Cover Tingara celebrates the art of omakase for those who value the elegance of sophistication

Nestled amidst lush greenery, Tingara offers an enchanting journey through Japanese cuisine, where the art of omakase forms a delicate bridge for those who value the elegance of sophistication.

Tingara is a Japanese dining destination for those who treasure every moment and believe in the quiet magic of omakase. Tucked between tropical forest and expansive ocean, within the grounds of the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the restaurant presents a refined and immersive culinary experience. In a peaceful setting, each dish arrives in a thoughtfully curated sequence, guided by the rhythm of the seasons, inviting diners to fully engage with the essence of Japanese gastronomy.

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Tingara – “The Star River” between the sky and the sea

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Above The Tingara “bird’s nest” designed by Bill Bensley perches on the hillside of the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Set within a tropical forest, perched on the hillside of the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, 100 metres above sea level and situated on the Heaven floor, the highest tier of the resort, Tingara stands apart in both design and culinary offering.

Taking its name from the Okinawan word “Tingara”, meaning “river of stars”, Bill Bensley reimagined a celestial realm within reach. At Tingara, stars appear to hover in the sky, giant blue fish glide through an imagined stream, and Japanese cuisine rises to a level of near-transcendence.

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Above Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ambient music that echoes the rhythm of a turning universe create a dreamlike atmosphere
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Above Inside, 18 seats line the open kitchen counter, where the chefs’ deft movements unfold before your eyes

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ambient music that echoes the rhythm of a turning universe create a dreamlike atmosphere. On the terrace, guests are drawn closer to the sky and sea, taking in breathtaking views as the sun slips beneath the horizon and the stars awaken above. Inside, 18 seats line the open kitchen counter, where the chefs’ deft movements unfold before your eyes, each sound, scent and flavour composing a vibrant performance. Together, they craft an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience.

Culinary art inspired by the Japanese spirit of “bushido”

Behind Tingara’s evocative setting and refined dishes is a trio of visionary chefs who constantly seek to explore new possibilities while remaining anchored in tradition. Guided by the shuhari philosophy—preserve, break, transcend—they uphold the soul of Japanese cuisine with creativity and respect.

Junichi Yoshida, a celebrated name in the world of teppanyaki, serves as Tingara’s culinary consultant. For him, teppanyaki is a dynamic interplay of flame, sound, texture, taste and meaning. Each dish is a story in itself. The diners are not bystanders but participants in a journey of expression and connection.

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Above Junichi Yoshida, Culinary Consultant and renowned chef in the art of Teppanyaki

Chef Tetsuhiko Isozaki is another master of teppanyaki. Known for his precision and attention to detail, Isozaki transforms technique into art, blending the contemporary use of Teppan stoves with the age-old refinement of Kishu Binchotan charcoal. The result is perfectly grilled dishes with a distinct and unforgettable aroma.

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Above Chef Tetsuhiko Isozaki, who oversees the Teppanyaki dining experience at Tingara

Chef Tsuneyoshi Taira leads the sushi experience. For him, sushi embodies wakon yosai, the spirit of honouring Japanese culinary identity while embracing Western influences and native Vietnamese elements. His sashimi glistens with clarity, his nigiri delicate and smooth. Each plate, though rooted in tradition, carries a contemporary elegance, soft and expressive, like a brushstroke in a watercolour painting.

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Above Tsuneyoshi Taira, Sushi Chef of Tingara Restaurant

Tingara does not offer a fixed menu. Instead, diners are guided through an Omakase journey unique to each evening. Depending on the season and palate, chefs select the finest ingredients ranging from locally sourced seafood to premium Yaeyama Kyori Wagyu, offering an experience that inspires with every bite.

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Above Meals at Tingara will take diners on a journey full of surprises
Tatler Asia
Above Meals at Tingara will take diners on a journey full of surprises

Taste journeys between the “galaxy”

Tingara draws those with discerning taste—individuals who seek not only exquisite flavours, but also a sense of artistry in the experience. This spirit infuses every corner of Tingara, including its refined sake selection.

The beverage list, curated by Sommelier Tri Tran, adds another layer to the journey. Alongside artisanal sake and Japanese teas are traditional shochu, rare aged whisky, and carefully chosen European wines with an Asian sensibility, each pairing designed to elevate the culinary narrative.

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Above Besides carefully selected sake and Japanese tea, Tingara’s beverage list, curated by Sommelier Tri Tran, is also a rare highlight

Luxurious yet warm, Tingara offers more than just dinner. The quiet exchange between guest and chef, the soft notes of music in the background, the thoughtful lighting, and the seamless, unobtrusive service all combine to create a moment that feels like a meeting of minds and palates, where connection comes through flavour and feeling.

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Above Dinner at Tingara is like an artistic meeting, where people connect through taste and emotion

At Tingara, there is no repetition. No dish is ever quite the same. What remains constant is the boundless creativity of its chefs, the breathtaking natural backdrop, and the openness of diners ready to receive the quiet beauty each plate has to offer.

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