Indulge into the flavours of Vietnamese Cuisine at the Vietnamese Food Festival at Novotel Mumbai International Airport

We tried the Authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine curated by Chef Huyen Nguyen at Novotel Mumbai International Airport and it was a novel experience. 

The Vietnamese Food Festival is the 2^nd episode of the ‘Visiting Maestros’ - a series showcasing cuisines from around the world in association with renowned chefs held by Novotel Mumbai International Airport. If you are trying Vietnamese Food for the first time then this festival is a must-visit as it has some authentic dishes like Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crepe), Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette), and many more presented by Executive Chef Huyen Nguyen from Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort, Vietnam.  

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The dining area of the Food Exchange Mumbai in Novotel, is decorated with Vietnamese elements like the hand fan and other art décor. After admiring the décor, one can head to the buffet counter filled with salads, soups, appetizers, and main course. Chef Huyen Nguyen greeted us while we were admiring the setup and took us to the live station and made us Veg Goi Cuon - Vietnamese spring rolls, made with veggies like bell pepper, carrot, and lettuce set on rice paper and accompanied by a sweet chili and sweet and sour sauce. We were excited to try the next dish, as we had heard about it a lot but never tasted it. It was the Pho – a Vietnamese noodle soup, which had various condiments like chili soya, and chili fish sauce, which were flavourful, yet not overpowering. 

Moving on to the main course, we enjoyed the stir-fried prawns with cashew nuts, which had a sweeter flavor profile. The creamy essence of cashews complemented the taste of the seasoned prawns perfectly. Additionally, we savored the grilled chicken with honey lime, which had a subtly sweet vegetable accompaniment. The chicken was cooked to perfection, though a hint of smoky grill flavor would have elevated its taste even further.

These dishes were served alongside pineapple and vegetable fried rice, offering a mild and subtle taste that allowed the flavors of the vegetables to shine. While the sautéed potatoes with dill were flavorful, the juiciness of the tomatoes was overshadowed by their dryness. To conclude the meal, we delighted in the red velvet cream cheesecake, which was a perfect combination of creamy smoothness and the rich flavor of red velvet.

However, the festival isn't just about the food; it also offers an artistic experience. The event has partnered with The Asian Art House to curate an exclusive exhibition of Vietnamese art. This art adds an exciting dimension to the festival, allowing you to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture through a fusion of food, art, and music.

Dates: Friday, 25th August to Saturday, 2nd September 2023

Venue: Food Exchange Mumbai Level: 1 at Novotel Mumbai International Airport

Price: INR 2295+ plus taxes (dinner only).