In this blog post, I cover Viet:Nom, India's first authentic Vietnamese bar and dining restaurant in CyberHub Gurugram.
When I used to live in Seoul, many years ago, I used to frequent an authentic Vietnamese restaurant near my apartment. Food served in this restaurant was so effing good; even after all these years, the taste still lingers and makes me want to visit them again.
Last month my prayers were answered, partially though. I was invited to the preopening of Viet:Nom, India's first authentic Vietnamese bar and dining restaurant in CyberHub Gurugram.
Viet:Nom |
Since I was one of the firsts to visit the property, I could meet and spend time with the key people behind this project β Manish Sharma (curator of the super lit Molecule Air Bar and The Drunken Botanist) and seasoned chef Vaibhav Bhargava.
For the uninitiated, Vaibhav and I are already connected on Facebook. Meeting him in person for the first time didn't feel awkward. I knew that he had traveled to Vietnam a few months ago β with Rupali Dean β to develop a greater understanding of the original Vietnamese ethos.
Vietnamese Grilled Salmon |
Vaibhav and Rupali began their culinary adventure in Hanoi (North), traveling all the way down to Ho Chi Minh City (South). They covered Hoi An and Nha Trang, among other places, to explore the indigenous delicacies, markets and eating habits of the Vietnamese.
Vietnamese Chicken Mango Curry |
From enjoyable cafΓ© sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) and French-inspired pastries to pho (noodle soup), seasonal fruit and bun dau (fried tofu), they experienced the gourmet delights of Vietnam together, which actually paved the way for Viet:Nom!
Grilled Jumbo Prawns |
Viet:Nom aims to extend the quintessential dishes from the vibrant Vietnamese culture, making it suitable for Indian palates. The meticulously crafted menu is inspired by a land rich in culinary traditions and authentic flavors.
LA Lot Chicken |
The tasting began with a range of specially curated mocktails like the Tom Yang, Thai Mist, Avalanche, and Grapine Glass.
[For some quaint reason, I could only see my favorite Avalanche on Viet:Nom's new menu; the other drinks were probably curated for the pre-launch only. Also, when I visited Viet:Nom, they had still not obtained the liquor license. Apparently, the bar is fully functional now; so expect a flurry of cocktails and concoctions, along with your favorite alcohol.]
Avalanche is made of elderflower syrup, cranberry juice, and grapefruit puree, topped up with ginger ale.
Tom Yang |
Thai Mist |
Avalanche |
Grapine Glass |
The innovative drinks were paired with Dimsums and Pho, to begin with. I absolutely loved the White Rose Dimsum, soft steamed tapioca flour dumplings filled with ground mung beans. This was followed by another winner, Chicken and Chili Dimsum, succulent juicy dumplings served with ginger sauce.
Chicken and Chili Dimsum |
Prawn and Shisho Dimsums |
With Vaibhav churning out one fabulous dish after the other, it was difficult to hold back my excitement.
If you were to ask me honestly, I prefer the Small Plates at Viet:Nom. Reason? Just like the street food in Vietnam is ideal for a light lunch or to start the evening meal, dishes like the Crispy Tofu and Char Grilled Pork Ribs are made to perfection.
Char Grilled Pork Ribs |
Salad is eaten all year round in Vietnam - be it the North or South. I also couldn't resist the temptation to try the fresh Seafood Salad from the menu. This delicious salad was made of prawns, squid, fish tossed with vegetables, herbs, and lemon chili dressing.
Another highlight at Viet:Nom was the Summer Rolls, especially the healthy Salmon and Avocado, made of Scottish salmon, avocado, cream cheese, tobiko, and shisho. I also enjoyed the Fresh Vegetables Summer Rolls, which are essentially rice paper rolls filled with seasonal market vegetables, vermicelli noodles, Vietnamese herbs served with peanut sauce.
Fresh Vegetables Summer Rolls |
Still room for more? Try the Five Spice Tofu Spring Rolls, crispy and filled with glass noodles, vegetables, and tofu. Served with salad and peanut hoisin chili.
Did you know that most Vietnamese people enjoy finishing their meal with moist, refreshing fruits, as opposed to desserts? Keeping up with this tradition, I also ordered the Yoghurt Parfait made of fresh seasonal fruits, chilled yogurt, and crisp coconut.
Pearl Jewels with Mango |
A big draw of this place is how deeply it connects with the actual vibe of Vietnam. The music, the murals, everything contributes bit by bit to a restaurant that's more than just its food or drinks!
Viet:Nom |
As I bid goodbye to what was a wonderful evening at Viet:Nom, I couldn't help but notice the intricate and soulful interiors, with art oozing out of resplendently painted walls, and pops of yellow and green splattered throughout the restaurant. The beautifully designed alfresco dining area and a fully decked bar were truly reminiscent of Vietnam.
Viet:Nom |
Come, dive deep into the rich culture of Vietnam, only at Viet:Nom.
I love Vietnamese food and I will definitely check this place out. Are you sure this is India's first Vietnamese place?
ReplyDeletewww.nooranandchawla.com
That's what the owners told me. Are you aware of any other?
DeleteThe food photos is making me crave for it.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to visit this food outlet.
You can visit this restaurant anytime of the week for a true taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine π
DeleteThis looks to be a great place. I love your food pics. They are tempting
ReplyDeleteEveryone has been raving about this restaurant since its opening. Glad you liked the food pictures π
DeleteIt's a beautiful blog. Clearly explained.. thanks for sharing.. its world to visit this place
ReplyDeleteYes, it is absolutely *worth* to visit this outlet π
DeleteAwww wow all these photos just mouth watering. Great post to share.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and appreciating the pictures π€©
DeleteThese pics are mouthwatering
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like them. Please leave your name next time π
DeleteAn authentic Vietnamese restaurant is really cool! A lot of my friends would love it. Will definitely share with them
ReplyDeletePlease do. They will love Viet:Nom, I am sure π
DeleteSuch authentic Vietnamese cuisine and the pics make it really drool worthy.
ReplyDeleteWould love to visit this place.
Yes, you must visit them soon π
DeleteIt must be a great experience for you Rahul yo rejuvenate your Seoul memories. The dishes look so colorful and tempting.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. I spent seven long years in Korea and Vietnamese cuisine was very close to my heart β€οΈ
DeleteViet:Nom brought back so many memories of my visits to the Vietnamese restaurant in Seoul π€©
Amazing and insightful post. Superb authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The presentation of the food is so tempting and delicious. Great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Humaira for this wonderful feedback π€©
DeleteReally appreciate it π
Wow this place looks just to hop with family and friends to hangout the food looks super tempting & delicious.. Loved the food presentation..
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from you, Simi. Hope to see you at Viet:Nom soon π
DeleteThis seems like a great place to dine at.. I would love to visit and tryout the Vietnamese Grilled Salmon and chicken mango curry π₯
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that. You'll love the food at Viet:Nom π
DeleteThe restaurant looks pretty cool and the food also looks delicious. I would definitely check out this place soon.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that, Purnima βΊοΈ
DeleteI have always been a fan of Vietnamese food; hence I have to try out this place soon!
ReplyDeleteYou'll love everything about Viet:Nom π
DeleteWoahh! this place looks so royal, and food seems delicious :)
ReplyDeleteWould love to try it.
Let me know when you wish to visit. Will ask the chef to personally take care of your table βΊοΈ
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