Known for his creativity and passion for elevating Vietnamese cuisine, Chef Ngo Thanh Hoa has a modern view of Tet dishes and is not afraid of integration.
To bring a refreshing and sublime dining experience to the family during Tet, chefs can break the rules by adding modern creative touches to traditional cooking recipes. From combining different cuisines to trying some atypical ingredients, there are many ways to add new and exquisite flavors to familiar dishes.
“A repetition in daily dishes can ruin our appetites, and Tet feasts are no exception. New flavors of food and beverage can trigger thrill and excitement, create long-lasting impressions, and set the tone for comfortable, intimate, and friendly conversations. It’s the beauty of gastronomy to bring people closer together,” said Chef Thanh Hoa.
According to the award-winning chef, one of the simplest ways to renew Tet dishes without spoiling their traditional quintessence is by pairing them with good wines. Savoring wine with meals is common in Western countries for a good reason, and such practice has already found its way to Vietnam. With its rich and alluring flavor, wine can quickly balance contrasting tastes, awaken the senses, and make the dishes more intriguing and delicious.
Jacob’s Creek, “A wine worth sharing,” is recommended by Chef Ngo Thanh Hoa as the perfect pairing to Vietnamese dishes, which can please diners of all kinds.
As a well-established wine brand in Australia since the 19th century, Jacob’s Creek is now available in around 80 countries worldwide, frequently listed among the world’s most admired wine brands.
Jacob’s Creek is always the right choice for luxury parties, be it sparkling wine, red wine, or white wine with its signature flavor. All Jacob’s Creek products have undergone a rigorous ingredient selection and a unique fermentation process to achieve a velvety, rich taste with a fresh fragrance.
That’s why Chef Ngo Thanh Hoa can freely unleash his gastronomic creativity to incorporate Jacob’s Creek wines into the Tet menu. He recommends pairing Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir or Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Rosé with gỏi gà xé (shredded chicken salad with red onion, white and red cabbage, pickles, lime leaves, and roasted rice) served with a dressing of chili, garlic, lemon, and fish sauce.
Red wine, such as Jacob’s Creek Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, or Jacob’s Creek Winemaker’s Selection Merlot, can be perfectly coupled with different dishes, including sườn heo ướp ngũ vị (five-spice pork ribs) served with coleslaw salad (a mixture of cabbage, carrot, coconut meat, lotus seeds, and chili fish sauce); vịt áp chảo mắc khén (sautéed duck with Indian prickly ash) escorted by lotus seed purée, crispy lotus root, and orange and fish sauce; bò cuốn lá lốt (grilled beef in piper lolot leaves) accompanied by fresh herbs and vegetables, rice paper, and a dipping sauce of chili, garlic, pineapple, and fish sauce.
Meanwhile, mì trứng xào tôm mực (fried egg noodles with shrimp, squid, onions, carrots, and bok choy) served with chili and soy sauce is well-matched with white wine like Jacob’s Creek Classic Chardonnay.
With the Year of the Cat fast approaching, Chef Ngo Thanh Hoa says a meaningful Tet holiday must be one that’s filled with exquisite and unforgettable culinary experiences.