ORYZ’s Vietnam Set Menu brings Saigon’s beloved street food into the spotlight, reimagining “Hủ tiếu” with bold new flavours while preserving its deep cultural roots. This dish, which has transcended borders and generations, is now presented with a modern creative touch, honouring tradition while embracing innovation.
Dedicated to bridging cultures through food, ORYZ explores diverse culinary traditions through ever-evolving themes. Following past menus inspired by the Red River Delta, Sichuan, and Nanyang, the Vietnam Set Menu highlights the distinct flavours of Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon. At the heart of this menu is hủ tiếu, a noodle dish deeply embedded in Saigon’s vibrant street food culture.
Under the creative direction of Chef Chris JH Fong and ORYZ's culinary team, “Hủ tiếu” is transformed while staying true to its origins. The noodles, infused with squid ink for a striking black hue, are stir-fried over charcoal with bean sprouts, chives, and crispy pork fat, creating a smoky aroma and satisfying texture. This bold reinvention is complemented by steamed pork belly delicately seasoned with white pepper, a prawn cake balancing garlicky depth with natural sweetness, and crispy pork skin—best dipped into fermented chili sauce for a lingering warmth. On the side, pickled daikon offers a refreshing contrast, cutting through the dish’s richness.
Yet, the soul of “Hủ tiếu” lies in its eight-hour simmered broth, where pork bones, dried squid, shrimp, and daikon meld together to create a deeply layered umami essence. On ORYZ’s Vietnam Set Menu, this dish feels both nostalgic and unexpected-just like Saigon itself, where tradition and evolution intertwine.
Hủ Tiếu: A Dish Without Borders
Originally from Teochew, hủ tiếu has deep ties to Cambodian-Chinese cuisine, brought to Vietnam by Chinese immigrants. Over time, it has evolved into an emblem of Saigon’s diverse culinary landscape, adapting to local palates while preserving its essence. Known across the region by different names—Kuyteav in Cambodia, Hủ Tiếu in Vietnam, 粿條 in Teochew, and Kway Teow in Malaysia and Singapore—this dish reflects a shared heritage, proving that food transcends borders while retaining its identity.
With a multicultural upbringing, Chef Chris JH Fong is on a mission to break boundaries and unite cultures through food. His vision is reflected in ORYZ’s selection of “Hủ tiếu” as a representation of Saigon’s rich culinary diversity. Just as this dish has seamlessly integrated into Vietnamese cuisine while maintaining its distinct identity, it mirrors the Hoa (Chinese) community’s influence on Saigon’s food culture.
Building on this theme, ORYZ is set to introduce a Hoa (華人)-inspired menu, paying homage to Southern Chinese immigrant cuisine. Expect bold flavours, deeply layered broths, and modern techniques that honour the essence of traditional dishes. For those who appreciate authenticity infused with creative innovation, this menu offers a truly immersive experience.
At ORYZ, every dish is more than just a meal, it’s a journey through history, culture, and flavour. The Vietnam Set Menu’s Hủ tiếu captures the essence of Saigon’s food scene: dynamic, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. And as anticipation builds for the upcoming Hoa menu, ORYZ continues to celebrate the evolution of food, where cultures blend and flourish with every bite.