Cover Li Bai stands as a distinguished gem in Cantonese cuisine, where a legacy of culinary excellence has been lovingly passed down through generations of chefs, uniting time-honoured traditions with modern flair.
Li Bai stands as a distinguished gem in Cantonese cuisine, where a legacy of culinary excellence has been lovingly passed down through generations of chefs, uniting time-honoured traditions with modern flair.
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Li Bai is a refined and treasured Cantonese culinary institution—its heritage carefully nurtured through generations of chefs, blending age-old traditions with contemporary creativity.
Tucked within the heart of Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, Li Bai glows like a hidden pearl. Here, the very soul of Cantonese cuisine has been distilled through time, entrusted to the hands of master chefs devoted to their craft.
Step inside and you’re transported to a rarefied dining experience. Each gathering at Li Bai feels like a poetic verse—an expression of the refined, multi-layered flavours of traditional fare, subtly enlivened by a modern touch. In a setting where the old meets the new, every dish offers an unforgettable encounter with the artistry of Cantonese cuisine.
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Above The chefs at Li Bai have spent a lifetime perfecting their craft, passing down cherished family secrets while turning heritage dishes into a complete sensory experience. Photo: Li Bai
The chefs at Li Bai have spent a lifetime perfecting their craft, passing down cherished family secrets while turning heritage dishes into a complete sensory experience. Photo: Li Bai
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Li Bai: the essence of Cantonese ‘royal chefs’ lives on
Hailing from lineages steeped in culinary tradition, Li Bai’s chefs carry with them the distilled knowledge of generations. But the fare here is anything but antiquated. Through inspired technique and thoughtful elevation, time-honoured recipes emerge anew—worthy of both connoisseurs’ palates and the contemporary lens.
Guiding this culinary journey are brothers Thi Giang and Diep Nhieu, whose lifelong devotion to their heritage is evident in every dish. Their mastery breathes fresh life into classical Cantonese cuisine, transforming each plate into a narrative where rich tradition meets gentle innovation.
It is this living legacy, passed down through the hands of devoted successors, that draws diners to Li Bai—a place where connection is discovered in every taste shared.
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Above Li Bai is a sacred space for families to gather across generations. Photo: Li Bai
Li Bai is a sacred space for families to gather across generations. Photo: Li Bai
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Li Bai is a meeting point for those who cherish legacy. With passion and reverence, its team have safeguarded the spirit of Cantonese cuisine. Each dish goes beyond ingredients and technique; it carries the essence of cultural continuity, fully expressed and sincerely shared.
Beyond hospitality, Li Bai is about service and stewardship. Guests are invited to savour not only the cuisine, but also the rich cultural tapestry it represents, preserved and presented with profound care and pride.
Above Each banquet is a Li Bai poem—subtle in nuance, rich in meaning. Photo: Li Bai
Each banquet is a Li Bai poem—subtle in nuance, rich in meaning. Photo: Li Bai
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Every element of the dining experience is thoughtfully curated—from the storytelling behind each dish to the artful suggestions that guide guests through layers of flavour. There is no showiness, no excess—only the quiet confidence of a meal served with warmth and purpose. It is a space that feels familiar, where each dish becomes a piece of history offered with quiet reverence.
And it is here, within this atmosphere of gentle tradition, that the bonds between generations are cherished most—made even more meaningful through the shared appreciation of Li Bai’s enduring Cantonese legacy.
“Poems” on the dining table
Once defined by its rustic charm and purity of flavour, Li Bai now embraces a new elegance—sophisticated yet true to its roots. Classic Cantonese dishes are reimagined with finesse, crafted from premium ingredients and presented with a modern aesthetic. The result is an experience that feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly new.
Above Classic Cantonese dishes are reimagined with finesse, marrying premium ingredients and artful presentation. Photo: Li Bai
Above Li Bai embraces a new elegance—sophisticated yet true to its roots. Photo: Li Bai
Classic Cantonese dishes are reimagined with finesse, marrying premium ingredients and artful presentation. Photo: Li Bai
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Xiao Long Bao, an emblem of Cantonese cuisine, is given a delicate twist at Li Bai with a rich filling of pork and truffle. The supple skin gently cradles a shimmering pool of broth, ready to burst with the first bite. Guests savour it slowly, allowing the luxurious truffle aroma to unfurl, mingling with the velvety sweetness of pork in a moment of understated indulgence.
Above A theatrical flourish at the table as a waiter pours wine over the lid and strikes a flame. Photo: Li Bai
Above Black Grouper Fillet simmered in a clay pot. Photo: Li Bai
A theatrical flourish at the table as a waiter pours wine over the lid and strikes a flame. Photo: Li Bai
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For those seeking an unforgettable moment, the Black Grouper Fillet cooked in a clay pot delivers a touch of drama. At the table, a waiter pours wine over the lid and strikes a flame. Within seconds, fire dances above the pot, releasing an enticing medley of aromas—black grouper, ginger, garlic, and a whisper of Sichuan pepper. When the lid is lifted, a wave of warmth escapes, carrying the rich fragrance that invites immediate indulgence in the tender, flavourful fish.
Equally tempting are the Wagyu beef buns with black pepper sauce, also served from a clay pot. Encased in a golden crust that is crisp yet yielding, each bun hides a centre of Wagyu beef infused with spice. The first bite reveals a luxurious blend of juicy meat and bold pepper, resulting in a dish that feels at once nostalgic and entirely new.
Li Bai embraces a “Go Local” ethos, drawing on Vietnam’s abundance of fresh produce to craft cuisine that is sophisticated yet grounded. A perfect example: the Beijing Roasted Duck Rice Rolls, a refined interpretation of tradition made with local ingredients. The ducks, raised in the Mekong Delta, are carefully selected, air-dried for ten days and marinated for twenty-four hours to ensure crisp skin and succulent meat. Served in delicate rice paper with crisp vegetables, the dish offers a harmony of textures and a depth of flavour that lingers.
Above Li Bai champions a “Go Local” philosophy, celebrating the vibrancy of Vietnam’s freshest produce. Photo: Li Bai
Li Bai champions a “Go Local” philosophy, celebrating the vibrancy of Vietnam’s freshest produce. Photo: Li Bai
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Much like the poet Li Bai who distilled meaning into every verse, this restaurant honours Cantonese culinary heritage through careful refinement and boundless creativity. Each dish is composed like a poem—one to be savoured, one that reveals culture with every bite.
Whether the occasion calls for a formal celebration, an intimate gathering, or a quiet moment to enjoy something truly special, Li Bai welcomes guests on a journey through flavour and tradition.
Li Bai Restaurant
2nd Floor, Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel
80 Dong Du, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 02835219148
See more here
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