Mâm Mâm is one of D1’s newest eateries. Nestled just off Ton Duc Thang, on the ground floor of the Nexus Tower, it’s shaping up to be a staple of the D1 restaurant scene.
The Mâm Platter
At the very core of Mâm Mâm’s ethos is the namesake mâm platter. Mâm are a traditional Vietnamese tray, upon which home cooks organise a variety of dishes for family meals, to be enjoyed with a bowl of rice.
At Mâm Mâm, the mâm appears not on the table but rather in it. Similarly to the walls, chairs, glassware and even ceiling, small mâm designs are inlaid into every aspect of the restaurant.
The inlaid mâm trays reflect the restaurant’s approach to mixing modernity and tradition. Rather than a clumsy fusion of non la and scan-to-order QR codes, Mâm Mâm’s approach is distinctly more tasteful. The space and menu are modern, with unmistakably Vietnamese DNA woven in.
From Rice Paddies To Skyscrapers
Onto the menu. The food at Mâm Mâm, like the restaurant, is unmistakably Vietnamese, yet modern. The menu is split into two sections, one for tapas and the other for larger plates. The food here is meant to be shared, and the menu certainly reflects that.
Dishes are packed with flavour, and designed to be enjoyed in a couple of bites. The vibe is very much one of a "successful", urbanized Vietnam, a Vietnam that’s gone from rice paddies to skyscrapers. Traditionally lean and green staples like spring rolls turn into rich and decadent eel-stuffed logs of crispy goodness.
The menu remains faithful to its roots however, with innovative use of old-school ingredients like fermented rice and tofu that are often shunned as passé relics by younger generations.
Crafting Dishes And Drinks With Vietnamese Harmony
With an open kitchen, it’s a marvel to watch cooks pace back and forth, expertly slinging herbs, meat and seafood into their pans and pots and onto plates to create a culinary map of Vietnam.
The restaurant sources ingredients from all across Vietnam and Asia, bringing together regional specialities to create a new breed of uniquely Vietnamese dishes: from Tay Bac beef to Ca Mau crab, the produce is a reflection of modern Vietnam's incredible diversity.
The same can be said of the drinks. The sweet, creamy and easily approachable Creamy Tofu, the tangy and roasty Peanut Tamarind and the herbaceous and well-balanced Lotus Plus were among my personal favourites.
The bartenders use their talents to distill every one of the traditional five flavours of Vietnamese into an impressive, contemporary cocktail menu. Mâm Mâm also offers a selection of tap beers, a wine list, and a well-stocked whisky list.
Overall, Mâm Mâm is relatively affordable, welcoming and the food, drink and service are top notch. We at Vietcetera strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a classy yet relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy tastefully modernized Vietnamese cuisine. To reserve, call +84862075500.