HO CHI MINH CITY – The Reverie has launched a four-hour guided excursion designed to help travellers navigate Ho Chi Minh City’s multi-layered food scene.
Launched in partnership with Hidden Saigon, a tour company that presents a selection of unique experiences in the city centred on the stories behind interesting people and places, “A Taste of Hidden Saigon” looks at the evolution of Vietnamese cuisine – from street-food stalls and local markets, to sidewalk vendors and contemporary fine dining.
Led by Linh Phan, a Vietnamese-Canadian creative producer whose work over the past 11 years has focused on highlighting another side of Vietnam other than phở, bánh mì and conical hats, the tour gives guests the chance to sample dishes and visiting places that have shaped the culture.
“So much of modern Vietnamese cuisine is inspired by what’s happening out on the streets and in the little eateries tucked into this and that corner of the city,” said Linh. “These vendors are going strong, but unless you know where to look, they’re all but invisible.”
Visitors can opt to wake with the city for a morning tour that concludes after lunch or get a taste of the city after dark with an excursion that begins in the afternoon and concludes with dinner.
“A Taste of Hidden Saigon” is an optional add-on to The Reverie’s Sampling Saigon foodie package, which invites guests to take in the hotel’s own culinary offerings – including fine dining Chinese at The Royal Pavilion, or upscale Italian at R&J.
The two-night package includes:
● Round-trip airport transfers
● Choice of buffet breakfast at Café Cardinal or via In-Room Dining
● A US$200 dining credit for use at The Royal Pavilion or R&J
Sampling Saigon rates start as US$410++, exclusive of off-site excursions.
A Taste of Hidden Saigon starts at US$280 per person for a minimum of two persons and a maximum group size of six persons.