Cooking with relish in Vietnam: Executive Chef Minh Nguyen, the new Xua & Nay signature
bistro, and (bottom row), the Korean bento, and Pastry Chef Thinh Ngo.

In Vietnam, the Wafaifo Resort Hoi An, which opens 11 October, has unveiled a range of remarkable food, drink, branding and entertainment options to transform the dining scene in the famous UNESCO heritage city.
 
The independent, boutique resort is set to be known for its illuminated ‘dancing’ water fountain in front of the lobby. The fountain will be lit up and visible to passersby and guests in the evening in the resort’s Bang Huu coffee outlet, outdoor terrace, and the Xua & Nay (Before & Now) bistro.
 
Many culinary creations at Xua & Nay will be created on the resort’s Josper Grill, the only one in central Vietnam. The grill is renowned for giving a unique charcoal-infused flavour to freshly cooked meats, seafood and vegetables.
 
Own branding
On branding, the resort will have its own “TASTE by Wafaifo’’ brand which will act as a mark of quality for Pedro Luis wines from Spain, Pilsner and IPA beers, fruit juices, Savall chocolates from nearby Danang, pastries, and light bites such as dried mangoes, nuts and more. Locally-sourced food and drinks with the “TASTE” branding will be available as takeaway options and for delivery, as well as for in-house diners.
 
“We aim to pleasantly surprise both international tourists and local residents with our unique mix of quality food and drink sensations and community happenings,” says Wafaifo’s Executive Chef Minh Nguyen.
 
Swim City
Much of the social activity at the resort will take place at the resort’s Swim City ‘entertain you’ activities zone. Guests and local residents can expect informal dining around the pool, DJ sounds, the Ra Khoi bar (with six draft beers, four of them craft), an eight-seat private cinema, televised sporting events and occasions, and a kids’ club with indoor and outdoor areas.
 
The covered alfresco terrace in front of the hotel is also expected to attract visitors from lunch to late night to enjoy Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Western and vegetarian bento platters while watching the water fountain show, which will be illuminated in the evenings.
 
The Bang Huu coffee outlet in the lobby has also been designed as an informal social hub and community meeting place. There will be specialty coffees, teas and cakes by Pastry Chef Thinh, as well as the bento option and views of the water fountain.
 
Menus without borders
The Xua & Nay urban bistro will feature menus without borders and will be the lifestyle resort’s main dining outlet. It will offer dry aged meats, fermentation techniques, a mixology bar, a DJ booth, a terrace view of the water fountain show, and a private dining table for personal meals arranged by Chef Minh.
 
The dining options at the new resort reflect Hoi An’s heritage, says Mikkel Krantz, Commercial Director at Wafaifo.
 

Image of the eight-seat private cinema, and Mikkel Krantz, Commercial Director at Wafaifo Resort Hoi An

“The diverse food and beverage choices at Wafaifo Resort are inspired by Hoi An’s historical role as a melting pot of influences from across Vietnam, Asia, Europe and Arabia. We are proud to continue that tradition, but with a modern twist,” he says.
 
Find out more at Wafaifo.com.