Cover Kirk Westaway, the executive chef of Jaan by Kirk Westaway
Kirk Westaway, the executive chef of Jaan by Kirk Westaway
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Located at Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection, The Albion by Kirk Westaway will offer the award-winning chef’s modern British menu, with rustic dishes anchored on classic British flavours tweaked to suit the discerning palate
British chef Kirk Westaway, who is famed for reinventing British cuisine at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Jaan by Kirk Westaway, is set to open a new restaurant and bar in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam this November. Named The Albion by Kirk Westaway—an ancient term for Britain—his latest F&B concept is located on the 23rd floor of Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection, and will offer this signature modern British cuisine that highlights fresh seasonal produce. Some of these are sourced from organic farms in Dalat, Vietnam, as well as his trusted producers and farmers from across the globe.
“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,” shared Westaway on his decision to open an establishment in the city. Westaway elaborated that even though British cuisine is not well represented in Vietnam, the Vietnamese palate is similar to modern British cuisine in the sense that “both share an appreciation for light, delicate flavours and refined tastes—elements that resonate deeply with my personal style of cooking.
Read more: Jaan’s Chef Kirk Westaway unlocks childhood memories to reimagine British cuisine of the future
Above Long-time friend of Westaway, Christopher Clarke, will helm the kitchen in Ho Chi Minh
Long-time friend of Westaway, Christopher Clarke, will helm the kitchen in Ho Chi Minh
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In bringing his innovative dishes to Vietnam, Westaway tapped on long-time friend Christopher Clarke to helm the kitchen as its head chef. Westaway and Clarke have designed an exciting menu, made for sharing with family and friends. Expect plenty of seafood on the menu—among which are oysters and other shellfish from Japan, all served in minimal ways to let their natural flavours shine through. These are complemented by fresh salads of tomatoes and basil; langoustines doused in a cocktail sauce; lamb with mint; and the classic roast beef with horseradish.
Guests will enjoy the experience in the 60-seater restaurant, offering sweeping views of the city skyline. Formerly the Social Club Restaurant, it has been transformed into an elegant space that blends the old and new. Rich wallpapers and contrasting textures adorn the wall, making the ambience even more luxurious yet modern—even more so with the marble countertops that divide the space. Welcoming the guests at the entrance is the historic British bar curated by Westaway, which enhances the visit with refreshing cocktails before the meal proper.
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With its doors set to open on November 4, Westaway added that he’s excited to welcome diners in Vietnam to his new concept, which he’s been wanting to embark on for some time. Philippe Le Bourhis, the general manager of Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection, also shared that the team is “incredibly proud to introduce The Albion by Kirk Westaway to Vietnam and the world”.
The Albion by Kirk Westaway
Address: 76 78 Đ. Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, St, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh City, 070000, Vietnam
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Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
