Top stories of 2023: A year in review of Vietnam’s food and drink scene

2023 has been a landmark year for Vietnam's culinary and beverage industry, witnessing a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation. From the prestigious recognition of Vietnamese restaurants by the Michelin Guide to the rise of local bars in Asia's 50 Best, the country's gastronomic scene is flourishing and making its mark on the global stage.

Photo courtesy of The Michelin Guide Vietnam

Vietnam's entry into the Michelin Guide

In the heart of 2023, a resplendent culinary event dawned upon Vietnam, as the prestigious Michelin Guide unfurled its red carpet in Hanoi, heralding a renaissance in the nation's gastronomic tapestry. This historic moment, akin to local flavors being acknowledged on the world stage, saw 101 culinary havens from the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the bustling avenues of Ho Chi Minh City basking in the glow of Michelin's recognition. Among them, a coveted list of 70 Michelin Select restaurants and 29 Bib Gourmand eateries, celebrated for their delightful offerings at charming prices, illuminated the food scene.

Yet, it was the crowning of four stellar establishments with Michelin Stars that set the culinary firmament ablaze. Anan Saigon, a luminary in Ho Chi Minh City, was anointed with a Michelin Star, its "Cuisine Moi" an exquisite fusion of modernity and whimsical twists. Joining this elite assemblage were Gia, a sanctuary of Vietnamese fine dining exalting local produce through contemporary culinary artistry; Hibana by Koki, a Japanese Izakaya and Teppanyaki jewel within Hanoi's Capella Hotel, under the aegis of the illustrious Chef Yoshida Junishi; and Tam Vi, a bastion of Northern Vietnamese culinary heritage. 

The Guide's advent not only sparked fervent discourse but also opened up a transformative era for Vietnam's culinary landscape, challenging restaurateurs and chefs to perpetually refine their craft. Each restaurant, now adorned with Michelin's emblem of excellence, finds itself in a continual strive for innovation to enchant the palates of discerning patrons, while embracing the holistic ethos of The Guide.

Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board

Singapore Tourism Board launches its first chef-collaboration series in Vietnam

Under the auspices of the Singapore Tourism Board and guided by the in-market consultant Jovel Chan, the 'Taste Obsession: Singapore' event unfurled a sumptuous tapestry of cross-border culinary collaboration between Vietnam and Singapore. This gastronomic odyssey commenced with Chef Wayne Liew from KEK and Chef Tru Lang from Mùa Craft Sake melding the hearty essence of Singaporean zi char with the soulful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

The saga continued as The Dragon Chamber from Singapore and The Triệu Institute from Vietnam conjured a realm where unconventional Chinese dishes danced harmoniously with vibrant Vietnamese flavors. The grand finale, a fusion of tradition and innovation, saw Chin Mee Chin pairing with Ivoire to transform the classic Singaporean Kaya jam bánh mì into a mousse delicacy, complemented by a modern rendition of the traditional Huat Kueh. This event, a symphony of culinary artistry bridges across geographies, blended the rich and diverse flavors of two dynamic cultures, creating an unforgettable mosaic of taste and tradition.

Photo courtesy of Epicure Asia

International Chefs and Bartenders Converge in Vietnam 

Vietnam's culinary landscape was graced with a kaleidoscope of global flavors as top chefs and bartenders converged through an array of collaboration events, transforming its dining scene into a melting pot of gastronomic innovation. Chef Varun Totlani from Masque in India, Chef Ton from Nusara in Bangkok, and Chef Lg Han from Labyrinth joined forces with Chef Peter Cuong Franklin at Anan Saigon, weaving a tapestry of culinary artistry.

Similarly, Chef Prin Polsuk from Samrub Samrub in Thailand enchanted diners at Quince Saigon, while Chef Tushar showcased his skills at Elgin. The mixology scene was equally vibrant, with bartenders like Bannie Kang, co-founder of Sidedoor Singapore and World Class Global Winner 2019; Minguk Yu from Pine&Co in Seoul; and Darren Lim of Vender Bar, stirring up magic at Stir Saigon in collaboration with Diageo World Class Vietnam. Julie Nguyen from Opium Bar in Bangkok and Lidiyanah ‘Yana’ K from ATLAS Bar in Singapore, both lauded in prestigious cocktail challenges, graced The Trieu Institute's Female Guest Shift Series, celebrating Women’s Day and honoring women's contributions to the industry. This convergence of global culinary stars in Vietnam enriched the local gastronomic scene and marked a vibrant chapter in the nation's culinary narrative, brimming with international influence and creative flair.

Photo courtesy of Sakal

Chefs in Vietnam collaborated, a lot

In a stirring celebration of culinary fusion, Vietnam witnessed a splendid tapestry of inter-state chef collaborations, illustrating a harmonious blend of regional flavors and cooking philosophies. The artistic alliance between Chef Vinh Tran from Anantara in Quy Nhon and Chef Viet Pham from A Ban in Hanoi, alongside the symphonic pairing of Chef Florian Stein from La Maison 1888 in Saigon and Chef Yamaguchi Hiroshi from Hibana by Koki in Hanoi, epitomized this spirit. Adding to this culinary mosaic, Sam Tran from Gia in Hanoi and Thao Na from Lavelle Library in Saigon conjured gastronomic magic at Gia Hanoi.

These collaborations, spanning from Saigon to Hanoi, and extending to Phu Quoc and Hoi An, were a fusion of diverse culinary styles and simultaneously a profound homage to each chef’s craftsmanship. They provided a unique platform for chefs to share insights and techniques, enhancing their culinary repertoire. These joint endeavors curated mesmerizing dining experiences, symbolizing the evolving dynamism and creativity within Vietnam's modern dining industry, and offering food enthusiasts an unparalleled journey through taste and innovation.

Photo courtesy of Robb Report Vietnam

Local Vietnamese media sites launched food and drink awards to celebrate the dining scene

This year, Vietnam celebrated its gastronomic stars with two illustrious awards: the Robb Report Gourmet Collection and the BAR Awards by The Dot Magazine. On November 28, the Robb Report Gourmet Collection unfolded a night of prestige, honoring the Top 25 restaurants in a grand ceremony. The event, initiated by Robb Report Vietnam, connected individuals and organizations in the F&B sector and sought to elevate the stature of the nation's high-end culinary scene. The awards, grounded in expert jury evaluations, were based on five specific criteria: chef techniques, ingredient quality, service, ambiance, and value for price.

Esteemed restaurants like Å by TUNG and Anan Saigon were among those celebrated, marking a significant stride in Vietnam's gourmet journey. Meanwhile, on December 12, the B.A.R. Awards, held at ANTS Studio in Ho Chi Minh City, heralded a new era in the industry. Dubbed 'The BARs,' this industry-centric celebration brought together over 500 figures to applaud the year's accomplishments. Focused on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but with plans to expand nationwide, the awards acknowledged excellence across various categories, including bartending, bar design, and sustainable practices in the service industry.

These two events, each a testament to Vietnam's thriving culinary and service industries, not only recognized individual achievements but also fostered a sense of community and aspiration within the nation's gastronomic landscape.

Photo courtesy of Sam Aisbett

International, Star-Studded Chefs Ignite Vietnam's Restaurant Scene

Vietnam's culinary scene sparkled with the opening of star-studded restaurants, each a beacon of international flavors and culinary prowess. Akuna, helmed by the renowned Chef Sam Aisbett, emerged as a culinary gem, offering a unique gastronomic experience that blends local ingredients with global culinary techniques. Meanwhile, Bambino, crafted by the talented hands of Chef Joshua Fry from Australia's Leftovers Group, introduced a new dimension of flavors, merging Australian culinary artistry with Vietnamese charm.

In Thao Dien, Brio emerged under the stewardship of Chef James Lee Escarazz, whose experience in the one Michelin-starred Domaine de Clairefontaine in France infused his creations with a touch of Michelin-grade finesse. The list goes on and each of these establishments, with their international chefs at the helm is offering a window to a world of diverse culinary traditions, enriching the local food culture with their distinctive flavors and styles.

Vietnam on the World Stage: Global Recognition in Culinary Excellence 

Vietnam's culinary scene leaped onto the international stage, garnering acclaim in the prestigious 'Travel + Leisure Tastemakers' list, which spotlighted 25 of the best restaurants and 10 top bars of 2023. This celebrated selection painted a vibrant picture of Vietnam's diverse gastronomic landscape, blending the innovative and modern with the comforting touch of traditional cuisine. Esteemed modern establishments like Elgin, Sol Kitchen & Bar, Esta, and Gia were lauded alongside beloved traditional venues such as Pho Hoa Pasteur and Lau Mam Ut Nhan, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors that Vietnam offers.

The bar scene, too, received its share of the international spotlight, with popular spots like Legato, Mua Craft Sake, and The Trieu Institute making the esteemed list. This feature in 'Travel + Leisure,' along with other international media mentions, underscored the global appeal of Vietnam's food and beverage industry and marked a significant milestone in the country's culinary evolution, positioning it as a burgeoning hotspot for food enthusiasts around the world.

Photo courtesy of FHA Food & Beverage

FHA F&B - Asia’s leading F&B event - landed in Vietnam for the first time

Ho Chi Minh City marked a milestone in Vietnam foodie chronicles by hosting the inaugural FHA-Food & Beverage Conference on December 13. This event, a first of its kind in the nation, was a beacon of enlightenment, teeming with fresh possibilities. It offered a deep dive into the latest trends, innovations, and products in the food and beverage sector, serving as a crucible of knowledge and inspiration for Vietnamese businesses.

The conference was a portal, opening doors to enhanced competitiveness and global exposure for local enterprises. As a pivotal gateway to the international F&B world, FHA-Food & Beverage 2024 stood as a testament to Vietnam's burgeoning role in the global food scene, fostering growth and collaborations. The event was further enriched by insightful discussions led by esteemed panelists such as Janice Lee, Jovel Chan, and Diep Do from New Viet Dairy, each contributing their unique perspectives and expertise, thereby catalyzing a dynamic exchange of ideas and strategies for the future of Vietnam's F&B industry.

Three Vietnamese Bars Soar in Asia’s 50 Best

In a remarkable testament to Vietnam's burgeoning cocktail scene, three Vietnamese bars ascended into the prestigious ranks of Asia’s 50 Best Bars (51-100) in mid-July. Enigma, located at No. 96, made an impressive debut, a feat less surprising when considering the expertise of its founder, Vu Ngoc – winner of the Diageo World Class Bartender 2021.

The Haflington in Hanoi, placed at No. 85, is a cocktail time machine, transporting its patrons to the grandeur of European museums. Stir, maintaining its presence from the previous year, gracefully secured No. 82. This bar continues to weave Vietnam's historical narrative with contemporary cocktail craft, serving innovative concoctions inspired by Vietnam's street drinks, a faithful nod to classic cocktail culture, and unique sober elixirs based on kombucha and cold brew. 

Together, these establishments not only represent Vietnam's growing influence in the Asian cocktail scene but also showcase the country's unique ability to blend its rich cultural heritage with modern mixology, creating spaces where stories, flavors, and history converge in every sip.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Vietnam’s F&B industry suffered a huge loss

With big wins come big losses and this year the industry suffered a huge loss with the passing of Executive Chef Chris Donnellan, who together with the Tribe Hospitality Group, played an integral part in bringing some of the city’s most well-loved restaurants like Stoker, Relish, and Sons, The Racha Room, The Trieu Institute and more, to life. In 2023, Stoker was awarded a Michelin Select award at the inaugural Michelin awards ceremony in Hanoi.

Beyond being a prominent culinary figure in Vietnam, Chris also played an active role in the advocacy of Australian food and drink products in Vietnam with multiple features in the media in conjunction with the Australian Trade Commission. As an industry pioneer in Vietnam, Chris also trained many young Vietnamese chefs and organized multiple chef collaborations in the country in a spirit to foster both camaraderie amongst chefs and growth. His legacy is left behind in the industry footprint that he has created and is remembered and celebrated daily through the restaurants, people, recipes, and lives that he has touched in Vietnam.

Looking for new experiences in HCMC in 2024?

Check out our curated dining experiences - Saigon Supper Club and Cocktail Cinema - from intimate dinners to food and drink festivals that spotlight Vietnam’s coming-of-age dining scene.

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