The ‘Len Men: Umami Unleashed’ (Fermentation) project, which was launched in Hanoi on July 8, marks a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s culinary journey.
This initiative, led by the TUNG Group (encompassing T.U.N.G dining and Å by TUNG), explores the traditional cooking techniques of Hanoi and the northwestern mountainous regions.
| The launch event for ‘Len Men: Umami Unleashed’, courtesy of TUNG Group |
The project entails immersive trips to Lao Cai province, where participants will delve into the region’s culinary customs and discover its unique ingredients. Masterclasses led by celebrity chefs from the TUNG Group will take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with exclusive dinners and an exchange event with KOTO trainees. This provides a rare opportunity to learn from top culinary experts, gain insider knowledge, and discover the secrets of their craft.
The group will also showcase their innovative and collaborative spirit by creating signature dishes that merge the elegance of fine dining with the art of fermentation. Two exclusive masterclasses, limited to 30-40 participants each, will be held on July 13 in Hanoi and July 18 in Ho Chi Minh City. These transformative experiences will be followed by two 6-hand dinners in each city.
Len Men is an international celebration of fermented foods, aiming to elevate fine dining with indigenous flavors and enhance food security.
“We are diving deep into the local culinary culture of Hanoi and the northwestern mountainous region, with a focus on traditional fermented foods and beverages,” said Chef Hoang Tung of the TUNG Group during the launch. “Our goal is to innovate new recipes, refine processing techniques, and develop preservation methods that showcase the very best of fine cuisine.”
The collaboration with Jason White, former Director of Fermentation at the renowned NOMA, and Daniel Hoai Tien, Founder, and CEO of Song Cai Distillery, is a testament to the group’s commitment to culinary excellence and innovation. It also highlights their dedication to celebrating Vietnam’s rich gastronomic heritage.
In support of the next generation of chefs, the TUNG Group will host an exchange session for KOTO trainees, offering them a chance to learn from their seasoned chefs and experts. KOTO, established by Vietnamese-Australian Jimmy Pham, provides at-risk and disadvantaged youth with the skills and education needed to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Through this initiative, the trainees will gain invaluable insights into traditional cooking methods, modern twists on local ingredients, and the vast tapestry of Vietnamese culinary traditions.
As a key event marking KOTO’s 25th anniversary, this collaboration aims to nurture highly skilled professionals, strengthening Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Jimmy Pham emphasizes that this exchange provides a unique platform for KOTO trainees to access the expertise and secrets of the top culinary masters.
The ‘Len Men: Umami Unleashed’ project is set to inspire the next generation of Vietnamese food enthusiasts and showcase Vietnamese gastronomy on a global stage.
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