Akuna

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Every element feels considered at this sleek, grown-up address, headed up by Australian chef Sam Aisbett. Its name comes from the Aboriginal word for flowing water, also evoked by the light installation that dominates the dining room, made up of 1,100 shimmering, suspended glass tubes. The name's one of many references to Aisbett’s homeland, from the paintings on the walls – by artist Tony Wilson – to the terrific bread course, with its pan-fried, beer-enriched 'dampers' (Aussie-style campire-cooked rolls). There's a deft interplay of cultures throughout the six-course tasting menus, which are always richly layered with local ingredients and flavours. That could mean fiddlehead ferns from the Mekong Delta, served with milk skin-wrapped pigeon, or rare-breed, salt-poached Dong Tao chicken, paired with pickled black fungi. What’s in the glass is equally compelling, from bold cocktails and zero-alcohol creations to rare-varietal wines.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $186
• Dinner: Tues – Sat
• 84 911 735 800
• Visit Akuna's Website

Location

Le Méridien Saigon, 3C Ton Duc Thang Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000