OTTAWA — The 2026 World Cup has brought more than just excitement to stadiums and Fan Zones, giving a boost to restaurants across Canada. For many Vietnamese eateries, the event presents an opportunity to introduce traditional cuisine to local diners, international visitors, and football fans from around the world.

The Sen Vietnamese Cuisine restaurant has been decorated with the national flags of participating countries and equipped with a large screen, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes while watching their favourite matches.

Talking to a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Canada, restaurant manager Hương Nguyễn said the decorations were intended to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers of all nationalities.

To prepare for the World Cup, the restaurant has also increased food supplies and staff members to accommodate larger crowds on match days, making it a popular gathering place where guests can enjoy football while discovering the flavours of Việt Nam

Kennice, a regular customer, said phở (noodle soup) remains her favourite Vietnamese dish. The warm and friendly atmosphere, together with the delicious food, keeps her coming back, she said.

For overseas Vietnamese, meanwhile, phở offers more than a culinary experience – it also evokes memories of home.

Thúy Đào, a Vietnamese-American tourist visiting Canada during the World Cup, said the bowl of pho she enjoyed at Sen Vietnamese Cuisine reminded her of the authentic taste of Việt Nam.

"The aroma was inviting from the moment it arrived. After the first bite, I found the flavour rich and unforgettable. The fresh rice noodles suited my whole family's taste," she said, adding that enjoying Vietnamese food while watching World Cup matches on the big screen made the experience even more memorable.

Hương Nguyễn said that although she and her colleagues live and work in Canada, they remain proud of their homeland's culture and cuisine.

They hope to make the most of the World Cup to introduce Vietnamese food to more people and demonstrate its appeal, she said.

As football brings people together, Vietnamese cuisine serves as a bridge that helps international visitors better understand the country's culture, people and vibrant overseas Vietnamese community in multicultural Canada. — VNA/VNS