Chefs from Vietnam, Italy and China join forces in four hands dining events, where local terroir meets global creativity in intimate culinary journeys.
From Saigon to Phu Quoc, from the heart of Vietnamese tradition to the refined notes of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, this season’s culinary events unfold like a conversation between culture, terroir and the imagination of each chef. Every gathering goes beyond a simple feast for the palate; it is a convergence of memory, skill and creativity, where each dish tells a story, evokes emotion and invites diners to embark on a journey that is as immersive as it is unforgettable. The flavours, textures and aromas combine to create experiences that linger long after the final bite, revealing the artistry behind every carefully curated plate.
Read more: Food without borders: 7 global flavour mashups challenging culinary traditions
Nephele & Co-: the meeting between Buon Ma Thuot fog and Sichuan spices

Above In Nephele’s kitchen, a unique handshake between Vietnamese and Chinese flavours (photo: Nephele)
This year’s culinary season is marked by the event “The Quintet Table”. For the first time, Chef Francis Thuan Tran of Nephele has joined forces with the duo Jin Yang and Meiyi You from Co- Restaurant in Chengdu, China in a four hands dining special. Together, the trio fuse philosophies that honour local ingredients and the soul of the land, creating a feast of taste that is both inspiring and intimate.
Entering Nephele, one is transported to the Buon Ma Thuot plateau, the red basalt land that shaped Chef Francis Thuan Tran’s love of cuisine. Raised amidst lush landscapes, he brings memories of coffee aromas, wild greens and herbs to each plate. At Nephele, dishes are not merely the result of refined techniques, but a journey of discovery, where Vietnamese flavours unfold in harmony with the rhythm of the seasons.

Above The land of Buon Ma Thuot nurtured the culinary passion of Chef Francis Thuan Tran (photo: Nephele)
Meanwhile, Co- offers a symphony of Chengdu, the city famed as China’s culinary paradise. Infused with the spirit of contemporary Sichuan cuisine, the restaurant under Jin Yang and Meiyi You celebrates seasonality and respect for the soil.
The “Quintet Table” four hands dining event creates a dialogue between two cultures. Familiar Vietnamese flavours meet the boldness of Sichuan spices, not in competition, but in delicate harmony. It is more than a party; it is a study in culinary interplay. “Nephele and Co- share a common rhythm: respect for the land, love of local ingredients and the urge to tell regional stories through every dish,” Chef Francis Thuan Tran explains.

Above Dressed in the spirit of contemporary Sichuan cuisine, Co- chefs Jin Yang and Meiyi You (photo: Nephele)

Above The “Quintet Table” creates a dialogue between culinary cultures (photo: Nephele)
Despite differences in ingredients, heritage and taste, the two restaurants converge in their desire to translate the essence of the land into each dish through four hands dining. The recent intimate gathering was a testament to the chefs’ passion, a way to narrate stories of home while sharing cultural values with international guests.
The experience was further enriched by wines selected by experts Paul Vo and Windy, each glass carefully chosen to complement the dishes. With only 28 seats available, the evening offered a private, immersive setting, where every taste from food to wine was meticulously considered.
Oku & Regent Phu Quoc: Italian technique meets the taste of the ocean
Continuing the theme of distinctive culinary events, Regent Phu Quoc hosts a “Four-Hands” evening at Oku restaurant on 24 and 25 October 2025. The collaboration pairs Regent Phu Quoc’s Chef Andy Huynh with Chef Mirko Gatti of Italy’s renowned [àbitat] restaurant. Together, they craft a culinary journey that celebrates the flavours of Phu Quoc. The four hands dining event highlights sustainability and seasonality, delivering dishes that are as thoughtful as they are delicious, infused with the island’s identity.

Above The feast of taste opens an exhilarating journey for every diner (photo: Regent Phu Quoc)
Before the event, the two chefs embarked on a voyage of discovery, exploring tropical forests, beaches and local farms to capture the essence of the island’s cuisine. Distinctive ingredients such as wild herbs, fresh seafood, honey and ripe red peppers were reimagined with artistry, each dish telling a story of culture and terroir. The experience was heightened by the setting at Oku restaurant, where herb gardens and glass walls reveal a sweeping natural panorama. The interplay of landscape, cuisine and attentive service from Sara, Mirko’s partner, created an unforgettable multi-sensory adventure.

Above Chef Andy Huynh and Mirko Gatti crafted a singular culinary combination (photo: Regent Phu Quoc)
Alongside Andy and Mirko’s collaboration, the event enchanted guests with thoughtfully curated beverages. From refreshing kombuchas to delicate infusions and sparkling fermented drinks, each choice guided the palate, echoing the rhythm of the island. With seating limited, Oku offered an intimate experience, allowing each guest to savour the flavours, listen to the whisper of Phu Quoc through every dish, and transform dinner into a singular adventure.
Don’t miss: Editor’s picks: Four culinary menus worth trying this season
JW Marriott Saigon and an Italian journey in the heart of Saigon

Above Two talented chefs from JW Marriott Saigon and Sheraton Nha Trang present an exquisite feast (photo: JW Marriott Saigon)
JW Marriott Saigon invites diners to explore contemporary Italian cuisine with the event series “Symphony of Flavors: Passport to Italy”, running from 11 to 14 September 2025. Chefs Francesco Leone (JW Marriott Saigon) and Marco Pistillo (Sheraton Nha Trang) collaborate on a unique four-course menu, blending Marco’s maritime culinary spirit with Basilico’s refined techniques, offering a captivating journey through modern Italian cuisine.
The menu opens with a trio of pesto breads and French oysters topped with Italian sparkling wine foam, a beginning both fresh and elegant (pan-seared Japanese scallops on artichoke purée, accompanied by 24-month-aged Italian ham and lemon-scented olive oil, bridge sea and land seamlessly. A risotto with braised wagyu cheek and premium seafood embodies freshness and evokes the understated sophistication of the Mediterranean. The experience is completed by premium wines chosen by Sommelier Jade Nguyen.
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