Some ingredients have a way of announcing the arrival of a new season. Among the many seasonal fruits that define summer in Vietnam, few are as eagerly anticipated as ripe Hau plums. For Chef Quoc Hung, their arrival each June marks the beginning of a new chapter, inspiring dishes that celebrate seasonality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of nature's fleeting moments. This summer, the familiar fruit takes on a new expression through time, tea, and the philosophy behind the Summer Tasting Menu at Tales by Chapter.
Why seasonal fruits are best enjoyed in their own time
There is something special about fruits that arrive only once a year. Unlike ingredients available in every season, seasonal fruits carry the character of a particular moment in nature, reaching their fullest expression in flavor, aroma, and texture.
For chefs, seasonality is not simply about freshness. It is about embracing ingredients when they are at their peak and allowing nature to guide creativity. Thus, this approach creates dishes that feel fleeting and memorable, reminding us that some experiences are best appreciated in their own time.
Summer in Vietnam brings an abundance of seasonal fruits, each with its own story. Among them, Hau plum marks the arrival of June with its vibrant acidity and unmistakable aroma. At Tales by Chapter, these ingredients are celebrated not only for their flavors, but also for the sense of place and season they bring to the table.
A new summer menu begins with the flavours of hau plum
This summer, Tales by Chapter unveils an entirely new tasting menu inspired by the season's fleeting abundance. Guided by the philosophy of seasonality, Chef Quoc Hung explores ingredients that appear only for a short time each year, transforming them into expressions of summer through modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Among the highlights is an appetizer built around Hau plum, one of the most anticipated seasonal fruits of June. Seeking a different expression of this familiar fruit, Chef Hung experimented with black tea and chrysanthemum tea before finding the answer in Genmaicha. Over 14 days of patient infusion, the plum slowly absorbed the warm aroma of roasted rice tea. Its bright acidity softened, revealing layers that are savoury, fragrant, and unexpectedly refined.
What begins as a humble summer fruit becomes the opening note of a new season at Tales by Chapter, inviting guests to experience summer through ingredients, time, and craftsmanship.
Seasonal fruits meet modern Vietnamese cuisine
Inspired by the abundance of summer, this dish invites guests to experience familiar ingredients through layers of flavor that gradually unfold. From bright acidity to gentle sweetness and lingering umami, every component is designed to be enjoyed together.
Hau Plum: A bright beginning softened by time
The first impression comes from Hau plum, one of the most beloved seasonal fruits of early summer. After 14 days of infusion in Genmaicha tea, its vibrant acidity becomes softer and more rounded. The aroma of roasted rice tea slowly emerges, bringing warmth and depth to what was once a sharp and refreshing fruit. The result is delicate yet lingering, offering a fresh beginning to the dish.
Langsat and Avocado: A Gentle Layer of Sweetness and Richness
As the brightness of the plum fades, the natural sweetness of langsat begins to reveal itself. Familiar and subtle, it captures the essence of tropical summer. Mashed avocado follows with a creamy texture that balances the fruit's acidity, adding softness and richness without overwhelming the palate. Together, they create a smooth transition between freshness and comfort.
Tokasa Seaweed, Lemongrass Oil and Tomato Water: A Lingering Finish of Umami
The final layer arrives quietly. Tokasa seaweed introduces delicate marine notes and natural umami, while a touch of lemongrass oil brings aromatic freshness. Completing the dish is a sauce made from tomato water and the liquid from the plum infusion itself. Bright yet savory, it ties every ingredient together and leaves behind a clean, elegant finish — a reflection of Tales by Chapter's philosophy, where seasonality and thoughtful techniques transform familiar flavors into something entirely new.
Discover seasonal fruits on the summer tasting menu
At Tales by Chapter, seasonal fruits are more than ingredients. They are expressions of time, memories, and the ever-changing beauty of nature.
Featured on the new Summer Tasting Menu, each dish celebrates the abundance of the season through thoughtful techniques and contemporary Vietnamese flavors. Beyond the table, Tales by Chapter brings the spirit of summer to life through a seasonal exhibition space designed exclusively for this chapter.
Beyond the table, Tales by Chapter extends the spirit of summer through a seasonal exhibition space created exclusively for this chapter. Inspired by the colors, textures, and fleeting moments of the season, the installation extends the experience beyond taste, creating a dialogue between cuisine, art, and nature.
Reserve your table and discover how seasonal fruits can tell the story of summer in ways both familiar and unexpected. We invite you to experience the new Summer Tasting Menu, available for a limited time at Tales by Chapter.
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Tales by Chapter
The first zero waste plant-based dining in Vietnam
Add: 10 Nguyen Thanh Y, Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: +84 368 150 125
E-mail: reservation@talessgn.com – Reservation
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