Hoi An combines the contemporary flare of Dubai with authentic flavours of Vietnam, to create this unforgettable experience within one of Dubai’s best hotels, Shangri-La. The decor is chic, but still gives a nod to traditional styles, like the wooden window covers, paper lanterns overhead and a large patterned rug on the floor. Candle holders shaped like flowers take centre stage in the middle of the tables, adding an air of romance to the room, and plants are dotted around the outskirts of the restaurant.
The menu offers an extensive list of all the Vietnamese favourites, as well as some of the lesser known dishes that the team hope to showcase at Hoi An. On the whole, this is a light cuisine, so it lends itself to sharing plates and trying a bit of everything, because you’ve got plenty of room to do so, also making it a sociable place to eat with friends and family.
Expect dishes such as Papaya salad, chicken satay, Banh My, as well as larger dishes like beef noodle soup, spicy wok fried lemongrass chicken, and red curry with Tiger prawn. However, it’s the signature dishes that really stand out, with freshly cooked King crab in a tamarind sauce, and king prawns in garlic butter with mango salad and dressing.
The desserts offer something a little different, with Vietnamese mango soup and ice cream, ginger creme brulee, and banana fritters with ice cream. Each is as delicious as they are authentic.
On Saturdays and Sundays, Brunch is available where guests can get the best bang for their buck, and make the most of this weekend deal. Or if you love Vietnamese food so much that you’d like to cook it back home, you can sign up for a cooking masterclass, where you’ll learn traditional techniques, and the secrets behind creating these characteristic fresh flavours.