Popular Adelaide Southeast Asian restaurant, Madame Hanoi, is about to enter a new era in 2026, with SkyCity Adelaide announcing Jaime ‘Jimmy’ Figueroa Henríquez as the restaurant’s new Head Chef.
Madame Hanoi has long been celebrated as a fabulous Asian dining destination in the CBD, known for bold Vietnamese-inspired dishes with a cocktail list to match. Now under Jimmy’s watch and leadership, the multi-award-winning venue is entering an exciting new chapter, grounded in balance, creativity and intensity.
Born in Santiago, Chile, Jimmy’s love for food was shaped far before he stepped into a professional kitchen. His father worked front-of-house in restaurants, his mother taught Jimmy and his brothers to cook, and his grandmother entranced them all with soulful dishes, prepared with love and simple ingredients.
“We never followed strict recipes, we cooked by feel,” shared Jimmy. “A touch of this, a small amount of that, tasting and adjusting until the flavours felt right.”
As a teenager, Jimmy and his twin brother Francisco worked in a local supermarket, rotating through produce, fish, butchery and bakery departments. This was the beginning of a food education that would set the stage for a global culinary journey.
Jimmy followed in the footsteps of Francisco, who became a respected figure in Chile’s culinary scene, teaching professionally and appearing regularly on television. Jimmy describes his brother as one of his greatest mentors, someone who shared knowledge generously and opened doors to major events and top-tier restaurants. But after all this, it was a family wedding in Australia that really changed Jimmy’s path. After visiting Adelaide, he instantly fell in love with the city’s laid-back charm, and before long, it became home.
Jimmy joined SkyCity Adelaide’s culinary team in 2022 and has worked between SOL Rooftop and iTL, as well as catering events for high-profile guests, including chef Andy Allen and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.
Now taking the helm at Madame Hanoi, Jimmy is focused on building upon its award-winning foundation. His approach is grounded in balance, paired with a strong belief in a respectful, collaborative kitchen culture. “I want to use my experience to inspire others,” said Jimmy. “Every day, we’re driving for the highest standards, to create memorable dining experiences for our guests.”
The menu will remain a celebration of Southeast Asian cuisine, with Jimmy admitting to having a soft spot for the restaurant’s roasted pork belly, alongside dishes celebrating premium South Australian seafood.
Whether Madame Hanoi is a family favourite or one you’re yet to try, this new era is the perfect time to head in and experience it for yourself.
Madame Hanoi
Where: North Terrace, Adelaide
When: Tuesday to Saturday, from 5pm
For more information, click here.
