Peppermint is a widely recognized herb known for its refreshing and invigorating aroma. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, peppermint is extensively used in both culinary and medicinal applications. Its leaves, containing high levels of menthol, impart a cooling sensation and are commonly used in teas, desserts, and as a garnish for various dishes. Medicinally, peppermint is valued for its digestive benefits, often used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and indigestion. Its essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy for its calming and headache-relieving properties. With its bright green leaves and strong, pleasant scent, peppermint is not only a versatile ingredient in the kitchen but also a staple in natural health remedies.
Hoi An cuisine is known for incorporating unique herbs and spices, including peppermint. Mộc Garden restaurant proudly features dishes with peppermint, delivering rich flavors and health benefits to diners. Masterchef Pham Tuan Hai has skillfully utilized the flavor of peppermint in the dishes at Mộc Garden, creating appealing and unique Hoi An specialties.
The dishes at Mộc Garden restaurant that use peppermint as an ingredient include:
- Beef Salad with Tamarind Sauce: Grilled beef salad with herbs and tamarind sauce, offering a distinctive and unforgettable flavor.
- Prawn Salad with “Rau Ma” & Peppermint Sauce: A delicate combination of seared prawns, pennywort, peppermint, and peppermint sauce, providing a refreshing taste.
- Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup with Foie Gras: A creamy wild mushroom soup combined with foie gras and the refreshing aroma of peppermint.
- Avocado Dip with Tortilla Chips: A delicious avocado dip with tortilla chips, tomatoes, and peppermint.
- Fresh Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Ibérico Pork: Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and smoked Ibérico pork, enhanced by the flavor of peppermint.
- Homemade Peppermint-Flavored Pasta with Seafood: Homemade pasta flavored with peppermint, served with spicy tomato sauce, salmon, and shrimp, creating a unique taste.
- Pepperoni Pizza with Peppermint Sauce: Pepperoni pizza with peppermint sauce, grilled vegetables, and herbs, offering a new and exciting flavor.
- Grilled Seafood with Galangal Leaves and Spicy Peppermint Sauce: Grilled seafood combined with galangal leaves and spicy peppermint sauce, delivering a fresh and appealing taste.
- BBQ Ribs with Honey Mustard Sauce: BBQ ribs with honey mustard sauce, grilled vegetables with garlic butter, and peppermint.
- Baked Beef with Onion Jam Wrapped in Pastry: Baked beef with mushrooms, wrapped in pastry, served with pepper sauce and onion jam.
- Braised Red Fish with Turmeric: Braised red fish with coriander roots, turmeric, beans, and onions, offering a distinctive flavor.
- Mango Pudding: A smooth and sweet mango pudding, creating a perfect dessert.
By incorporating peppermint, Mộc Garden restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Hoi An cuisine, emphasizing the use of Hoi An herbs and spices to provide a delightful culinary experience.