British chef Kirk Westaway is a true culinary enthusiast, drawn to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City’s wet markets. Among the bustling stalls filled with fresh lobsters, crabs, frogs, and fruits, it’s the fresh herbs that capture his attention. Westaway, known for his two-Michelin-star restaurant, Jaan by Kirk Westaway in Singapore, is deeply inspired by Vietnamese cuisine’s bold use of herbs, which he describes as something the world could learn from.
This inspiration led to the creation of a new dish at his latest venture, The Albion by Kirk Westaway, located on the 23rd floor of Hôtel des Arts Saigon. The Albion Tomato, Westaway’s favorite starter, features a heritage tomato paired with homemade ketchup, basil and orange sorbet, and foraged Vietnamese basil. The restaurant offers a refined twist on classic British dishes, such as roast lamb with mint and roast chicken with thyme, using high-quality, seasonal ingredients, almost 90% of which are sourced from organic farms in Dalat, Vietnam’s agricultural hub.
The menu, designed in collaboration with his friend and kitchen partner Chris Clarke, reflects the duo’s shared tastes and culinary expertise. While the focus is on British cuisine, dishes like fish and chips are given an upscale makeover with Patagonian toothfish, beer batter, and a sweet pea purée. The restaurant emphasizes local ingredients, a point of pride for both the Vietnamese people and the restaurant staff.
The Albion’s casual and inviting atmosphere contrasts with the fine dining elements, such as caviar sandwiches, oysters in champagne sauce, and Wagyu steak. Westaway, known for avoiding the pretensions of high-end dining, wants his food to feel comforting and familiar, like a warm hug. The dishes reflect this ethos with hearty options like cider-braised pork belly and traditional British desserts like apple crumble and Eton Mess.
A standout feature of The Albion is its commitment to using local produce in innovative ways. For example, instead of importing langoustines from Europe, the restaurant uses flower lobsters, which have a stunning rose color. Despite its high-end offerings, The Albion maintains a relaxed vibe, avoiding the formality of white tablecloths and multiple cutlery changes.
Westaway’s focus is on bringing comfort food to the next level, offering a casual but refined dining experience that highlights the best of both British and Vietnamese culinary traditions.
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