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ÚNU Restaurant: Where Cuisine Reflects Contemporary Art

Located inside ANIMA Saigon, a hotel known for its contemporary art identity and creative dialogue, ÚNU Restaurant presents a distinctive dining space shaped by artistic expression. The restaurant connects modern creativity with Vietnamese culinary traditions through refined flavours and curated visual storytelling.

A Creative Bridge Between Art and Vietnamese Cuisine

ÚNU shares a similar philosophy with NÚC, its sister restaurant in peaceful Thao Dien, where natural flavours and local ingredients receive careful attention. At ÚNU, artistic concepts are interpreted through culinary language. Familiar local ingredients such as pickled eggplant, starfruit, cassava, pennywort, chayote and millet become a unique palette of flavours. The kitchen functions as a creative studio where chefs experiment, develop new ideas and translate inspiration into each dish.

The menu features dishes crafted with precision and thoughtful composition. One notable highlight is the smoked pork, prepared to achieve a fragrant and tender texture. It is paired with crisp spinach, sun dried tomato, crushed lotus seeds and soft cooked egg, completed with a cheese based egg sauce. Each dish is plated with an artistic touch, presenting a sensory journey that blends tradition with contemporary style and combines local elements with international influences.

Liquid Stories: A Cocktail Menu Inspired by Memory

The experience is enhanced by Liquid Stories, ÚNU’s signature cocktail selection inspired by the creative journeys of seven artists participating in an art project at ANIMA Saigon. After extensive experimentation, the cocktail team translated memories into flavours, building three thematic lines: Classic which recalls familiar tastes, Inside which explores introspection and Outside which reflects outward creativity.

A representative creation is Bach Vu, inspired by the memories of a Hanoi soul living far from home. The drink combines light beer with fermented apple and tropical grape accented by subtle hints of oak. Each sip evokes warmth, sweetness and a gentle sense of longing for the artist’s hometown.

A Journey of Emotion Through Taste

Dining at ÚNU invites guests to experience art through flavours. Curiosity is encouraged, and emotions are guided through each dish and cocktail. Every visitor can find a sense of personal connection, creating moments that feel both intimate and expressive.