According to the Travel Trends 2025 Report by Booking.com, one of the top 9 travel trends for both Vietnamese and global travelers in 2025 is Airport Service Experience Travel. Millennials Gen Z are redefining airports — not merely as transit hubs, but as exciting destinations offering a diverse range of entertainment, shopping, and culinary experiences.
Airport – A Destination, Not Just a Waiting Place
At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a group of Canadian tourists shared that their return to Vietnam was inspired not only by the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine but also by the airport itself as a memorable stopover.
"The shopping areas are unique and beautifully designed, with plenty of relaxation facilities such as premium lounges, convenient sleep pods, and a variety of dining options — from fine dining restaurants to quick takeaway shops, luxury cafés, and open-air spaces," said Olivier, a member of the group.
During their layover from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Olivier's group experienced Vietnamese cuisine at Cuisine de Saigon (Domestic Departure Terminal). The restaurant’s name, they noted, perfectly represents the local culinary essence.
"We’ve tried many Pho at Vietnamese restaurants, but Pho Sen here truly stands out. The flavors are delicate, and the broth is rich and aromatic. This is not just a dish, it’s an impressive Vietnamese cultural experience," Olivier shared.
Sharing the same perspective, Audrey, an Australian travel blogger, chose Pho Cho Restaurant (Domestic Departure Terminal) as the starting point of her journey. She enjoyed the restaurant's signature Pho Sen, along with com tam (broken rice) and bun bo (beef noodle soup).
"The pho noodles are soft, the broth is fragrant, and the presentation is beautiful. The com tam and bun bo are equally appealing. These are the must-try dishes that truly represent Vietnamese cuisine, making your journey even more exciting," Audrey recommended.
Elevating the Airport Culinary Experience
Airports worldwide have built their own signature culinary brands — from Hainanese Chicken Rice at Changi Airport (Singapore), to Bibimbap and Spicy Stir-fried Octopus at Incheon Airport (South Korea), and Sushi and Ramen at Narita Airport ( Japan). At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Pho Sen has emerged as the culinary ambassador, representing Vietnamese cuisine on the global airport dining map.
Crafted by SASCO — the leading airport service provider at Tan Son Nhat — Pho Sen is an elevated version of traditional pho. The unique recipe blends dried lotus seeds in the noodles and lotus roots in the broth, enhanced with traditional fish sauce. This combination creates a delicate, fragrant, and nourishing flavor, evoking the tranquil beauty of Vietnamese cuisine.
Pho Sen has been widely promoted at Pho Festivals in Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan, consistently earning the title of “Most Loved Pho Dish” among international travelers.
To further enhance the dining experience, SASCO introduced Pho Sen in the luxurious Prime Lounge, offering passengers the opportunity to indulge in the dish in a sophisticated setting. The dish quickly became a signature item across several other airport restaurants, including The Phoenix, Cuisine de Saigon, and Pho Cho, becoming a “must try” dish on the airport’s culinary food tour.
Tan Son Nhat Airport's dining system caters to a variety of passenger needs — from quick bites to premium experiences. The Fresh2Go chain and +84 Café serve travelers who prioritize speed, convenience, and affordability. For those seeking a more elevated experience, The Phoenix Bistro offers a fusion of Asian and European cuisine, while Cuisine de Saigon presents authentic Saigonese flavors.
Besides offering delicious food, these restaurants are designed with aesthetic spaces and professional service standards. With reasonable pricing and high-quality dishes, the dining experience at Tan Son Nhat Airport delivers not only satisfaction but also value for money, transforming airport dining into an essential and memorable part of the journey.
With a combination of diverse cuisine, modern facilities, and personalized services, airports are becoming destinations in themselves. SASCO’s efforts to promote Pho Sen and elevate the airport culinary experience align with the global trend of transforming airports into vibrant lifestyle spaces — where every journey begins with an unforgettable taste of local culture.