TRADITION WITH A TWIST: DISCOVER VIETNAM’S MOST INNOVATIVE GASTRONOMY AND MIXOLOGY

This March and April, the country’s finest hotels & resorts will present fresh, seasonal produce and authentic local flavours in original styles, from tempting tasting menus to creative cocktails.

Vietnam is a natural paradise that thrives with some of the world’s finest fresh produce, from organic vegetables to succulent seafood. All across the country, talented chefs and mixologists at five-star hotels and resorts are embracing these seasonal ingredients and reinventing them in highly innovative ways. From creative cuisine to handcrafted cocktails, guests can experience a series of original dishes that elevate Vietnam’s culture and heritage with a contemporary twist.

Don’t miss these exciting recipes that raise the standard of local gastronomy to new levels of epicurean elegance and excellence, underpinned by the country’s rich history.

Vietnamese Dynasty Cocktails Collection

The L_O_N_G Bar, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Embark on an immersive journey into Vietnam’s royal heritage with this original cocktail collection, which showcases authentic local ingredients such as butterfly pea flowers, starfruit, cinnamon, pandan leaves, and mountain pepper to transport guests on a journey through history, from the Hung kings to the Nguyen dynasty. The meticulous presentation of each cocktail features traditional Vietnamese motifs to evoke epic tales from Vietnamese legend and ancient artworks. Sip your favourite whilst gazing out across the East Sea at InterContinental Danang.

Fish Sauce Sorbet

Hang Ten Beach Bar & Grill, The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh

Vietnam’s south-central coast is famed for its fish sauce, one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic condiments, which is commonly used to add a salty sensation to a wide range of dishes. Now, the epicurean experts at The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh have elevated this humble ingredient with a new fish sauce sorbet – a bold and innovative dessert, crafted using the renowned 584 Nha Trang fish sauce. With a unique taste that captures the warm hospitality of this serene coastal city, this delectable dessert embodies Westin’s “Eat Well” philosophy.

The Albion Tomato

The Albion by Kirk Westaway, Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection

The charming town of Da Lat, in Vietnam’s lush Central Highlands, is a haven of fresh produce – including the region’s finest tomatoes. Now, Chef Kirk Westaway, the British culinary maestro who holds two Michelin stars, is raising this ingredient to new heights at The Albion, his refined 23rd floor restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. The Albion Tomato is a celebration of Da Lat’s organic heritage tomatoes, paired with burrata cheese, black olives, sweet basil, orange sorbet and mint cream to create a refreshing, revitalising taste sensation.

Bitter Melon Cocktail

Theia Bar, Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel

The visionary chefs at Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel have a reputation for pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. Now, they have transformed the bitter melon – an intensely flavoured, vitamin-filled, yet sometimes divisive ingredient – into a highly original cocktail. This fragrant blend of fresh bitter melon juice and local Lady Trieu gin, which honours Vietnam’s national heroine, has been carefully crafted to transport guests’ senses on a surprising sensory journey, evolving from a stimulating bitterness to a gentle sweet finish.

Ham Ninh Flower Crab & Chicken Salad

Pink Pearl, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Vietnam’s “Pearl Island”, Phu Quoc is a haven of local and seasonal produce, including fresh seafood. To celebrate these natural treasures, the talented chefs at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay have sourced succulent Ham Ninh flower crabs – a small, sweet island specialty – and enhanced them with free-range chicken, sea urchin, Oscietra caviar, Da Lat vegetables, young coconut and organic herbs from the JW Garden, to create this sublime salad. Enjoy it with a unique Black Pepper Cocktail, a warming concoction which highlights Phu Quoc’s famous black pepper.

The Blue Greens Cocktail

Cheers Bar, Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh

Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh is inspired by the traditional fishing villages that can be discovered along this idyllic stretch of Vietnam’s south-central coast. Capturing the vibrant hues of these seaside landscapes and the spirit of local communities, the Blue Greens Cocktail blends the boldness of blue vodka with the aromatic tang of giang leaves, and the zesty zing of lime juice. Served in a chilled Martini glass, this vibrant blue-green cocktail perfectly reflects the natural beauty and invigorating freshness of a stroll along the Cam Ranh coast.

The Chrysanthemum and Muong Khuong Cocktails

Absinthe, Hotel de la Coupole Sapa - MGallery Collection

Nestled high in the hills of Northern Vietnam, Hotel de la Coupole Sapa blends authentic local style with the elegance of the French Indochine era. This cultural synergy is perfectly captured by the signature cocktails at Absinthe, the chic rooftop bar. The Chrysanthemum highlights Sapa’s floral flavours with Dom Benedictine herbal liqueur, absinthe and garnishes, while Muong Khuong Heater is an innovative and adventurous combination of Irish whiskey, Vietnamese Muong Khuong chili, kumquat and basil.

Vietnamese Honey Tasting Menu

Le Beaulieu, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

With a rich 123-year history, Le Beaulieu is an iconic French fine dining restaurant that pays homage to Vietnam’s fresh produce. Chef Charles has collaborated closely with local farmers and suppliers to craft a new tasting menu which is inspired by natural Vietnamese honey. Diners can discover a series of sublime courses that showcase this exquisite ingredient, including poached Dover sole with longan flower honey, fermented garlic, morning glory and blue belly shrimp. Don’t miss this remarkable gastronomic journey from 1st March 2025.