In July 2023, Australian chef Sam Aisbett opened his fine-dining restaurant, Akuna, in Ho Chi Minh City. Initially worried about charging 3.9 million dong (US$155) per meal in a city known for its affordable street food, Aisbett’s risk paid off. A year later, Akuna earned a Michelin star, recognized for its innovative use of local ingredients such as squid, samphire, and pickled durian.
Akuna is just one of several restaurants elevating Vietnam’s culinary landscape. The country, long famed for its street food, now draws international attention for fine dining. In 2023, the Michelin Guide made its debut in Vietnam, awarding stars to four restaurants. Three more earned stars this year, including La Maison 1888 in Da Nang, demonstrating that Vietnam’s gourmet offerings extend beyond its major cities.
Vietnam’s evolving food scene is part of a broader trend as the country experiences a boom in tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that Vietnam will see a record US$31 billion in travel and tourism spending in 2023, contributing 7% of the national economy. Domestic travel spending, driven by an expanding middle class, is expected to reach an all-time high of 435 trillion dong.
Luxury travel, in particular, is growing rapidly. Margaux Constantin, a McKinsey partner specializing in tourism, attributes this to aspirational travelers who splurge on premium dining experiences. Vietnam’s proximity to countries with rising middle classes, like India, has also boosted visitor numbers. Indian arrivals tripled between January and August 2023.
Culinary tourism is increasingly popular, with fine dining ranked second among travelers’ favorite activities, according to a McKinsey survey. Tour operators are tapping into this demand. Abercrombie & Kent launched food-focused tours in Vietnam in May 2023, combining street food experiences with Michelin-starred meals at Anan Saigon and Gia. The success of these tours has led the company to expand its offerings for 2025.
While Vietnam’s fine-dining industry is still nascent compared to other Asian countries, chefs like Gia’s Sam Tran believe it’s only a matter of time before the scene matures. As more chefs refine their skills and open restaurants, Vietnamese cuisine is poised to make a lasting mark on the global gourmet map.
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