If you can remember back to the days when you thought a Scanpan was a setting on your phone camera then you can remember a world before Masterchef. One of our biggest disappointments is that last year we were all ready to send you off on a foodie tour with the God-like original judges who nibbled, swirled and smiled approvingly (mostly) at eager not-yet-master-chefs. Only Luxury Escapes sold out the trip of a lifetime faster than you can crack an egg.
So it is with mild regret but grudging respect that we tell you that Luxury Escapes says:- After the success of our first-ever Signature Series Tour – designed in collaboration with two of Australia’s most beloved food critics, former Masterchef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan – the ultimate small-group Vietnam foodie tour is here (max. 20 travellers).
Travel from pavement to penthouse in Hanoi, hunting down prime street food and savouring a classic teahouse experience at Michelin-Starred Tầm Vị. Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, exploring limestone coves and secret beaches on an all-inclusive cruise. In Hoi An, spend a full day indulging in utter relaxation after dining at the spectacular Morning Glory Signature. Finally, in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the city’s most notable banh mi stalls and spend an unforgettable evening at Anan Saigon, holder of the city’s first and only Michelin Star.
Based on the original Signature Series adventure, this jam-packed itinerary offers extraordinary dining, insider experiences and world-class stays – after all, food this good demands accommodation to match, and this tour delivers. You’ll stay in the country’s best five-star hotels, with names like Caravelle Hotel Saigon, The Oriental Jade Hotel in Hanoi and Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery all making the list. Vietnamese foodies rejoice – this voyage is unlike anything else in the world.
Yeah, but if Gary and Matt aren’t going to be there, the food better be out of this world, I hear you say. Fear not, below are three of the highlights.
In Hanoi
Take lunch at the exceptional teahouse Tầm Vị (one Michelin Star), specialising in classic Northern Vietnamese dishes ranging from crab soup to escargot served with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles – the perfect introduction to the city’s staggering culinary heritage. After lunch, return to The Oriental Jade Hotel for a chance to enjoy the rooftop swimming pool or a visit to the onsite spa.
In Hoi An
Join your fellow travellers for dinner at Morning Glory Signature, a massive, double-storey establishment boasting wonderful views of the streets below. The free-wheeling menu bounces between Chinese dumplings, traditional Vietnamese fare and inventive vegan plates – and with two drinks per person included, wherever your mood takes you, you’re in for a treat.
In Ho Chi Minh City
After settling in, head out to savour a meal at Anan Saigon, one of Vietnam’s most acclaimed restaurants. With Ho Chi Minh City’s first (and only!) Michelin Star and a place on the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023, Anan Saigon is indisputably the city’s finest restaurant. Anan translates to ‘eat, eat’, and the restaurant’s tasting menu, taking you from Vietnam’s north to south, leaves none hungry. Farm-to-chopstick ingredients, timeless French tradition and a pinch of molecular gastronomy guarantee you’re in for an unforgettable feast.
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