Refined Vietnamese Cuisine
Nestled in the bustling streets of Saigon, Miên welcomes guests into a world of Vietnamese culinary tradition with a touch of refinement. This isn’t just a place to dine; it’s an experience of cultural warmth, where food and atmosphere converge to create a space reminiscent of home. Celebrating locally sourced ingredients, Miên offers a fresh yet soulful perspective on Vietnamese cuisine that feels both comforting and nourishing.
The heart of Miên’s menu is inspired by a journey along the coastline of Central Vietnam, leading back to Chef Dung’s hometown in Đơn Dương, Lâm Đồng. Every dish on the tasting menu captures the vibrant spirit of Vietnam’s culinary traditions, drawing from roadside snacks and royal delicacies alike. Miên’s concept of “Coming Home” is woven through each course, honouring Vietnam’s village roots and the dedication of farmers who supply the restaurant’s fresh ingredients. Despite challenging climates, these farmers provide the produce that defines Miên’s offerings, and each dish is a tribute to their resilience.
Stepping into Miên, guests are enveloped in an ambiance that echoes the charm of traditional Vietnamese homes, featuring wooden materials and signature architectural elements. Thin, flowing fabric softly separates the tables, providing privacy while maintaining a warm, communal atmosphere. Soft, modern Vietnamese folk songs play in the background, enhancing the calm sophistication of the setting. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a playful touch: handmade paper fireworks that each can pop, a nostalgic nod to a folk game beloved by children in Vietnamese villages, sparking excitement for the culinary journey ahead.
Miên’s tasting menu begins with vibrant, flavourful dishes that reflect the essence of Central Vietnam. Opening with a pork belly roll in fish sauce, it introduces guests to a savoury bite that epitomises Vietnamese cuisine’s balance of flavours. Next, a combination of mussels, basil, and fried dough sticks captures the sea’s briny essence. Another highlight is the squid “xèo” pancake roll, where tender squid meets the satisfying crunch of a pancake, creating an unforgettable bite.
The main courses include Nha Trang lobster, served with a fermented shrimp and tomato sauce that harmoniously blends sweet and savoury notes, enhanced by the freshness of local herbs. The tasting journey culminates with the Mâm Cơm, a traditional Vietnamese feast tray showcasing chargrilled black coot, beef heart with vegetables, lotus root soup, and royal lotus rice. Each dish in this set offers a unique flavour and texture, crafting a symphony that is both comforting and richly layered.
The experience concludes with a creative dessert featuring Đà Lạt persimmons presented in three ways—sorbet, fresh, and wind-dried—each variation showcasing the fruit’s versatility. Adding a surprising twist, a fruit-shaped mung bean dessert with candied fruits inside adds an unexpected burst of flavour and excitement to the final course.
For those who appreciate haute cuisine with a distinct Vietnamese essence, Miên is a culinary journey worth embarking upon. With its dedication to locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful, authentic presentations, Miên is a gem in Saigon’s dining scene, offering a heartfelt tribute to the flavours and traditions of Vietnam.
MIÊN
Address: 50A Dang Dung, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC
Tel: +84 76 806 0060
Facebook: facebook.com/miensaigon
Website: miensaigon.com
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