A Gastronomic Journey at LỬA: Michelin Guide Excellence in Thao Dien

LỬA, the newly awarded Michelin Guide restaurant nestled in my favourite neighbourhood and home of Thao Dien. Let me break down some unforgettable dishes that graced my mouth, the fantastic wines I shared with friends, and the newly Michelin Star-winning Sommelier Yu!

Nguyen Khoi Farm Pork Houe Assorted Charcuterie Plate

I kicked things off with the Nguyen Khoi Farm pork house assorted charcuterie plate—a testament to LỬA’s commitment to sourcing exceptional local ingredients. Each slice of charcuterie tells a story of craftsmanship and passion. The smoked flavours and well-balanced fat content elevate this dish to new heights, leaving you with an appreciation for the simple but delicious art of charcuterie. 

The Tomato Tart with Smoked Ricotta and Sage

Wow, this culinary masterpiece exemplifies the skills and attention to detail of LỬA’s chefs. The tart had a great texture, not too firm nor crumbly, which sets the stage for the true star of the dish—the smoked ricotta cheese. With each bite, the smoky richness envelops your senses, elevated by subtle notes of sage. This really was an excellent dish, just a heads up; I would use a spoon instead of a fork!

Octopus Ajillo with Mushrooms and Harissa

The standout dish, for me, captured the essence of LỬA’s culinary artistry. The tender, perfectly cooked octopus stole the spotlight, each bite as good as the last. Enhanced by the accompanying mushrooms and harissa sauce, this creation offered a delightful balance of spice and depth. Be sure to mop up that delicious harissa sauce with the in-house made sourdough bread!  

Tagletielli Tomato Pasta with Parmesan

Simplicity at its finest, the Tagletielli tomato pasta. LỬA’s expertise shines through in this dish, where everyday ingredients are transformed into something special. The pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, is bathed in a tasty tomato sauce thats bursting with freshness. The generous parmesan sprinkle adds an umami touch, creating a symphony of flavours! Again, get your sourdough mop at the ready!

Warm Madeleine with Vanilla Cream and Banana Cardamom

I finished things off with one of the best desserts I’ve ever scranned. Warm Madeleines, fresh from the oven with an ever so slight crisp around the edges. Velvety smooth vanilla cream and the subtle blend of banana and cardamom adds an exotic twist. Too good!

The Wine!

Complementing LỬA’s culinary wonders were the exceptional wines. I was lucky enough to arrive when my good friend Sally from Wine Embassy was doing a wine tasting, I somehow have a knack for showing up at the right time, as this wasn’t the first time this has happened, and I hope it’s not the last! Together we tried four remarkable wines that elevated our dining experience:

• Domain de L’Hortus: A French white wine that refreshes the palate, perfectly complementing the lighter dishes.
• CHATEAU D’OR ET DE GUEULES’ Qu’es a Quo”: A magnificent red wine, vintage 2008, boasting complex layers of flavour that harmonize beautifully with the robust creations at LỬA.
• EL BURRO Argentinian Natural Malbec: This bold and robust Malbec adds depth and richness to the culinary journey, particularly when paired with heartier offerings.
• VACQUEYRAS La Sillotwe: My personal favourite of the evening, this 2018 red wine captivates with its velvety texture and nuanced notes, making it the perfect companion for an extraordinary meal at LỬA.

Overall, LỬA left me in awe with exceptional food, wine, service, and atmosphere. I can’t wait to return and discover seasonal menu delights. Check out @lua.hcmc for an unforgettable dining experience. Special thanks to @_sally_pp from @wine_embassy for incredible wine pairings!

Reserve a table following this link! https://luawinebarvn.com/?lang=vi