Vietnamese cuisine is known for “Each season has its own type of food” philosophy. This shows the sophistication and appreciation of the precious nutritious ingredients that nature favors us with. In the summer, we prioritize something sweet, cool and light, instead of hot, flavorful dishes for winter. During winter, people feel hungrier. Amazingly, the body engine works better in the winter and foods are better digested.

The concept of the Ngu Hanh Tuong Sinh is expressed vividly in the tasting menu of Gia. We provide a fine selection of characteristic nutritious ingredients for this winter, giving the spirit of delicious – healthy.

1. Termite mushroom

We found this to be a gift from the earth. These are termite mushrooms which is formed over many months from a compound produced by termites in the soil. It grows naturally creeping into every bush, leafgrow and only appears once a year.

Harvesting mushrooms needs to go before the sun is up to retain the flavor of the night dew and the first seasons of the season. Otherwise, the characteristic sweetness this mushroom will disappear.

Termite mushroom and Bac Huong rice

2. Coix seed

This chewy grain has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—an ancient, foundational approach to health—for thousands of years for its medicinal and nutritional properties.

They often appear in tropical climates and like to grow in wild forests, especially in wet terrain such as rice fields or riverbanks. Normally the roots, stems and seeds will be harvested and dried. It can then be used to prepare for cooking or medicine.

In traditional medicine, coix seeds are recorded to have medium cooling properties that nourish the spleen and lungs. Some other documents mention that these seeds are also used to treat digestive diseases, prolonged rheumatism, high fever or arthritis.

3. Goji berries

Goji berries are also known as Lycium barbarum. The goji berry is native to Asia, and people in Asia have been using this brightly colored fruit for more than 2,000 years as a medicinal herb and food supplement.

With an abundant source of vitamins and minerals, goji berries improve health and can be named:

• You will easily calm your mind as well as calmly handle things better.
• Increase motor performance, especially in sports activities.
• Improve insomnia, trouble sleeping, help you fall asleep quickly and deeply. 
• Improve weight and physique problems for overweight and obese subjects.
• Strengthens fitness and health, anti-aging and anti-oxidant action.

Making a commitment to eat with the seasons, not only reconnects us to the earth but supports a sustainable lifestyle and a healthy state of mind. As you feel more connected to the world around you, you will also feel more connected to yourself, both supporting physical and mental well-being.