Celebrating its first year in Vietnam, ORYZ Saigon unveils the Vietnam Set Menu—a culinary journey that bridges the past and future of Vietnamese gastronomy. Crafted by Singaporean Chef Chris Fong, the menu reimagines the iconic flavours of Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon, offering a dining experience that beautifully combines heritage and creativity.
ORYZ Saigon is more than a restaurant; it is a cultural destination that unites diverse traditions through the universal language of food. With a passion for celebrating heritage, ORYZ embraces tradition while daring to reimagine it with bold creativity. To mark its first anniversary, Chef Chris Fong presents the Vietnam Set Menu as a tribute to a country that has deeply inspired him. This menu showcases the signature flavours of Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon, reflecting the essence of each region through dishes that honour history and artistry.
A Journey of Culinary Discovery
The creation of the Vietnam Set Menu was inspired by immersive trips to Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon. The ORYZ team spent days exploring local flavours, traditions, and stories in each city. In Hanoi, they meandered through ancient streets, tasted street food, and engaged with vendors to uncover the subtleties of Northern cuisine. In Hue, they delved into the imperial city’s bold and complex culinary heritage.
These experiences offered invaluable insights into Vietnam’s culinary essence. From understanding the cultural significance of ingredients to uncovering the stories behind traditional recipes, the team developed a profound appreciation for how food reflects the history and character of a place.
Guided by these learnings, ORYZ’s culinary team crafted a menu that respects tradition while embracing innovation. By preserving core ingredients and reimagining techniques, they elevated traditional dishes into something exciting and new. The result is a harmonious blend of authenticity and modernity that transports diners on a gastronomic journey through Vietnam’s iconic regions.
A Culinary Exploration of Vietnam
Hanoi’s culinary heritage shines in Phở Tái Lăn, where charcoal-seared beef tenderloin is delicately encased in phở jelly, paired with phở bò foam and fermented chilli. This dish honours Northern traditions while adding a refined, contemporary flair.
Hue’s imperial legacy comes alive through Bánh Huế, a trio of traditional steamed rice cakes elevated with inventive toppings. Bánh Nậm features chicken, bamboo shoots, and wild basil, inspired by Phú Yên’s iconic hot pot. Bánh Bèo combines braised shrimp and pork with a caramelised chilli sauce from Đà Nẵng, while Bánh Bột Lọc stays true to Hue’s roots with fermented shrimp. These rice cakes are complemented by an artisanal fish sauce infused with dried seafood, including baby clams, scallops, and oysters, sourced from a boutique brewery in Central Vietnam.
From Saigon, the Hủ Tiếu exemplifies the city’s multicultural spirit with squid ink scallop mousse, salted pork belly, and an eight-hour slow-cooked French, Vietnamese, and Chinese consommé. Meanwhile, Cơm Tấm transforms the humble broken rice dish into a playful dessert illusion of coconut rice pudding, mango "egg yolk," and ginger jelly.
This menu embodies ORYZ Saigon’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry.
From the fragrant port of Hong Kong to the straits of Malacca and now Vietnam, ORYZ Saigon continues to redefine cultural gastronomy, crossing borders to celebrate the beauty of tradition and creativity. Experience the Vietnam Set Menu and savour the flavours of a nation, honouring its past, present, and future with every bite.