Get VnExpress first in Google Search 
See more of the news you trust. Make VnExpress a preferred source to prioritise our updates in your Google search results
Located on the 26th floor of Centec Tower in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Dining draws inspiration from Wong Kar Wai's drama "In the Mood for Love" and the refined aesthetics of 1960s Hong Kong.
Dim lighting, carefully composed interiors, and theatrical staging create an atmosphere that feels closer to a film set than a traditional dining room.
Rather than adopting the familiar "dinner-and-show" format, where performances interrupt the meal, Da Dining integrates cuisine and theater into a single experience. Music, lighting, choreography and service unfold together, with each dish arriving as the next scene in a performance. The stage and the table complement one another throughout the evening.
That philosophy continues in the kitchen under head chef Michael Luong. Born and raised in California, he approaches modern Chinese cuisine through classical techniques while drawing inspiration from the openness and contemporary influences of the American West Coast. Traditional recipes are reinterpreted using modern cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that remain rooted in heritage while reflecting a contemporary perspective.
Among the menu highlights is The Duck, which has become one of the restaurant's signature dishes. The dish's duck undergoes a 14-day dry-aging process to develop deeper flavour and crisp skin while preserving the tenderness of the meat.
Instead of the traditional technique of repeatedly pouring hot oil over the skin, Michael roasts the duck at carefully controlled temperatures, producing a texture that combines the crispness of Peking duck with characteristics commonly associated with Western roasting techniques.
The artistic direction is led by Fanglanx, Event & Entertainment Leader at Da Dining, whose productions reinterpret traditional Chinese performing arts through a contemporary lens. Rather than recreating historical performances, the shows combine classical influences with modern theatrical techniques while preserving their distinctive elegance.
Every Friday, Da Glamour transforms the venue with the atmosphere of early 20th-century Shanghai, featuring jazz, qipaos and vintage-inspired performances.
On Saturdays, Da Imperial presents a contrasting interpretation inspired by imperial Chinese aesthetics, reimagining traditional costumes and movement through contemporary staging.
As experiential dining continues to evolve, Da Dining offers an approach in which cuisine and performance are treated as complementary forms of storytelling.
Da Dining is designed for celebrations, gatherings with family and friends, or diners seeking a different evening in Ho Chi Minh City.
"We hope what lingers long after the last course is served is not only the memory of the food, but also the atmosphere and the feeling of having experienced a story told through both cuisine and performance," said the restaurant's representative.
