After three years of seclusion, the award-winning chef Sam Aisbett has officially embarked on a new culinary journey with AKUNA restaurant at Le Méridien Saigon. AKUNA marks Sam's return as executive chef, where he not only delivers a differentiated high-end culinary experience, but also marks a new chapter in the formation and development of his culinary philosophy, which is subtly integrated with Vietnamese people and ingredients.
An outstanding achievement in Sam Aisabett's career cannot fail to mention Whitegrass Restaurant, which, through his leadership, has become one of the most popular food destinations in Singapore, making its name on the list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and winning two consecutive MICHELIN Stars.
AKUNA's appetizers have partly demonstrated Sam's creativity. Typically, it can be mentioned that the Fresh Milk Curd With Snap Peas And Buffalo Tail Consomméq. Inspired by Vietnam's specialty tofu, Sam uses Phu Dong cow's milk to create a smooth white whey layer, coated with a delicious broth flavored from cooked buffalo tail. White radish and snap beans are also used by him to add to the pleasant eating experience.
Smoked Australian Free Range Pork Jowl continues to show the approach and blend of new flavors of the executive chef. Sam applies the slow cooking method for 8 hours and cold smokes the pork belly to bring a soft and smooth eating feeling, accompanied by scallop "rolls" - made from crushed scallops wrapped in layers of Vietnamese rolls.
Enjoy the dish Shaved Saltwater Crocodile With Steamed Garlic Custard And Rose Heart Radish, diners can see even more clearly Sam's enthusiasm in introducing local ingredients in a new way.
AKUNA, which means "flowing water". From the philosophy of the endless flow of water, each design in the 50-seat space is meticulously arranged and linked to create an endless feeling. The open kitchen area was chosen as the focal point of the restaurant's space, where customers can enjoy the creative process of Sam and his team. From the rippled ceiling that sparkles with blue-silver light like water, to the handmade chandelier in the shape of water waves, to the artworks from Australian artist Tony Wilson, the space of AKUNA is like a continuous flow of art for diners. The counter area, beautifully crafted from ancient trees that have been submerged in water for centuries, allows diners to admire the creative process up close, chat with Sam and his associates.
Fine-dining AKUNA restaurant officially opened from July 19, 2023.
Address: 9th Floor, Le Méridien Saigon Hotel, 3C Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 091 173 58 00
Website: akunarestaurant.com - https://akunarestaurant.com/
Opening hours: 18:00 - 21:00, off Sunday and Monday
Photo: AKUNA Saigon
Migo Synthesis