Chef Nhượng Nguyễn, head chef of the Vietnamese kitchen at Tempus Fugit, the all-day dining restaurant at JW Marriott Phu Quoc. Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

With a strong love for cooking, Chef Nhượng Nguyễn began his career as a commis chef, where he perfected the art of preparing traditional Vietnamese cuisine with precision and flair.

His impeccable attention to detail and commitment to excellence quickly led him to the chef de cuisine position at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, where he takes charge of the Tempus Fugit.

While serving as chef de cuisine at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, Chef Nhượng discovered his favourite recipe: the exquisite gỏi cá trích Phú Quốc or Phú Quốc herring salad.

This is a dish that guests should not miss before leaving Phú Quốc. Visit the island this summer and try the special herring salad at Tempus Fugit.

Exquisite gỏi cá trích Phú Quốc or Phú Quốc herring salad..Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Phú Quốc herring salad

Ingredients: for two

Main ingredients

.Herring fish: 500 gr

Dressing ingredients

.Lime juice or kumquat juice: 12 ml

.Sugar: 20gr

.Fish sauce (with 40 % protein): 10ml

.Minced garlic: 2gr

.Minced chilli: 2gr

Vegetables

.Mint leaves: 50gr

.Perilla leaves: 50gr

.Cilantro: 50gr

.Roasted peanuts: 20gr

.White spring onions: 20gr

.Shredded coconut: 30gr

.Rice paper: 100gr

.Lettuce: 50gr

.Chilli: 5pcs

Preparation:

- Thoroughly clean the fish and remove the small bones.

- Slice the onions and soak them in ice water, then squeeze out the excess water.

- Remove the seeds from the chilli and slice them. Roast the peanuts until golden.

- Wash the mint, cilantro, perilla leaves, and lettuce.

- Debone the fish fillet, soak it in mildly salted water, then drain.

Prepare the sauce:

- Mix sugar and fish sauce, boil, and let it cool.

- Add lime juice or kumquat juice, minced garlic, and chilli. Mix well.

Mix the salad:

- Place the fish fillet in a bowl, add a small cup of lime juice, and gently mix.

- Remove excess liquid, then gently mix in the sweet and sour sauce, shredded coconut, sliced onions, and roasted peanuts.

Serve with rice paper and fresh herbs. Dip in sweet and sour fish sauce. Enjoy the unique flavours of Phú Quốc Island. VNS