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More than just places to enjoy delicious food, Sen and Riva are two ways of telling stories through taste. One is a journey back to memories of Vietnamese cuisine, the other is a wandering adventure through the charming, sun-drenched Mediterranean.
Lotus - Transforming flavors into a "memory map"
Positioned as a space celebrating traditional Vietnamese cuisine, Sen offers two distinct atmospheres throughout the day. A light and relaxing experience in the morning and at lunchtime with Sen Bistro & Cafe, and a deep and rich atmosphere in the evening at Sen Vietnam Restaurant.
From 7 am to 5 pm daily, Sen Bistro & Cafe offers a breezy riverside setting where diners can start their day with a refined yet nutritious meal such as tomato sauce pasta, crispy panini, grilled pork spring rolls, lotus seed porridge, or simply a cup of strong, aromatic black coffee, reminiscent of the river breeze still carrying the dew. The space is light and airy, a departure from the hustle and bustle of life, where each chair and table seems to entice diners to linger, not only for the food but also for the lingering scent of tranquility.
The riverside setting of "Sen" evokes purity and tranquility, reflecting the experience it offers, a place to rediscover the most authentic flavors of Vietnam.
It is only at sunset that Sen truly whispers its deepest, most profound secrets. From 5 PM to 10 PM, the Bistro space transforms into a Vietnamese version of Sen Restaurant, led by Chef Hung, who has dedicated over a decade to recreating the spirit of Southern Vietnamese cuisine through the lens of memory and empathy.
Under the soft yellow light and the gentle clinking of dishes, Chef Hung's kitchen tells stories, not through words, but through aromas. From steamed snakehead fish with pork belly in the Chau Doc style, grilled snakehead fish with sugarcane, sour soup with water hyacinth flowers, to ginger glutinous rice balls in sweet soup, each dish evokes memories of a bygone countryside. They recall the image of small, smoky kitchens in the Mekong Delta during the flood season, where childhood memories grew up alongside family meals filled with laughter and conversation.
More than just a restaurant, Sen is a space to reminisce about old dishes and simple memories, but sometimes we only realize we need them after traveling far.
Chef Hung's philosophy is: "I always believe that each traditional dish is a piece of Vietnamese culture, and the kitchen is where those values are preserved and retold with all sincerity."
Sen's uniqueness lies not only in its flavor but also in its ingredients. All are carefully selected from local sources: freshwater fish from the Mekong Delta, seasonal wild vegetables, and traditionally fermented fish sauce… The cooking techniques are highly authentic but refined to be light, delicate, and harmonious with contemporary sensibilities, true to the philosophy of preserving the essence of the past while constantly renewing the culinary experience.
Riva – Mediterranean elegance in the tropics
If Sen is a quiet note brimming with memories, then Riva Dining & Lounge offers a different melody: ethereal, elegant, and infused with a spirit of exploration. Inspired by the Italian word "riva," meaning "shore," this space acts as a gentle boundary, where diners can temporarily leave reality behind and embark on a culinary journey steeped in Mediterranean flavor.
From 4 PM daily, Riva Lounge opens its doors as a "prelude" to the evening. Tucked away on a high floor overlooking the river, Riva is like a small stage for sunset, where soft light fades with a classic Negroni cocktail, or the tangy acidity of a herbal Spritz evokes a dreamy feeling. All are handcrafted, imbued with the sunny, breezy spirit of the Riviera. Accompanying these are light, unpretentious yet refined tapas, perfect for conversation or simply a moment of quiet reflection.
Riva offers a refined Mediterranean culinary experience – where each dish is a slice of culture, brought to life by the skillful hands of an Italian head chef.
As night falls, the Lounge transforms into Riva Dining, a restaurant with a modern Venetian spirit, run by Chef Jamel Sarray, a native of the canal city. With over 13 years of experience in international kitchens, from Australia and Taiwan to China and Vietnam, he brings a cooking style that harmoniously blends Mediterranean influences with global inspiration.
At Riva, ingredients are carefully selected from reputable suppliers, combined with seasonal local seafood. Each dish is the result of meticulous preparation techniques, preserving the original flavors while expressing them with a modern aesthetic. Dishes like handcrafted truffle pasta, pan-seared cod with lemon sauce, or traditional tiramisu with a hint of licorice come alive under the hands of Chef Jamel, who not only cooks but also tells a culinary story with cultural depth and emotional connection.
"For me, authentic Italian cuisine is not just about taste, but also about emotion, connection, and respect for tradition in every detail," Chef Jamel Sarray expressed.
Dishes with a distinct Mediterranean flavor at Riva.
Sen and Riva represent two different rhythms in a culinary journey, one evoking memories, the other revealing new possibilities. But at its core, both are shaped by the same philosophy: food is not just what we taste, but what we feel. If we delve deep enough, we can even touch something within ourselves.
With these two spaces,An LamRetreats Saigon River not only expands its culinary offerings but also opens the way for those who want to experience the concept of a retreat through each meal.
Contact for more details: E: rsvn.sr@anlam.com, T: (+84) 274 378 5555.
