Tiếng Việt“Sometimes, you have to let go of things that are already good because only by letting go can you create something new.” This is a quote from Ms. Uyên that I have always remembered, along with the meaningful lesson in the story of the Salted Duck Salad.
During one of our “What to Eat, What to Drink, and Where” video series for WeWine, we had a segment where a chef and a sommelier would team up to introduce a unique pairing of wine and food. In the first episode, we had the opportunity to work with Ms. Uyên, the chef and owner of Nén restaurant. The wine we proposed was Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling. Although this wine comes from a highly esteemed winery in Margaret River, Australia, pairing Riesling with Vietnamese cuisine is not an easy task. After much deliberation, she decided on Salted Duck Salad—a dish that seems simple but is incredibly intricate to prepare, with the duck being dry-salted for 75 days. Notably, it was no longer on Nén’s menu. I was quite surprised as to why such a beloved dish was removed. Her explanation resonated deeply with me both at that time and more recently: “Sometimes, you have to let go of things that are already good because only by letting go can you create something new.” This isn’t just a simple story about a dish; it’s a profound message about having the courage to change and strive for excellence.
I also observed this philosophy in Nén’s working ethos, characterized by constant innovation and creativity. This is why a small restaurant, despite being newly established, has garnered such significant attention. It has captivated the connoisseurs and critics alike, transforming the perception of Vietnamese cuisine. Nén has elevated Vietnamese food to a new level, comparable to renowned culinary traditions like French and Italian.
I believe everything has a time. What is good today might not be good tomorrow or in the future. Many companies or individuals have once been successful and led their fields, only to fall behind or be forgotten because they resisted change. The story of the Salted Duck Salad continues to inspire me to step out of my comfort zone. It is undoubtedly a journey that involves risk and hardship, but it’s a journey where you can discover your limitless potential and find the true meaning of life.
