The Albion by Kirk Westaway set to open in Ho Chi Minh City this November
This November, The Albion by Kirk Westaway of the award-winning 2-Michelin Star restaurant Jaan by Kirk in Singapore, will open its doors, taking the next step in his mission to elevate British cuisine.
Perched on the 23rd floor of Hôtel des Arts Saigon, part of the MGallery Collection, The Albion boasts sweeping skyline views and a casual yet refined atmosphere. Named after the ancient term for Britain, with a menu featuring clean, fresh, and vibrant modern British dishes, it’s the perfect intersection of tradition and contemporary.
Chef Kirk Westaway is known around the world for his acclaimed Singapore restaurant, JAAN by Kirk Westaway, where he has proudly maintained two MICHELIN stars for four consecutive years. Since taking the helm as Executive Chef in 2015, he has passionately championed modern British cuisine on the global stage.
With The Albion, he’s bringing that same innovative spirit into a more approachable setting, inviting guests to sample casually elegant dishes perfect for sharing. Joining him in the kitchen is Chef Christopher Clarke, a longtime friend of Kirk's and a seasoned pro with a wealth of experience in top British restaurants.
Credit: M Gallery
Menu Direction
Chef Kirk and Chef Christopher have designed a menu that celebrates modern British cuisine, something scarcely represented in Vietnam. Focusing on the freshest produce, some of which sourced from organic farms in Dalat, alongside select producers from around the world, guests can expect clean and bright flavours.
At the heart of the menu are abundant platters designed for sharing; langoustines paired with a cocktail sauce, roast lamb with mint, roast beef with horseradish cream, roasted scallops served with sweet, barbecued cabbage as well as fresh salads of pristine tomatoes with fresh basil. There will be plenty of oysters, seafood and standout fish and shellfish from Japan, all served with beautiful simplicity.
The Design
The Albion is located within Hôtel des Arts Saigon, where design is woven into the very fabric of its identity, inviting guests to journey back to 1930s Vietnam. With the owner’s personal collection of paintings and antiques on display, each room is adorned with smooth art decor lines and timeless artistic details, offering a story waiting to be told.
On entering The Albion by Kirk Westaway, the historic British bar and rich wooden panels are the focal point, where guests start their dining experience with a refreshing cocktail signalling a memorable moment in time. It’s all in the simple details here, with stunning glassware, fresh ingredients and a lively atmosphere.
The 60-seat dining space, previously the Social Club Restaurant, has undergone a major renovation. The transformation blends the old and the new - antique touches meeting accents, with rich wallpapers and a myriad of wonderfully contrasting textures adding depth. Marble countertops adorn the thoughtfully divided spaces which allow for all manner of occasion. The lush interiors are matched only by the panoramic views of the city, making it bright and dynamic.
Credit: M Gallery
Reflecting on the upcoming launch of The Albion Chef Kirk muses, “I’ve always been a huge fan of Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City. I love the people, the culture and the vibrant food scene.”
“The Vietnamese palate is actually more similar to modern British cuisine than you might think” he adds. “Both share an appreciation for light, delicate flavours and refined tastes—elements that resonate deeply with my personal style of cooking. The herbaceous, subtly sweet notes favoured in Vietnam align beautifully with the ingredients and techniques I love to incorporate. I cannot wait to welcome the people of Vietnam through the doors of The Albion, a concept I've been wanting to embark on for some time.”
Philippe Le Bourhis, General Manager of Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection, expresses his excitement: “I’ve long admired Chef Kirk’s mission. His impact on reshaping the perception of British cuisine on a global scale is significant. We’re incredibly proud to introduce The Albion by Kirk Westaway to Vietnam and the world.”
The Albion by Kirk Westaway officially opens its doors on Monday 4th November. Reservations can be made at https://www.hoteldesartssaigon.com/restaurants-bars/the-albion-restaurant/
Featured Articles
Follow me on Instagram
Like what you read?
Discover Vietnam’s coming-of-age food and drink scene with one of our tours and experiences exclusively available at Saigon Social