St. Regis Hosts Electrifying Vietnamese Culinary Pop-Up

Published on March 4, 2026

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Mumbai’s luxury dining scene is set for a dramatic cultural infusion as The St. Regis Mumbai prepares to host an exclusive Vietnamese culinary and cocktail pop-up at By The Mekong, bringing the vibrant spirit of Saigon’s nightlife and gastronomy directly to the city. Scheduled for March 13 and 14, 2026, the two-night event promises an immersive experience where flavour, mixology, and storytelling converge high above the skyline on the Penthouse Level 37.

This limited-edition showcase introduces Mumbai’s diners to the creative brilliance of the acclaimed team behind Stir, Modern Classic Cocktails, one of Vietnam’s most respected cocktail bars. Known for pushing the boundaries of modern mixology, Stir has consistently appeared on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, including a No. 61 ranking in 2025, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in innovative cocktail craftsmanship.

The collaboration reflects a powerful cross-cultural exchange between Vietnam and India, blending Vietnamese culinary artistry, modern cocktail innovation, and luxury hospitality. For two evenings, Mumbai’s discerning diners will have the rare opportunity to explore the bold flavours and refined techniques that define contemporary Vietnamese dining.

Vietnamese Mixology Takes Centre Stage in Mumbai

At the heart of the pop-up is Thep Dinh, Bar Manager of Stir and Co-Founder of Savor Cocktail Club, widely recognised as one of Vietnam’s most influential bartenders. His impressive accolades include World Class Diageo Vietnam Champion (2019) and Vietnam Bartender of the Year (2019 and 2023).

Dinh brings his distinctive Symposium philosophy to Mumbai, an approach that blends storytelling, craftsmanship, and creative experimentation to transform cocktails into immersive experiences. His takeover of the bar at By The Mekong promises to transport guests into the dynamic cocktail culture of Saigon.

Over the two-night event, guests will experience four specially curated cocktails each evening, designed as narrative-driven creations that fuse contemporary techniques with timeless inspiration. Each drink tells a story, combining layered aromas, refined textures, and bold Vietnamese ingredients.

Joining Dinh behind the bar is Sameer Shaw, Head Mixologist at The Penthouse, who will introduce a locally inspired perspective through precision-driven mixology. His collaboration with the visiting Vietnamese team ensures a seamless blend of global creativity and regional flair.

Adding further energy to the bar experience is Senior Bartender Phuc Ngo, whose multiple competition accolades and top-ten rankings have earned him recognition across Asia’s bartending circuit. His participation brings additional finesse and theatrical flair to the cocktail programme.

Together, the trio aims to create an unforgettable sensory journey where each cocktail becomes a conversation between cultures.

A Four-Hands Culinary Collaboration

Complementing the cocktail programme is a carefully crafted Vietnamese dining experience led by Head Chef Nhan Ngo, who will collaborate with By The Mekong’s Head Chef Li Qiang in a four-hands culinary partnership.

Chef Nhan’s culinary journey spans some of the world’s most exciting gastronomic landscapes, including Singapore, Dubai, Doha, and Qatar. His work across these international kitchens has shaped a cooking philosophy rooted in refined Vietnamese tradition blended with contemporary Asian influences.

Drawing inspiration from Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture and sophisticated modern cuisine, Chef Nhan’s menu will showcase dishes that balance bold flavours, delicate textures, and artistic presentation.

Working alongside Chef Li Qiang, known for his mastery of Asian culinary traditions, the chefs will present a menu that celebrates the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy while harmonising with the restaurant’s signature pan-Asian style.

The collaboration promises dishes that highlight fresh herbs, layered spices, and nuanced flavour combinations that reflect Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

Saigon’s Culinary Energy Meets Mumbai’s Luxury Dining Scene

The event is organised in collaboration with Dean With Us, a respected culinary platform founded by Akanksha and Rupali Dean. The duo are widely known across Asia for curating influential food and beverage experiences that connect global culinary traditions with new audiences.

Their work blends food journalism, travel exploration, culinary artistry, and event curation, making them key figures in bringing international gastronomic concepts to India’s luxury dining spaces.

Through this partnership, the Vietnamese pop-up becomes more than a restaurant event. It transforms into a cultural exchange that introduces Mumbai diners to the dynamic creativity shaping Vietnam’s contemporary food and cocktail scene.

For the city’s growing community of culinary enthusiasts, the event offers a rare chance to experience the energy of Saigon’s progressive dining culture without leaving Mumbai.

An Elevated Experience at The St. Regis Mumbai

Set within the sophisticated setting of By The Mekong, the event takes place against the backdrop of the St. Regis Mumbai’s sweeping green views and iconic skyline perspectives.

Located on the Penthouse Level, the restaurant is known for its elegant ambience and panoramic city vistas, making it an ideal venue for a culinary experience that blends atmosphere with artistry.

Guests attending the pop-up can expect an evening where award-winning cocktails, inventive cuisine, and refined hospitality come together in a carefully choreographed dining experience.

The event is designed as an intimate affair, encouraging diners to explore Vietnam through flavour, aroma, and visual storytelling.

St. Regis Legacy of Luxury Hospitality

The event also reflects the broader philosophy of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand renowned for its commitment to bespoke guest experiences.

Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City by John Jacob Astor IV over a century ago, the brand has been synonymous with exceptional service and refined luxury.

Today, St. Regis operates nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, each offering the brand’s iconic St. Regis Butler Service, which remains a defining feature of its guest experience.

The Global Reach of Marriott International

The St. Regis brand forms part of Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, Marriott operates a vast portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 brands in 144 countries and territories.

Through its loyalty programme Marriott Bonvoy, the company continues to connect travellers with luxury experiences across its global network of hotels and resorts.

Events such as the Saigon pop-up in Mumbai highlight how luxury hospitality brands increasingly use culinary storytelling and international collaborations to create unique guest experiences.

A Rare Culinary Journey for Mumbai Diners

For Mumbai’s dining community, the upcoming Vietnamese pop-up represents a rare opportunity to explore one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting culinary cultures.

From innovative cocktails to artfully plated dishes, the two-night event promises to capture the spirit of Saigon’s nightlife, creativity, and culinary heritage.

For those seeking an evening that blends culture, flavour, and luxury, the experience offers a journey through Vietnam’s evolving gastronomic identity—right in the heart of Mumbai.

Original article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/