VI
EN
Sometimes, a meal is not just about savoring the flavors, but also an opportunity to reconnect with one's roots. Stepping into Miên, amidst the rustic yet refined details of a distinctly Vietnamese space, one feels as if they are touching a part of an intangible heritage: memories of the countryside, of the green bamboo groves, and the scent of freshly harvested rice.
The tasting menu "Village Feast - Central Vietnam" is a vibrant culinary tapestry meticulously crafted by Mien. Behind each dish lies the story of Mother Earth and her hardworking people. This feast takes diners on a journey through Central Vietnam, from sun-drenched beaches to the lush green hills of Don Duong – where cultural elements and authentic local ingredients are incorporated into every dish.
"Village Feast - Central Vietnam" takes diners on a journey through Central Vietnam to rediscover their roots.
From Mother Earth to the Dinner Table
The highlight of this menu is Mien's strong commitment to 100% premium, locally sourced ingredients. Lotus seeds from Hue, delicate yet fragrant, once dubbed the "white gold" of Central Vietnam, embody the gentleness and resilience of the local people. Seng Cu rice from Northwest Vietnam, with its mild sweetness and rich aroma, is a testament to the hard work of the mountain dwellers. Tra Que vegetables from the heritage land of Quang Nam, cultivated for over 300 years using nutrient-rich soil and traditional farming techniques, possess a distinctive, refreshing fragrance that further enhances the sophistication of each flavor.
Dishes like Nha Trang spiny lobster and baby squid retain their natural flavors, a tribute to the sea. Particularly impressive on this menu is the wild goose meat – a rare bird once featured in royal banquets, with its sweet, tender, and nutritious meat, now presented with reverence in Miên's menu, perfectly balancing tradition and innovation.
"Village Feast" and the Inspiration of the Homeland
The new tasting menu – “Village Feast – Central Vietnam” – features 13 diverse dishes, including marinated pork, fried dough sticks with clams, squid rolls, sour lobster, fish stew with tapioca pearls, lotus rice, wild goose, and Da Lat persimmons… It's the culmination of Chef Dung's journey along the coast to Lam Dong, visiting his hometown. The feast recreates the lively atmosphere of a village festival, where sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors blend together, from street food to dishes fit for royalty.
"Village Festival Feast" immerses diners in the vibrant atmosphere of village festivals, filled with laughter, chatter, and the colorful spirit of the market.
More than just a meal, the "Village Feast" is an opportunity for diners to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of village festivals, with the laughter, chatter, and vibrant colors of the market. Each dish is like an invitation: the sour and spicy taste of fish sauce from the coastal region, the sweet and refreshing flavor of fresh Tra Que vegetables, or the crispy crunch of fried dough sticks.
Despite being a feast of flavors, Mien still retains the rustic soul of Vietnamese cuisine, where simplicity and elegance are paramount. This is not fusion, nor is it ostentation; it is a meaningful "emphasis" between modernity and tradition, between memory and the present.
The "royal tribute" products are the highlight of the feast.
Philosophy from design to service
Miên's space is a connection between the old and the new. The wooden slats on the ceiling evoke the image of climbing vines in a country garden, softly guiding the diner's eyes to the open kitchen. Lightly draped hemp curtains hang, just enough to separate each seating area while creating a sense of intimacy.
The subtle elegance is evident in the fluttering of the hemp fabric, the ceiling reminiscent of a gourd trellis from the countryside, and the light pouring down like warm, gentle rays of sunshine after summer.
The lights from the ceiling cast streaks of light and shadow, like the rhythm of life in Vietnamese villages—quiet yet vibrant. This subtlety extends beyond the design, permeating every plate and every dish, meticulously presented, as if telling the story of Vietnamese culture through the lens of the Cambodian people.
More than just a restaurant, Mien seems to have gradually become a sincere "storyteller." It's a story about the land, the people, and the interplay between modernity and tradition. Each dish, from the sweet, sea-flavored Nha Trang spiny lobster to the fragrant, chewy grains of Seng Cu rice, carries a deep gratitude to its roots.
More than just a restaurant, Mien seems to have gradually become a genuine "storyteller".
Mien not only invites diners to eat, but also invites them to feel, reflect, and appreciate. And then, as they leave, their hearts are filled with the sweet, comforting afterglow of the familiar things that Mien has carefully packaged and shared.
