New Menu With French Flair Sets Vietnamese Ingredients Centre Stage at The Colonial

New Menu With French Flair Sets Vietnamese Ingredients Centre Stage at The Colonial

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 2, 2025

The Colonial restaurant at The Anam Cam Ranh has unveiled an exciting six-course degustation menu that fuses Vietnamese ingredients with French culinary techniques. Curated by the resort’s Executive Chef Duy Anh Nguyen, the new menu celebrates Vietnam's distinct flavors while presenting them with French finesse.

An Unforgettable Culinary Journey

Guests are welcomed into a setting with an open kitchen, a grand piano, and a courtyard adorned with lush gardens, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The menu begins with a creative amuse-bouche featuring giant clam with sausage, daikon jams, and salmon roe, alongside Vietnamese beef tartare with caramelised cashew, crispy garlic, and betel leaf.

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Following the appetizer, the entrée showcases salted mackerel served with a fermented star fruit broth, garnished with chrysanthemum and coriander oil, offering a perfect balance of sour and aromatic flavors. The first main course brings a 14-day dry-aged duck breast paired with pumpkin flower, black apple amazake, and brown butter fermented tofu sauce, offering complex textures and rich, savory flavors.

For a refreshing palate cleanser, mango and passion fruit sorbet with oolong tea cordial and yellow raisin is served before the second main dish: a luxurious 150-day dry-aged Black Angus tenderloin accompanied by eggplant puree, homemade chili and basil beef jus, and Vietnamese ST25 fragrant rice with corn and green beans.

To finish, a delightful dessert of Tahini ice cream with sesame chips, caramelised hajikami, and coconut milk sauce is paired with a delicate Nha Trang tofu pudding, providing the perfect sweet finale to the meal.

Wine Pairing for a Perfect Complement

For those looking to elevate their experience, the menu offers an optional wine pairing, featuring wines from Australia, France, and Italy, selected to complement each course and enhance the flavors of this innovative fusion feast.

A Nod to Vietnam’s Rich Culinary Heritage

Chef Duy Anh Nguyen shared his excitement about the new menu, saying:

"Vietnamese cuisine is renowned the world over for its distinct flavour combinations thanks to vibrant ingredients such as aromatic herbs, spices, and sauces. Our new menu celebrates these combinations and contrasting textures with an undeniable French influence."

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The Colonial’s Unique Dining Experience

With its Indochine-inspired design, The Colonial specializes in modern European and French dishes infused with Vietnamese nuances, providing a premium fine dining experience. The restaurant transforms into the club lounge for guests of premium suites and villas during the day, offering a relaxed yet refined setting before transitioning to an elegant dining space at night.

The Anam Cam Ranh, recently listed as one of Fodor’s Finest Hotels for 2025, continues to set a high standard in luxury hospitality, offering not only exceptional dining but also a host of world-class amenities, including a beachfront location, luxurious villas, pools, spas, and more.

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For reservations or further details, visit www.theanam.com, email info.cr@theanam.com, or call +(84) 258 398 9499.

About The Anam Group

After debuting The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, The Anam Group expanded its portfolio with the opening of The Anam Mui Ne in January 2023 and the Axi Plaza convention centre in April 2024. The group combines Indochine charm with modern luxury, offering an extraordinary blend of colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service.

The Anam Cam Ranh boasts 77 villas, 136 rooms, and extensive luxury amenities. With another property, The Anam Mui Ne, already making waves in southern Vietnam, the group is carving out its place as a leader in luxury hospitality on Vietnam’s scenic coastline.


Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.

Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.

Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:

“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”

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Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.

Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”

Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.

Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.


PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.

The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.

The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.

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Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:

"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”

Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:

“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”

PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.


Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Figaro’s Pizza has unveiled a bold new chapter, staying true to its roots while elevating every element of the pizza experience. Known for its dedication to freshness and flavour, Figaro’s reaffirms its core philosophy: honest ingredients, expertly crafted.

At the heart of every Figaro’s offering is fresh dough made daily, 100% real cheese, and never-frozen vegetables—a trio that ensures every bite is not just delicious but crafted with intention and integrity.

Spotlight on Signature Flavours

1. Mama’s Favorite Pizza
A classic with a twist. Perfect for those who love bold, meaty flavours, this pizza combines chicken pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and capsicum, layered on your choice of red sauce or creamy garlic base. A celebration of richness and balance.

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2. Rainbow Pizza
Vegetarians, rejoice! This colourful and flavour-packed pizza brings together garlic mushrooms, baby corn, black olives, capsicum, and tomatoes. It’s a visual and gastronomic treat, offered with Figaro’s signature red or creamy garlic sauce.

3. Figaro’s Special Garden Salad
Fresh, light, and full of crunch, this salad brings together capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and olives tossed in Caesar or Italian dressing. A perfect pairing to any main.

4. Santa Fe BBQ Sandwich
Comfort meets bold in this grilled chicken sandwich, layered with sweet onions, red paprika, tomatoes, melted cheese, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce. A hearty choice for those craving depth and flavour.

Whether you’re a loyal Figaro’s fan or a new diner, the menu’s flavour-forward philosophy ensures there’s something to love. These creations are more than meals—they’re crafted experiences, designed to satisfy both the stomach and the soul.

At Figaro’s Pizza, flavour isn’t just served—it’s redefined.

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