Dining Duet: Chefs Lily Hoa Nguyen & Min Wei Lai Unveil Exclusive Culinary Experience in Dubai

On February 20 (Thursday), an exclusive culinary event will transform XU restaurant at Kempinski Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai into a vibrant showcase of gastronomic excellence. This one-night-only event promises an immersive journey through the signature styles of these culinary masters, marrying authentic Vietnamese tastes with the refined essence of Cantonese cuisine.

At this much-awaited Dining Duet series chapter, Samantha Wood of Foodiva will host an intimate dining experience, featuring a special collaboration between Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen of Vietnamese Foodies and Chef Min Wei Lai of XU Restaurant.

The evening will unfold with a meticulously designed set menu, exemplifying the creative prowess and culinary expertise of both chefs. From the opening welcome drinks, including the unique Hukou and XU Spritz, to the carefully crafted amuse-bouche, appetizers, and main courses, each dish will serve as a testament to the chefs' commitment to innovation and excellence.

The menu will feature standout items like Pomelo salad bites with seared scallops, Truffle Wagyu Beef Puff, Crab net spring rolls, and a collaborative Aromatic Roast Duck Pho. Desserts will be equally memorable, with Mango pudding with Mekong Delta pomelo and Lemongrass Crème Brulée rounding off the meal. For those interested, an exclusive wine pairing option is available, featuring selections from Chateau Changyu Moser XV.

Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen has been a pivotal figure in shaping the culinary landscape of Dubai since the inception of Vietnamese Foodies in 2018. With her roots in Ho Chi Minh City, she brings a deep-seated passion for the rich flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine.

Under her guidance, Vietnamese Foodies has expanded to nearly ten locations, gaining acclaim for its fresh, wholesome approach to Vietnamese dining. Lily's innovative culinary style has not only earned her spots on numerous F&B Power Lists but has also endeared her to a broad audience eager for authentic Vietnamese flavors.

Chef Min Wei Lai, hailing from Malaysia, has made a name for himself as a visionary in Cantonese cuisine. With a career that includes eight transformative years at Michelin-starred Hakkasan in London and Doha, Chef Lai has developed a unique culinary style that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation.

Since his arrival in Dubai in 2019, he has been at the forefront of redefining Cantonese dining at notable venues like Zheng He's and Demon Duck, and now at XU under the RIKAS Hospitality Group. His dishes celebrate the versatility of ingredients, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and contemporary.

Guests attending this unique culinary event will be treated to an evening of bold flavors and artistic culinary techniques, showcasing the highest standards of culinary craftsmanship.

The event, priced at AED 290 per person, is set to begin at 8 pm, offering an unparalleled dining experience that highlights the very best of Vietnamese and Cantonese culinary arts.

With both chefs bringing their distinctive styles to the table, this Dining Duet series chapter is not just a meal but a celebration of culinary innovation and shared passion for exceptional cuisine.