Award-winning Square One shakes things up: New chefs, bold menus and more

I love sharing stories about new chefs in town.

Whether they’re new to Vietnam, especially when it’s their first time making the move—like Chef Arnaud, who’s just landed in Asia for the very first time and diving into Vietnamese ingredients and cuisine for the first time. 

Or, young and talented Vietnamese chefs like Chef Hau Ninh, who cut his teeth in the multiple award-winning kitchens in this country, trained under some of the best chefs in the world, rose through the ranks and is now defining what Vietnamese cuisine is through his lens. 

All this paired with the fact that it’s happening at Square One, the award-winning restaurant that’s snagged the Michelin Select accolade for two years in a row (2023, 2024). Let’s just say I’m excited for what’s next: bold-tasting menus and an ever-changing business lunch that offers incredible value —possibly the best business lunch in town.

Credit: Park Hyatt Saigon

Chef Arnaud: French Chef de Cuisine

He’s worked in France: Pur’- Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme (1-star Michelin), Le Relais de la Poste (1-star Michelin), Alexandre - Michel KAYSER (2-star Michelin) and most recently in the Netherlands at the acclaimed Moshik (2-star Michelin), before it closed when the owners decided to retire. 

Just a week after that, he got a phone call, and the next thing he knew, he was on his way to Vietnam—his first time calling Asia home.

Thankfully, the transition has been smooth for him, with the language barrier being the only real challenge. But that’s nothing new for Chef Arnaud, who’s used to working in kitchens around the world without needing to speak much English. For him, it’s all about “working with his hands” and learning by doing—he leads by example, showing others the ropes firsthand.

Chef Hau Ninh: Vietnamese Chef de Cuisine

Of course, having new Head Chef Hau (of Square One’s Vietnamese kitchen) by his side has been a huge plus for Chef Arnaud, and the two are constantly exchanging ideas and exploring new cuisines and ingredients together. When you see them in action, there’s an undeniable camaraderie between them—a kind of effortless connection that feels both inspiring and inviting, making visits to Square One all the more exciting to watch.

After nearly 8 years in the Park Hyatt Saigon’s culinary event operations team—handling massive catering orders and training under a host of Michelin-starred chefs during the hotel’s Passion Week events, Chef Hau is now steering the direction of Vietnamese cuisine at this iconic restaurant.

Square One is an award-winning restaurant in Park Hyatt Saigon. Now, they’re launching not one but two tasting menus!

First up on their new agenda is a tasting menu, but they’re not stopping at just one! They’re launching two unique tasting menus that blend Chef Arnaud’s and Chef Hau’s cooking styles, all using locally sourced ingredients. And if you’re thinking it’s going to be another modern Vietnamese menu (you know, the kind that’s popping up everywhere since the Michelin Guide arrived), think again. 

They remain true to the classics, celebrating the authentic flavors, techniques, and ingredients that define French and Vietnamese cuisines, while adding refined touches that elevate the dining experience to something truly exceptional.

My friend Erik and I enjoying Square One’s business lunch. Business lunch with my business man (friend!) who works in District 1

Positioned for ‘everyday luxury’

If tasting menus aren’t your thing, there’s good news: Square One offers a fantastic value-for-money business lunch, featuring a more condensed version of their seasonal creative dishes. And without the hefty price tag. We’re talking a 2-course meal for VND 680,000 or a 3-course option for VND 880,000. 

Vietnamese Stewed Beef Cheek (Bo Kho), part of the Business lunch menu - a definite must-try 

Think Roasted Chicken with French Pomme Anna or Vietnamese Stewed Beef Cheek (bo kho)—tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and served in a stylish clay pot—crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients.

These nostalgic flavours are elevated by Chef Arnaud and Hau, which can also be seen in Square One’s best-sellers like the Crab Fried Rice which draws from Chef Hau’s childhood but refined with the techniques he’s mastered over the years. The result? Quintessentially Vietnamese dishes that respect tradition while pushing culinary boundaries.

Chef Arnaud’s Roasted Chicken with French Pomme Anna, part of Square One’s Business Lunch set menu (680,000 vnd for 2 courses)

“The goal is to be the best without breaking the bank and keeping things high-end yet accessible”, says Chef Arnaud

There must be truth to Chef Arnaud’s point considering Square One’s ever-loyal stream of regulars - both expats and Vietnamese.

To be fair, at this price point, it’s a must, especially for out-of-town guests looking to discover perfectly executed local dishes while soaking in the stunning atmosphere of an iconic heritage hotel in Saigon. And, for corporate diners - let’s say, they’ll be impressed.

And, if the business lunch is any indication of what’s coming with the tasting menu launching in November, we’re all in for a treat. 

• Address: Square One, Park Hyatt Saigon (Mezzanine Level), 2 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

• Opening hours: 11:30am to 2:30pm, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

• Website: Michelin Selected Restaurant - French and Vietnamese cuisine (hyattrestaurants.com)

• Contact: T: +84 28 3520 2359, E: squareone.saiph@hyatt.com

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