore and experience and seek investment and business cooperation opportunities. They themselves will also become powerful sources of information to share and spread to friends, relatives and partners,” Mr. Hai emphasized.
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