Madame Lam's bold new salad blends pomelo, dragon fruit and tradition

Madame Lam restaurant has introduced a vibrant new starter that blends sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours. The green skin pomelo and red dragon fruit salad features fresh shrimp, dry squid, and a special home-made sauce. Chef Nguyễn Như Cường, the head of the kitchen, brings both tradition and international experience to the dish.

Chef Cường grew up in Gia Lai Province, where his family had deep roots in cooking. Before joining Madame Lam, he worked in kitchens at international hotels and restaurants. His return to Vietnamese cuisine led to the creation of this signature salad.

The dish starts with stir-fried shrimp, then mixes pomelo, dragon fruit, and squid with a carefully crafted sauce. For presentation, the salad is served inside a hollowed-out dragon fruit peel. The sauce ties all the ingredients together, giving the dish its distinctive taste.

The salad has quickly become a favourite among diners at Madame Lam. Its mix of textures and bold flavours reflects both traditional Vietnamese ingredients and modern techniques. Chef Cường's approach highlights how classic recipes can evolve in contemporary dining.