THE TASTE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR IN VIETNAM: CELEBRATING CULINARY EXCELLENCE AT THE COUNTRY’S FINEST HOTELS & RESORTS

Vietnam – In Vietnam, Lunar New Year (or “Tết” as it is known locally) has always been a cherished time of year to reunite with loved ones, reaffirm bonds of family and friendship, and reconnect over the joy of food. For international explorers and keen foodies, this creates a wonderful opportunity to experience the essence of this festival and savour world-class cuisine.

Today, Vietnam’s leading five-star hotels and resorts are inviting guests to combine the joy and colour of Tết with exceptional gastronomy, from timeless local flavours to Michelin-starred fine dining. As Vietnam gallops into the “Year of the Horse” this February, all visitors can embark on culinary journeys that capture the spirit of Lunar New Year.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: The Pinnacle of Michelin Gastronomy

Nestled in a private bay on the stunning Son Tra Peninsula, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a haven of gastronomy where the world’s most acclaimed chefs oversee some of Vietnam’s finest restaurants – all set against a backdrop of endless ocean vistas and Bill Bensley’s captivating design concept.

The only restaurant in Central Vietnam to be awarded a Michelin star, La Maison 1888 is guided by Christian Le Squer, the French culinary icon and former global “Chef of the Year” who held three Michelin stars for 22 consecutive years. He meticulously crafts a fashion-infused haute couture menu that can be savoured at an exclusive Chef’s Table – a truly unforgettable experience for loved ones to share this Lunar New Year.

The flavours of Japan are elevated at Tingara, a dramatic restaurant which is perched in the forest canopy. Led by Chef Junichi Yoshida, the world’s first Michelin-recognised teppanyaki chef, this is a highly interactive epicurean experience. Deeply authentic Vietnamese cuisine can be discovered at Citron, which is famed for its conical-hat seating booths overlooking the ocean, while Terra Mare is a new Italian ristorante offering prime grilled meats and fresh seafood by the beach.

La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton: Italian-Inspired Celebrations

Perfectly positioned in Sunset Town, the vibrant tourism haven in the south of Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton immerses guests in a world of Italian style with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and vibrant social dining venues that transport the senses to the Amalfi Coast.

A choice of eight restaurants and bars includes Mare, which presents authentic Italian and Mediterranean delicacies, crafted from fresh local and premium imported ingredients, and paired with fine wines. As night falls, fireworks illuminate the sky and create an enchanting festive ambience. Contemporary Cantonese cuisine, from handmade dim sum to signature roasts, can be savoured at Seta, and evenings are elevated at Cielo, the rooftop terrace bar where refreshing spritzes and signature cocktails can be sipped amid the golden glow of sunset.

As the world welcomes the “Year of the Horse,” La Festa Phu Quoc is the place where cultural warmth, culinary excellence, and family togetherness take centre stage, creating an uplifting atmosphere for Lunar New Year getaways.

Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh: Celebrating Coastal Flavours

Inspired by the coastal communities and landscapes of Vietnam’s south-central coast, Radisson Blu Resort, Cam Ranh – which is nestled on a 10km-long stretch of golden sand at Bai Dai Beach – showcases a diverse culinary concept that combines fresh local seafood with international excellence.

Blu Lobster, the signature seafood restaurant, is a popular beachfront venue where gentle ocean breezes, the sound of the waves, and panoramic sea views set the scene for magical moments. Fresh Vietnamese seafood is prepared in an East-meets-West fusion style, with menus changing daily based on the latest catch. This makes it an ideal destination for romantic evenings.

All guests can unwind at Cheers Bar, Waves Beach Bar, and Get Wet Pool Bar, where cool cocktails and light bites are perfectly paired with views of the pool and beach.

Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, MGallery Collection: Elevating the Flavours of Northwest Vietnam

Nestled in Vietnam’s mist-shrouded northwest hills, Hotel de la Coupole Sapa, MGallery Collection lets guests experience a different side of Vietnam’s culinary culture, deeply rooted in local identity, the fresh ingredients of the mountains, and Sapa’s French colonial history.

Chic Restaurant guides diners through a seasonally changing à la carte menu that blends international flavours with highland specialties. Indigenous ingredients such as wild herbs, seasonal vegetables, buffalo meat, free-range pork, and river fish are prepared using time-honoured French techniques. This philosophy is brought to life by Executive Chef Oliver Mette, who has explored Sapa extensively and strives to raise classic dishes to new levels of international excellence.

Stepping away from Vietnam’s vibrant cities and busy resorts, Sapa is an exquisite destination to celebrate Lunar New Year, while also uncovering the rich heritage of this charming, less-visited destination.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: Preserving the True Taste of Tết

In the historic centre of Hanoi, Vietnam’s 1,000-year-old capital city, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is one of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotels. Within this urban landmark, Vietnamese heritage is expressed not only through architecture and ambience, but also through flavour.

For Tết 2026, Spice Garden introduces a five-course set menu that showcases the essence of traditional Hanoi cuisine. Familiar dishes such as gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and bún thang (Hanoi-style noodle soup) are prepared with precision and refinement, evoking the spirit of springtime feasts where togetherness and auspicious beginnings lie at the heart of the journey.

Le Beaulieu, the hotel’s legendary, century-old French restaurant, continues to reaffirm its status as one of Hanoi’s leading places to dine. Within its elegant dining room, guests can discover sophisticated French specialties that blend classical techniques and contemporary expression to create a rich and diverse culinary tapestry for the festive season.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza: Welcoming Spring with French Flavours

Sofitel Saigon Plaza is an urban landmark in the commercial and cultural epicentre of Ho Chi Minh City. Amid the vibrant festive atmosphere, couples, families and friends can relax in a refined setting where gastronomy represents fresh beginnings — a harmonious fusion of French art de vivre and Vietnam’s rich traditions.

This harmony is expressed through the spirit of French zest: iconic French dishes thoughtfully adapted to focus on local ingredients, alongside handcrafted pastries that evoke European festive memories and the warmth of Tết gatherings. The experience is supported by a strong commitment to sustainability at ST25 by KOTO, where community values and ethical responsibility underpin Michelin-rated Vietnamese dining.

The highlight of the season is at Le 17 Bistro, which is inspired by a French countryside mansion and uses fresh Vietnamese ingredients to craft French cuisine, paired with curated wines for early-year gatherings. Seasonal menus such as the vegetarian “Green Tết” or “Tết Flavours” reinterpret Vietnamese tastes through a Western lens, complemented by festive cocktails and authentic rituals at S Pool Bar.