MÙA — Restaurant in Hội An

So, we were here during the monsoon that was coming through Hoi An in late October. We came out to the Tra Que agricultural community to walk around and get out of Hoi An (which is really just a Disneyland version of what it must have once been). This little island area is where all the cooking schools are. So I'm sure it's overrun with tourists in the summer. But we were told to check out Múa so we did. We are so happy we found this place, so much so we left our hotel room and switched to the hotel that is next to the restaurant. But that's another review for another time.

Now, the restaurant. The next morning, over coffee and breakfast that the restaurant made for us, we were discussing what made Múa so special. Was it the food? Well simply yes. The chefs and staff are doing an amazing tasting menu that is a haute cuisine version of traditional food and flavors that is deeply respectful of and honors the origins of the dish and the ingredients. They source everything from ecologically sustainable sources that promote local production. And you can taste the difference. This is some of the most authentic food we had during our time in Vietnam as well as some of the best overall. The presentation is beautiful and the journey through 15 courses was so interesting and engaging. Just look at the photos... they also do cocktail pairings. We LOVED this experience.

Now, the staff...they were the service equivalent of the food. We were the ONLY people that night so we got a kind of "private chef" experience in their lovely space. They were as much a part of the experience of the evening as the food. So funny, engaging, warm, impeccably professional, but also relaxed. It felt like we were in their home but with an upscale twist. They explained every dish (it's origins, where the ingredients were sourced, what their interpretation was on the original dish, etc...). They answered all our questions and chatted with us about other curiosities we had too. We played flavor and ingredient guessing games. It was such a delightful evening. The two women hostesses were such an amazing pair. So different from each other and so complementary to one another as well. They were perfect together. They played off each other like the dishes themselves. The head hostess was a master at quietly directing everything once she was away from our table. The other hostess led the storytelling of each dish with style and genuine enthusiasm. Together, they were an amazing team. And again...so funny! They made us laugh so much with their antics. Like two sisters. And the bartender, TOP NOTCH. I mix drinks at home, and this guy knows what he's doing. Finally, the chef came out and presented the main courses. She is amazing. Her work speaks for itself, but she was also the power behind the power. She was the unseen force that created the evening. And her personality comes through: funny, bright, serious about her craft, extremely skilled, creative and innovative. She makes her own rice wine too and infuses it with different flavors. Each takes 4 years to make. She shared two different drinks with us as a gift. And it really was a gift. Delicious!

The entire staff provided some of the best service I've had in my entire life. I want to be friends with them. I feel like we already are. They are such deeply genuinely great people. And the space is elegant, modern, and gorgously situated in a private verdant enclave in the rice patties. This place is the best of Vietnam...

This was my second time at Mua, and I was amazed by how incredible the food was. Frankly the experience was better than in many, if not most of the high Michelin starred ones I've visited. The food was nothing short of spectacular, the ambience was just right, and the timing of the dishes and length of service felt just right (15 courses, split in 5 dishes in 1.5h), instead of feeling like a chore. The service was very genuine, and at the same time professional.

The starters: First dish Fresh rolls with garden greens [pretty good, not much comment, I am unsure whether by design this dish can really stand out, it was a nice break alongside other dishes. Likely adding something a bit more refreshing into the roll might have made it even better {mint?} Three friends Very solid, interesting, overall ++ Tartare with lime / toast We both thought that whilst the dish is great, 20-30% less pastry would've been better. Overall my favourite starter still [the sour slice at the top - wonderful!] Fish Very solid dish

Second dish Puffed bread Whilst cool, I think when treated as a standalone dish would've been a bit bland/not enough standout there. The execution was very good though, with the inside being perfectly cooked, and the filling with just the right moisture. Ideas - To make it more umami -

Rieu Cua This was a real standout - I don't recall this being so good at my previous visit, but this time it was a real highlight of the meal. Phenomenal!

Third dish Shrimp dumpling Execution was good, but the dish was a bit simple. The asparagus didn't really break the taste sufficiently, and didn't introduce that much of a freshness to the dumpling.

Main dish Duck Soup rice Salad This was really good. The rice itself was an adventure, with soup being pretty solid and not overwhelming. The duck was very well cooked, I would've likely grilled the skin just a bit more, but overall it was excellent. I really like the salad [on the side], and how refreshing it was - My girlfriend missed mixing all the pieces of the salad at first, which caused her to find duck a bit overwhelming.

Dessert Banh Mi Chocolate Mousse I feel like I am much less of an expert on desserts, overall they...

“Mùa,” the Vietnamese word for “season,” is a fitting name for this restaurant, as it specialises in modern Vietnamese cuisine that uses seasonal, organic ingredients. If you’re seeking a unique culinary experience and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese cuisine, we highly recommend a visit to this establishment. They provide detailed explanations of their dishes, including their flavours, origins, and compositions.

The dining experience included a tasting menu composing of starters, main courses, and desserts. They also offer recommendations for various alcoholic beverages that complement each part of the menu. Our Autumn menu comprised of ingredients and flavours familiar to us but presented in a novel way.

The menu was overall very delicious but we did enjoy few meals in particular. Starting with their very fresh summer rolls filled with their home-grown produce. Their rendition of ‘Riêu Cua’ was absolutely stunning. Rich from the avocado and an extra umami flavour from the crab bisque. The main meal was delicious - a modern take on the traditional Vietnamese family dinner - we particularly loved the duck, which was beautifully cooked.

After the meal we were served three different Vietnamese desserts, including a mini Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival moon cake), which was non-traditionally filled with a mixture of dark bitter chocolate and sweet red bean. It's a dessert we still fondly...