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The “Rice for the King” at Madame Lam: The Indochine Essence in Every Fragrant Grain

Rustic in ingredients yet refined in preparation, the “Rice for the King” at Madame Lam preserves the royal spirit of Vietnamese cuisine through each grain of rice and pinch of salt. This dish serves as a culinary bridge between the past and the present, blending heritage with modern elegance.

Inspired by Vietnamese Royal Culinary Heritage
Chef Nguyen Nhu Cuong, the founder and creative force behind Madame Lam, found his inspiration during a Vietnamese culinary cultural event. There, he encountered “Hue salted rice,” a royal delicacy from the Nguyen Dynasty under King Minh Mang. Deeply moved by its story and symbolism, he set out to reimagine the dish in a modern context. His creation, “Rice for the King,” embodies both the timeless grace of imperial cuisine and the contemporary sophistication of Madame Lam, offering diners not only a meal but also a journey into the cultural heart of Vietnam.

A Journey of Preservation and Reinvention
Through his research and experiments, Chef Cuong discovered profound cultural and culinary values embedded within this royal dish. Despite its humble ingredients, the meticulous techniques and thoughtful balance of flavors reflect an artistry that transcends time. This philosophy guides the entire menu at Madame Lam, where every dish tells a story - a story of Vietnamese identity, refinement, and pride.

The Art of Nine Salts and the Finest Rice
Chef Cuong remains faithful to the soul of the original “Rice for the King” by preserving the use of nine types of salt, symbolizing eternity and balance in royal cuisine. To elevate the dish, he selects ST25 shrimp-field rice 0, one of Vietnam’s most premium varieties, and blends it with brown rice and nineteen rare seeds. This combination celebrates local agriculture while highlighting sustainable ingredients. His creativity also shines through the inclusion of ant egg salt, a specialty from the northern highlands, introducing a delicate harmony between ancient heritage and modern innovation.

Craftsmanship in Every Detail
Each serving of “Rice for the King” is crafted entirely by hand with absolute precision. From roasting and grinding the salts using traditional “ruoc” techniques to the careful blending of two distinct rice types, every stage requires patience and mastery. Due to the complexity of preparation and the rarity of ingredients, the restaurant serves only four portions per day. Guests are encouraged to reserve in advance so that the Chef can devote the time needed to perfect each serving.

A Refined Way to Savor
Served in traditional ceramic bowls, the dish presents two layers of rice, releasing a subtle and inviting aroma. Diners are guided to take both types of rice together, then sprinkle the nine salts one by one. Each salt adds a unique note, from gentle sweetness to deep savoriness or mild heat, creating a multi-dimensional taste experience. More than just a culinary ritual, this process reflects the elegance and precision of Hue’s royal dining culture.

Madame Lam: Where Vietnamese Heritage Lives Through Cuisine
At Madame Lam, “Rice for the King” represents more than a meal; it symbolizes a living heritage. The dish embodies the restaurant’s philosophy of honoring the roots of Vietnamese cuisine while embracing selective modern creativity. Through dishes like this, Madame Lam connects the authenticity of local ingredients with the sophistication of contemporary dining, offering an experience that is both culturally meaningful and emotionally resonant.

Nestled in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City, Madame Lam is a space where culinary artistry and cultural storytelling intertwine. Every element, from the ingredients to the ambiance, invites guests to rediscover Vietnam’s spirit in a refined and heartfelt way. Though limited in quantity, “Rice for the King” has captured the admiration of both local and international diners, who describe their experience as a memorable journey through taste, tradition, and emotion.

Madame Lam - Vietnamese Contemporary Cuisine
Address: 10 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City