A new culinary experience is set to captivate the senses at Oku, the purest expression of Regent Phu Quoc’s Taste Gallery. This contemporary Japanese-French restaurant is making waves in Vietnam’s culinary scene and this August, Oku will be presenting a limited-time Olfactory Omakase taking place on the 9th and 10th of August.
Guests will embark on a sensory journey like no other as Oku Chef de Cuisine Andy Huynh and Perfume Artist in Residence Ms Rei Nguyen collaborate to bring an evening of Olfactory Omakase, where cuisine meets scent discovery. As flames dance around the Omakase counter, diners will be treated to a theatrical ambience that sets the stage for an interactive multisensory experience.
Its all about the way we experience emotions, it's about the thoughtfulness that goes behind the scenes. Selecting cool tones with a hint of spiciness to evoke a calming feeling or adding texture and layers for warmth and energy. We can control a lot by what we put in a bottle and the way it contributes to how people experience that scent.
During the very first meeting with Andy we talked about all the places he had travel, the different cultures in each city but also the richness in flavours. Now taking the wish for travel as a human emotion is what led us to the Olfactory Omakase - here we tell the story of discovery, a personal discovery” said Perfume Artist in Residence Ms Rei Nguyen.
The Olfactory Omakase experience will showcase a unison of flavors and scents, designed to stimulate the palate and evoke personal scent discoveries. Led by Rei and Andy, each interactive chapter will explore nuances of their chosen scents and the inspiration behind their approach. The Omakase counter will be decorated with Rei's perfume-making tools, inviting guests to experiment with creating their own unique fragrance on the spot.
About Rei Nguyen
"I did dream in colour but more importantly, I dream in smell."
Rei Nguyen is known as the perfumer and founder of prestigious brands R Parfums and NOTE - The Scent Lab. With her passion for crafting fragrances that tell stories and evoke emotions, Rei has spent over seven years honing her expertise in niche perfume design, perfumery training, and olfactory art curation. She believes perfumery is both an art and a science, involving alchemy and the delicate balance of art. Describing her perfume DNA as a symphony, Rei expertly experiments with contrasts like patchouli and rose.
About Andy Huynh
"I cook from the heart and let the product speak for itself."
Born in Vietnam and raised in California, Andy grew up between land and sea, discovering early the value of each ingredient and their cultural meaning. He honed his Japanese techniques with Nobu for many years, from San Diego to Nassau, before joining the team at Regent Phu Quoc to open the contemporary Japanese - French restaurant Oku. His creativity fuses a flurry of influences, from modern art to far-flung travel, but his dishes are always rooted in a deep respect for the finest ingredients and products.
About Oku
Oku is the purest expression of Regent Phu Quoc’s Taste Gallery - an enchanting contemporary Japanese-French restaurant showcasing the finest techniques and ingredients of both worlds. The concept is an innovative addition to Vietnam’s culinary scene, with both Salon de Boeuf and an Omakase Atelier, offering guests the finest culinary creations with a meticulous attention to detail, from food to interior.
Discover the art of scent and taste at Oku’s Olfactory Omakase event on the 9th and 10th of August. Reservations are encouraged and resident and non-resident guests can contact the restaurant by calling +84 297 388 0000, via email regent.phuquoc@ihg.com or visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/