October 21, 2024
Chef Kirk Westaway, known for his take on modern British food at the two-Michelin-starred JAAN in Singapore, is opening a new restaurant in Vietnam on November 4. Named The Albion by Kirk Westaway, the bistro will be located on the 23rd floor of the Hôtel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, offering views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline.
The name “Albion” comes from an old word for Britain, and the restaurant will focus on British dishes with a modern touch. While British food isn’t very common in Vietnam, Westaway believes there’s a good match between British and Vietnamese tastes, with both sharing an appreciation for lighter, more refined flavours.
The menu will highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, some from organic farms in Dalat, Vietnam, and others from trusted suppliers worldwide. Expect simple but flavorful seafood dishes, including oysters and shellfish from Japan. Other dishes will include roast lamb with mint, roast beef with horseradish, and langoustines served with a cocktail sauce. The approach is straightforward, letting the natural flavours of the ingredients stand out.
The Albion will seat around 60 people and has a mix of old and new in its design, with rich textures, marble counters, and a British-style bar at the entrance. The goal is to create a casual but stylish atmosphere where people can enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Chef Christopher Clarke, a long-time friend of Westaway, will lead the kitchen. Clarke has worked at well-known restaurants in the UK, and he’s teamed up with Westaway to design a menu made for sharing.
This is Westaway’s first casual dining concept, a project that has been in the works for a while. He’s excited to bring a more relaxed version of his cooking to Ho Chi Minh City, which he has always admired for its food scene and culture. The Albion will offer an affordable à la carte menu, with plans for a small tasting menu during the festive season.
Though Westaway will continue his work at JAAN in Singapore, he plans to visit Vietnam regularly to oversee the new restaurant. For him, The Albion is an opportunity to introduce British food to a new audience in a way that’s approachable and fresh.
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