Other activities will be held at the September 23rd Park from December 3 to 6, with the participation of nearly 20 countries.

As many as 24 international cuisines from Vietnam, Brazil, Germany, Korea, Italy, the US, Russia, Japan, France and other countries will be aiming to tickle the taste buds.

Besides cooking, the festival will feature performances by local and international rock and folk musicians.

Visitors can see various cooking styles and even view a world made entirely from vegetables and fruit.

Meanwhile Vietnamese and foreign chefs will take part in pizza making and other competitions.

Five teams of cooks from HCM City and southern provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces will attempt to set a national record by making the biggest Xoi chien phong (fried glutinous rice with green bean and coconut juice).

Elsewhere Phu Thao will perform calligraphy on rice seeds alongside performances of coffee making and presentations of the philosophy about Vietnamese coffee.

The 2009 Taste of the World Festival is co-organised by HCM City authorities, the local Tourism Association, and the Youth Advertising Joint Stock Company.

The festival is considered a chance for hotels, restaurants, food and beverage makers to seek business opportunities and meet with potential foreign partners.

The closing ceremony is on December 6 and includes a special art show.

VietNamNet/SGGP/SGTT