Cover Madame Hien is a Vietnamese restaurant in France recently visited by Liu Yifei
Madame Hien is a Vietnamese restaurant in France recently visited by Liu Yifei
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On 27 May, fans happened to spot “fairy sister” Liu Yifei dining at Madame Hien, a well-known Vietnamese restaurant in Cannes, France.
According to eyewitnesses, Liu Yifei’s beauty remained radiant despite her casual attire, unstyled hair and barefaced look. She enjoyed her bowl of pho peacefully near the entrance, seemingly unbothered by the curious onlookers. When it became apparent that fans were taking photos and videos, her assistant discreetly arranged a change of seats and politely asked for her privacy to be respected.
It’s understood that Liu Yifei was in France to attend the Louis Vuitton show, while also taking time to travel and unwind. Just prior, she was in Italy for the unveiling of Bvlgari’s POLYCHROMA high jewellery collection, where she appeared as a global ambassador for the brand. Her back-to-back appearances at major fashion events throughout May alone reaffirm her standing within the industry.
Adding to her list of recent achievements, Liu Yifei received a nomination for Best Actress at the 30th Magnolia Awards, for her role as Huang Yimei in The Story of Roses. The nod affirms her wise decision to return to television, with her three latest projects, Dream of Green Flowers, Going to the Windy Place and The Story of Roses all gaining recognition and positive reception.
Though she has not announced a new role, Liu Yifei continues to command public attention. A clear example? A simple photo of her eating Vietnamese pho in France swiftly shot to the top of China's trending searches.
You may be interested in: Living like Liu Yifei
Beyond the excitement over Liu Yifei’s appearance, many have become curious about Madame Hien, the Vietnamese restaurant she visited. In fact, Madame Hien has previously welcomed a host of well-known personalities, including director Hirokazu Koreeda and actor Yokohama Ryusei.
A delicate blend of French culinary style and traditional Vietnamese flavours
Aside from the Cannes location, Madame Hien also operates two branches in Hanoi and Hoi An. The menu is broad and varied, featuring everything from beloved starters like spring rolls and fried rolls to classic mains such as pho and bun cha. Other Vietnamese staples on offer include fried rice, aubergine with tofu, rice with grilled ribs, stir-fried noodles and sautéed chicken.
Each dish at Madame Hien is carefully prepared using thoughtfully selected ingredients. This ensures that the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine remains intact, while introducing subtle French culinary techniques that appeal to a global palate.
To enhance the experience, the restaurant also offers desserts and drinks deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture: think mixed sweet soup, coconut water, iced milk coffee, iced tea, lemon tea and even Saigon beer.
Cozy space with ancient and elegant beauty
Striving to create a warm, authentic dining experience, Madame Hien in Cannes embraces a design that is understated yet refined. There are both indoor and outdoor areas. Liu Yifei reportedly opted for a quieter corner to stay out of the spotlight. Many patrons, however, prefer the terrace to enjoy their meal while taking in the vibrant street scenes of the city.
Learn more: Visual cuisine art: when food becomes a vibrant art form
To evoke a distinctly Vietnamese charm, the restaurant features furnishings crafted from familiar materials such as bamboo and wood. Decorative accents, including silk paintings, ceramic pieces and fish-shaped lanterns, nod to the architecture of traditional Vietnamese homes. Yet, these elements are tastefully restrained, allowing the overall style to remain in harmony with contemporary French aesthetics.
Though not expansive, the restaurant manages to offer both shared and more intimate dining areas. The atmosphere is calm and composed, with gentle background music and soft, low conversations, all contributing to a relaxed and pleasurable culinary moment.
It is this thoughtful blend of Vietnamese heritage and French sophistication along with flavourful dishes and exceptional presentation that makes Madame Hien in Cannes a drawcard for diners from across the globe, including luminaries like Liu Yifei. From the choice of ingredients to the care in preparation, Madame Hien elevates Vietnamese cuisine on the international stage.
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