Amidst the ever-expanding, fast-paced culinary landscape of Dubai, the long-standing Hoi An at the Shangri-La hotel stands out as a beacon of authentic Vietnamese gastronomy.
Basking in the glow of traditional lanterns hanging at the entrance, a wall flaunting numerous awards won over the years reveals the restaurant’s legacy as a beloved fixture of the city’s dining scene.
There is no better time to experience Hoi An’s extensive, authentic menu than during the weekend brunch slot, when the kitchen serves up an unlimited selection of made-to-order Vietnamese dishes fusing traditional flavours with contemporary culinary techniques.
The afternoon begins with a colourful array of appetizers, each bearing a signature Vietnamese touch.
The Bánh mỳ, a staple of Vietnamese street food, is expertly crafted with pickles, pate, sausage, and a medley of herbs.
Meanwhile, the Nộm vịt, a smoked duck salad, is a delightful combination of textures and flavours, featuring mixed green lettuce and Vietnamese herbs topped with a punchy miso sauce dressing.
Hoi An’s version of Vietnamese spring rolls – Nem hải sản – are teeming with shrimp and crab meat, complemented by black fungus, shitake mushroom, carrot, spring onion, and coriander, provide a crunch that is both satisfying and moreish.
For those with a preference for plant-based cuisine, the Nem rau, a vegetable spring roll served with a robust peanut sauce, stands as a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to catering for diverse dietary requirements.
The main event arrives in the form of comforting phở, available in beef, chicken, or vegetable varieties – each offering a soul-warming experience atop a bed of rice noodles, spring onion, and basil leaf.
After a short break, diners are invited to select from a list of main courses, including the spicy wok-fried chicken lemongrass and red curry, which delivers a burst of vibrant, heady flavors to reawaken the palate.
To round off your brunch, Hoi An serves a tempting selection of desserts, including the Vietnamese Mango soup with ice cream and the crisp, caramelized banana with coconut ice cream – seconds are available, and heartily encouraged.
Beyond the usual selection of house beverages, the highlight is the espresso martini, which harnesses the intense flavour of Vietnamese coffee – widely celebrated as among the best in the world.
The menu is served in the grown-up main dining room of Hoi An, with the décor an ode to Vietnam’s rich history and French colonial influence.
The bright and airy ambience, punctuated by windows reminiscent of Hanoi’s architectural elegance, infuses a soothing tranquillity into your dining experience.
As can only be expected at one of Dubai’s best five-star luxury hotels – and one of the longest-standing properties in the city – the service is swift and gracious.
A team of ever-smiling staff, largely from Vietnam, are eager to accommodate diners’ preferences with a warm smile and engaging culinary tidbits focused on the cuisine of their homeland.
If you are looking for a brunch that combines a commitment to authenticity and quality cooking with a laid-back weekend atmosphere, head to Hoi An for a Vietnamese dining experience like no other.
It’s as close as you will get to the real thing – without boarding a one-way flight bound for Ho Chi Minh City.
