When Kitchens Speak in Stories

Jade Huynh

Across Vietnam, a new generation of restaurants is telling tales through flavour—of memory, movement, and mastery. From handcrafted pasta to riverside rituals, these spaces invite diners not just to eat, but to feel, reflect, and reconnect with the joy of thoughtful dining. 


Elements in Perfect Balance  

Blending Mediterranean soul with Vietnamese warmth, Terra Mare offers a multi-sensory dining experience across three beautifully designed floors. Chef Olivier Génique’s menu celebrates nature’s balance—pairing pristine seafood with earthy creations that highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is crafted with finesse, reflecting both culinary tradition and modern innovation. Signature highlights like Blue Lobster Texture and Foie Gras Pillow are matched with thoughtful tea and wine pairings, elevating each course into a story of flavour and place. With a philosophy rooted in care, balance, and sustainability, Terra Mare is more than a restaurant—it’s a refined escape for those who appreciate artistry on the plate. 66 To Ngoc Van Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi City. Tel: (+84) 865 064 966. 

Where Every Dish Tells a Hong Kong Story   

Located on Level 4 of Thiso Mall, District 2, Red Junk – Hong Kong Fusion brings the essence of traditional Cantonese cuisine to Saigon in a stylish, contemporary setting. Helmed by veteran Hong Kong Chef Lau Chi Wai, the menu is a tribute to time-honoured flavours, expertly executed with modern finesse. Signature highlights include handcrafted dim sum, perfectly roasted Peking Duck, and a standout selection of seafood dishes prepared with premium ingredients and authentic techniques. Each plate is beautifully presented, reflecting the culinary artistry behind every bite. Whether you’re savouring crispy pork belly, aromatic stir-fries, or steamed specialties, Red Junk offers a dining experience that is both comforting and elevated. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic city view, the restaurant provides a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city—perfect for intimate dinners, family feasts, or refined gatherings. Red Junk is not just a meal, it’s a celebration of Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture. L4 Floor, Thiso Mall Sala, No. 10 Mai Chi Tho Street, Thu Thiem Ward, Thu Duc City, HCM City. Tel: (+84) 869 337 537.    

Where Flavour Floats and Romance Rises   

Drifting along the quiet waters of the Saigon River, ICON Saigon Cruise offers more than a meal—it’s a curated journey of romance, refinement, and remarkable flavour. Opening June 25, 2025, ICON introduces a new era of waterfront dining where contemporary Cantonese cuisine meets Asian–European fusion in an elevated and elegant setting. Crafted by culinary artisans, each dish showcases premium ingredients and bold creativity, from handcrafted dim sum to expertly prepared seafood and signature mains. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a grand celebration, every detail—from the bespoke menu to the ambient glow of the city skyline—is meticulously designed to create lasting memories. Live performances inspired by Chinese heritage add a vibrant rhythm to the evening, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping river views that make every table feel like the best seat in the house. 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, HCM City. Tel: (+84) 763 649 988.

Love, in Twirls of Pasta  

Tucked away in a quiet alley of Saigon’s District 1, 15 Grams Homemade Kitchen is a cosy haven for pasta lovers seeking flavour and heart. Founded by Lương Triệu Vĩ and Lao Thị Thanh An during the pandemic, this small eatery has grown into a cherished local gem.   

The focus here is on handcrafted pasta, made fresh daily and served with care. Highlights include creamy salmon pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, and refreshing house-made drinks like mulberry wine and ginger beer. With its vintage décor, mismatched furniture, and welcoming energy, the space feels more like a friend’s dining room than a typical restaurant. Vinyl records hum in the background, and the atmosphere is as comforting as the dishes.   

Blending Italian inspiration with Vietnamese soul, 15 Grams is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder that food made with love always tastes better. 214/19/24 Nguyen Van Nguyen Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCM City. Tel: (+84) 939 963 177.  

From Sea to Soul 

Set within the elegant Villa Le Corail, Hispania Nha Trang brings the soul of Spain to Vietnam’s sun-kissed coast. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Marcos Morán, the restaurant honours coastal Mediterranean cuisine with refined artistry and heartfelt flavour. Signature dishes include Paella del Senyoret, where saffron-kissed rice meets tender squid and prawns, and roasted grouper layered with pickled chicken escabeche and hazelnut. The menu is a tribute to harmony—land and sea, tradition and innovation—crafted with precision and plated with soul.   

Guests can sip premium Spanish wines or sangria with an ocean view, share tapas on the terrace, or explore bold, sun-drenched flavours through immersive chef-led experiences. From tuna tartare with ajo blanco to the housemade aioli that lingers delicately, each dish tells a story—echoing both Spanish heritage and the rhythm of Nha Trang’s coastline. Hispania is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of life, elegantly served. Villa Le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel, Bai Tien, Duong De, Vinh Hoa Ward, Nha Trang City, Vietnam. Tel: (+84) 258 3868 888.  

A Slice of Lisbon in Saigon   

Casinha is Vietnam’s first authentic Portuguese bistro and fábrica de pastéis de nata, offering a warm, flavourful escape into the heart of Portugal. Tucked away in Thảo Điền, this cosy eatery reimagines classic Portuguese comfort food with flair and finesse. Signature dishes include Bife Casinha—a hearty steak topped with a golden egg, drenched in velvety house sauce, and served with crisp potatoes made for dipping. For a more casual bite, indulge in the Bifana Gourmet pork sandwich, Sapatei’roll seafood rolls, or crispy Rissóis de Camarão. Salads named after coastal towns like Algarve and Tavira bring freshness to the table, while traditional favourites such as Bacalhau à Brás showcase Portugal’s beloved cod. Pair your meal with a chilled craft beer or a glass of Portuguese wine. Then, end on a sweet note with the iconic pastel de nata or rich chocolate mousse. At Casinha, every dish is a story—from Lisbon’s sunlit cafés to Saigon’s vibrant streets—served with warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of saudade. 154 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCM City. Tel: (+84) 988 025 154.  

The Gentle Art of Vietnamese Flavour   

Located in Ho Chi Minh City's District 7, Sành Kitchen offers a contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, all-natural ingredients and presents dishes with a modern flair. Seafood enthusiasts can savor the Thai-style shrimp paired with zesty lime-sauce squid, a combination designed to invigorate the palate. For starters, the signature Tép Rong served with crispy rice crackers is both fragrant and crisp, making it an ideal companion to a chilled beer.   

The menu also features hearty options like the flavor-packed Cơm Chiên Tôm and the renowned Bún Bò, both of which have garnered acclaim for their depth and authenticity. Traditional favorites such as Bò Kho and Gà Hấp Mắm Nhĩ are prepared with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a soulful dining experience. Vegetarians will appreciate the Bún Bò Chay, crafted with organic vegetables and free from MSG. Set in a warm and elegant ambiance, Sành Kitchen provides a memorable culinary journey through Vietnam's rich gastronomic heritage. 165 Ton Dat Tien Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, HCM City. Tel: (+84) 929 111 165.  

Flame, Flavour, and the Spirit of the States   

Modern American cuisine comes alive with fire, flavour, and flair at Red Bison Grill, this contemporary dining spot reimagines classic comfort dishes with global inspiration and refined technique. Signature offerings include the Red Bison Burger, made with 28-day dry-aged Angus beef, melted provolone, and a kick of sriracha crema. Seafood fans will love the Cajun-spiced blackened shrimp, while the Smokey Short Rib Ragu Pappardelle satisfies with slow-cooked depth and richness. Steak lovers are spoiled for choice, from premium cuts like Ribeye MB4+, Denver, and Hanger to the standout Dry-Aged Bone-In NY Strip. Adventurous diners can opt for fusion favourites such as the Blue Steak Pizza, blending bold flavours with finesse. With its curated wine selection and a setting that balances urban energy with casual sophistication, Red Bison Grill offers a bold, unforgettable expression of modern American cuisine in the heart of Saigon. 56 Pho Duc Chinh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCM City. Tel: (+84) 901 457 910.