Vietnam meets Mexico dining is about to take Dubai’s food scene by storm with a spectacular one night only event. On 29 January 2026, two distinct culinary worlds will come alive in a vibrant collaboration between Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen of Vietnamese Foodies and Chef Shaw Lash of Lila Molino. This unique evening promises a bold fusion of flavors, textures, and cultures that will excite adventurous food lovers.
The Essence of Vietnam Meets Mexico Dining
Vietnam meets Mexico dining is more than just combining two cuisines; it is about blending traditions, ingredients, and cooking styles to create a fresh, playful experience. Vietnamese Foodies and Lila Molino are celebrated in Dubai for their strong culinary identities and passionate followings, making this collaboration an eagerly awaited event.
Curated by Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen, Dining Duets is a culinary series that celebrates creativity and shared food values through unique partnerships. Each edition pairs two different dining concepts to produce a menu crafted for one night only, offering guests an exclusive taste adventure.
This edition perfectly captures the essence of Vietnam meets Mexico dining where the vibrant herbs and fresh flavors of Vietnam meet the smoky heat and soul of Mexican cooking. Expect an exciting menu that balances boldness with comfort, designed to be shared and savored.
The Chefs Behind the Collaboration
Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen, founder of Vietnamese Foodies, brings deep knowledge of Vietnamese culinary traditions combined with a flair for innovative presentation. Her dishes are known for freshness, brightness, and authenticity, often showcasing the rich layers of herbs, spices, and textures that define Vietnamese cuisine.
Chef Shaw Lash of Lila Molino is known for his creative Mexican inspired dishes that emphasize bold, smoky, and spicy flavors. His kitchen pushes boundaries while staying true to Mexico’s culinary roots, offering an experience that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
Together, their collaboration is a true fusion of two vibrant culinary cultures.
What to Expect from the Menu
The Vietnam meets Mexico dining event offers a refined, shareable menu that combines Vietnamese flavors with Italian techniques and Mexican soul. The menu is designed to be a journey, encouraging guests to explore a variety of tastes and textures.
Starters
- Chicken fat flour tortilla with Bun Cha smashed meat, pickles, and fresh herbs: This dish reinterprets the classic Vietnamese Bun Cha with a Mexican twist, served on a delicate, rich tortilla.
- Tostadas topped with smashed avocado, soft shell crab, and passionfruit dressing: Combining the crunch and zest of Mexican tostadas with tropical passionfruit and fresh seafood, this starter bursts with flavor.
Mains
- Charcoal grilled sea bass marinated with ginger, galangal, and lemongrass: A smoky, aromatic dish that highlights Vietnamese herbs in a Mexican style grilling technique.
- Vietnamese duck sausage served with cold noodles, lettuce, and herbs for rolling: A playful dish that invites diners to create their own fresh rolls, combining savory sausage with crisp vegetables.
Pre-Dessert
- Raw beef ceviche with Vietnamese herbs and tamarind dressing: This refreshing dish combines the tanginess of tamarind with traditional ceviche preparation and Vietnamese freshness.
Dessert
- Flan topped with pink pomelo and lime zest: A creamy, zesty dessert that marries Mexican flan tradition with Vietnamese citrus notes.
Optional Mocktail Pairings
- Lychee or passionfruit with jalapeño syrup: Sweet meets spicy in this vibrant mocktail.
- Passionfruit blended with Vietnamese coffee: A bold, refreshing drink that complements the menu’s diverse flavors.
Event Details You Need to Know
Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026
Time: Bookings available at 7 PM, 8 PM, or 9 PM
Location: Lila Molino, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
Price:
• AED 275 per person (set menu only)
• AED 325 per person (set menu with mocktails)
Reservations: Bookings via Instagram DM at @lilamolino
This limited seating event offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Vietnam meets Mexico dining, blending culinary cultures in an intimate setting.
Why Vietnam Meets Mexico Dining Works So Well
At first glance, Vietnam and Mexico might seem like very different culinary landscapes. However, both cuisines share a love for fresh herbs, bold spices, and vibrant street food culture. Both focus heavily on layering flavors through fresh ingredients, pickling, and balancing heat with acidity.
The Vietnam meets Mexico dining event draws on these commonalities while respecting each cuisine’s uniqueness. Vietnamese freshness and brightness balance beautifully with Mexican smokiness and spice, creating dishes that surprise and delight.
Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen’s emphasis on herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and Vietnamese coriander pairs perfectly with Chef Shaw Lash’s smoky chilis, rich masa, and vibrant sauces. Together, they create a harmony that highlights the best of both worlds.
A Dining Experience Designed for Sharing and Discovery
Dining at this event is more than a meal; it is a shared journey. The set menu encourages communal eating, with plates designed to be passed around, mixed, and matched. This fosters a social atmosphere where diners can explore and discuss each dish, making the experience memorable beyond just the food.
Each bite invites guests to discover how familiar flavors are reimagined through a new culinary lens. The interplay between spicy, sour, sweet, and savory elements keeps the palate engaged from start to finish.
Dining Duets: A Celebration of Collaboration and Creativity
The Dining Duets series has become known in Dubai’s culinary scene for bringing together chefs and cuisines in unexpected ways. This format not only highlights the talents of individual chefs but also celebrates the magic that happens when two distinct culinary visions merge.
For both chefs, this collaboration is a chance to push creative boundaries, experiment with fusion, and introduce diners to new flavor combinations. It is a platform for storytelling through food, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry that Dubai itself embodies.
Booking Your Seat at the Table
Given the exclusivity and uniqueness of the event, reservations are essential. With limited seats and only one night to experience this culinary celebration, food enthusiasts are encouraged to book early.
To reserve, simply send a direct message on Instagram to @lilamolino, choosing your preferred time slot (7 PM, 8 PM, or 9 PM).
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Dining Duets event on 29 January 2026 is a rare opportunity to experience Vietnam meets Mexico dining in an unforgettable way. Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen and Chef Shaw Lash’s collaboration promises a menu bursting with bold, fresh, and soulful flavors that will excite any food lover.
If you crave culinary adventure and want to enjoy a night where two vibrant cuisines meet and mingle, this is an event not to miss.
Vietnam meets Mexico dining will redefine your expectations of fusion cuisine offering a night full of flavor, creativity, and shared experiences.
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