At The Monkey Gallery DINING, the tasting menu Magical Ticket – Palette /ˈpælət/ celebrates Vietnam’s culinary soul through a sensory journey of color, memory, and flavor. Reinvented each year with a new theme, the menu invites guests to explore ever-changing landscapes — from mist-covered forests to coastal depths — in an experience as evocative as it is unforgettable.
THE ESSENCE OF A LAND, CAPTURED IN FLAVOR
When people speak of Vietnam, they often speak of its abundance — of nature, of the land, and of memory. From lush, endless forests to salt-laced seas, every gust of wind and every grain of earth carries a story yet to be told.
Moved by this spirit, the “artists” at The Monkey Gallery DINING set out to tell the story of their homeland through a language all their own. The result is Magical Ticket – Palette /ˈpælət/, a tasting menu envisioned as a vibrant culinary palette — where each course becomes a brushstroke, and each flavor stirs a story. Rooted in Vietnamese ingredients and elevated through modern technique, the menu invites guests to travel not only through regions, but through emotion, tradition, and place.
BEHIND THE GALLERY: WHERE FOOD MEETS ART
Tucked away on a quiet street in Ho Chi Minh City’s central business district, The Monkey Gallery DINING is a contemporary culinary space where food meets storytelling. Set within a restored Indochine-era villa, the design blends Japanese and Australian influences with Vietnamese heritage, creating a space that feels both modern and rooted.
At the helm is Head Chef Hậu Trần, a Da Nang native whose coastal roots shape his refined approach to Vietnamese ingredients. Alongside him is Pastry Chef Hạnh Lê, whose creative philosophy explores the multi faceted aspects of color through her rather intuitive and playful lens. Completing the team is Sous Chef Hữu Trọng, whose background in culinary arts ensures that every plate is as visually striking as it is thoughtfully composed.
A PALETTE OF FLAVORS
The flavor journey of Magical Ticket – Palette /ˈpælət/ begins with gentle shades — like a whisper that slowly awakens the senses. From subtle elegance, the palate deepens gradually, guiding guests into regions imbued with culinary heritage.
Green: Of Forests and Mountains
A shade of green opens onto vast forest landscapes, where robust Bavi ostrich, fresh jungle greens, and the bold, herbaceous chẩm chéo of the Northwest (a traditional dipping sauce made with chili, herbs, and wild peppercorn) come together. Each ingredient carries the breath of the mountains — raw, strong, and yet surprisingly pure. The cooking preserves this authenticity — from smoking techniques to spice combinations — so diners feel as though they’re walking along misty forest slopes, where nature remains untouched.
Brown: Of Earth and Depth
The journey deepens with earthy brown tones, reminiscent of ancient soil and the ocean’s depths. Sea cucumber soaked in Cognac, firm pipe oysters from the deep waters of Nha Trang, and aromatic pine mushrooms form a robust umami ensemble. Rarely found on fine dining menus due to their preparation challenges and the depth of knowledge they demand, these ingredients are both a technical feat and a statement from Executive Chef Hậu Trần — a declaration of his commitment to uncovering and honoring Vietnam’s hidden marine treasures. This brown doesn’t shout; it murmurs, persistently, leaving a quiet resonance — like layers of sediment silently building the soul of the sea and of time.
Gold: Of Central Heat and Light
From that deep, earthy note, a radiant gold emerges, carrying the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s central region. Rich, firm toothfish, pungent turmeric, and intensely savory Bình Định shrimp paste come together in a harmony of sunshine and wind. These rustic yet bold ingredients are reimagined through modern culinary techniques.
Orange: Of Southern Warmth and Memory
Before the journey closes, a warm orange hue washes over the palate — like the sun’s last light: vivid yet gentle. Acerola cherry, banana, and chili — humble ingredients from the South — blend into a warm, sweet finish. From tart to mellow sweetness to a hint of heat, each layer of flavor evokes a horizon of memories: sun-drenched summers, garden adventures, laughter, and light.
Magical Ticket – Palette /ˈpælət/ is more than a menu — it’s a sensory map of Vietnam. Every dish in Magical Ticket – Palette /ˈpælət/ doesn’t just shift in tone, but unlocks an emotional spectrum — like a journey that stretches across Vietnam: from pristine forests to deep oceans to sun-soaked villages. Each ingredient holds a story, waiting to be tasted and felt.