Blog Details

A Plant-Based Autumn Feast by HUM

Autumn in Vietnam is a season of fulfillment, when nature gathers its finest gifts after a year of nurturing. The air turns cool and fragrant with the scent of young green rice wrapped in lotus leaves, ripe persimmons glowing under the sunlight, and lotus seeds carrying the lingering aroma of summer. Inspired by this abundance, HUM presents “Nông Sản Quê Nhà - Thu” (Local Produce - Autumn), a seasonal celebration that honors Vietnamese agricultural heritage through a creative and mindful plant-based dining experience.

The event brings together more than fifty varieties of seasonal vegetables, flowers, and fruits sourced from across Vietnam. Each ingredient reflects the essence of its land and the care of those who cultivate it. From Hanoi’s tender green rice and Nam Định’s crisp water bamboo shoots to Đà Lạt’s fresh blossoms, Huế’s lotus seeds, and the sweet fruits of the Mekong Delta, every element embodies the country’s natural richness and harmony.

Under the skillful hands of HUM’s culinary team, these ingredients are transformed into more than thirty refined plant-based dishes and beverages. Each creation blends familiarity with creativity, inviting diners to rediscover Vietnamese flavors through a new lens of artistry and emotion.

Among the standout dishes is the Ancient Sticky Corn with Đắk Lắk Avocado, a combination that balances rustic warmth with sophistication. Culinary Director Trần Thái Bảo shares that his inspiration came from the diversity of corn varieties in Vietnam, particularly the traditional sticky corn known for its sweetness and texture. The addition of creamy avocado enhances the smoothness and brings harmony to the dish, making it both simple and elegant.

Another highlight is the Nam Định Water Bamboo Salad, a refreshing dish that celebrates the crisp, natural flavor of autumn’s signature produce. The use of a sweet and sour dressing enhances the freshness and offers a light, delightful contrast in texture.

Hanoi’s iconic young green rice, or cốm, is also reimagined in several creative dishes such as Fresh Green Rice Patties with Mugwort and Vòng Village Green Rice Sweet Soup. The combination of delicate rice and herbal notes creates a balanced taste that is both soothing and intriguing. Complementing these dishes, the Lotus and Green Rice Drink offers a refreshing finish with a subtle floral aroma.

HUM continues to surprise diners with imaginative creations like Grilled Whole Vĩnh Long Watermelon, slow-roasted to preserve its natural sweetness and vibrant color, and Brown Rice with Sprouted Lotus Seeds and Braised Jackfruit, which captures the comforting flavors of home-cooked Vietnamese meals. Another favorite, the Vegan Mushroom Meatball Soup with Dọc Mùng Vinegar Broth, is inspired by northern cuisine. Its light, tangy broth and delicate plant-based meatballs create a perfect dish for cool autumn evenings.

The dessert section completes the feast with its refined sweetness. Highlights include Hưng Yên Longan and Huế Lotus Seed Sweet Soup, Phan Thiết Sweet Potato Dessert, Đà Lạt Pink Cake, and Hanoi Green Rice Cake. Each dessert embodies the gentle charm of Vietnamese traditional sweets, while the longan and lotus seed sweet soup offers an especially memorable taste through its preparation with distilled water from Huế’s ancient Bạch Liên lotus, known for its soothing and restorative qualities.

Beyond gastronomy, the event offers guests a moment of relaxation through the Singing Bowl Meditation experience, presented in collaboration with Omandala from Hội An. The resonance of the spinning bowls helps balance energy and calm the mind, encouraging inner peace and mindfulness. This experience reflects HUM’s philosophy that true tranquility comes from within, and that food can nourish both body and spirit.

“Nông Sản Quê Nhà – Thu” marks the third season in HUM’s ongoing journey to honor local produce and the people who cultivate it. Each edition brings together chefs, artisans, and culinary experts to celebrate Vietnam’s agricultural heritage, while sharing the message of sustainability, respect for nature, and the beauty of plant-based cuisine. Through this journey, HUM continues to connect communities and inspire appreciation for the harmony between humans and the land.