HCM CITY — Autograph Collection at Vinpearl Landmark 81 is welcoming Japanese chef Kazushi Iwane, executive chef of famous Japanese restaurant Mai at the spectacular Westin Tokyo, for a guest chef dinner series named Umami Japan this May and June.

Kazushi Iwane, Japanese executive chef of famous Japanese restaurant Mai at the spectacular Westin Tokyo, will be in HCM City for a special Japanese culinary event named Umami Japan this May and June. — Photo courtesy of Autograph Collectio

Umami, means “essence of deliciousness” in Japanese, and is one of the core five tastes besides sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It describes the balance of the meaty, savory deliciousness that deepens flavor.

Umami Japan, boasting two months of Japanese-themed buffet and a special two-week visit by Chef Kazushi Iwane, is part of ‘Guest Chef Dinner Series’ initiated by Oriental Pearl and aims to bring to Vietnam a line-up of culinary masters from Marriott’s famous restaurants around the world. 

Chef Iwane, a Kaiseki expert, will be dropping in for a two-week visit at Oriental Pearl, the sky-high restaurant of Autograph Collection, from May 11 to May 20 to showcase his artful Japanese signature dishes served in buffet style while the Japanese-themed buffet will continue until the end of June.

From May 11 to June 30, Oriental Pearl’s buffet line will be enhanced with traditional and modern Japanese dishes as well as premium seafood, Vietnamese specialties and international dishes. 

Born in Saitama Prefecture of Japan, Chef Iwane dedicated his entire career to Japanese Kaiseki cuisine. Trained in his hometown and also in leading Kaiseki establishments in Ueno and Ginza, Iwane joined The Westin Tokyo in 2003. He is best known for his simple yet sophisticated approach in which the combination of top-notch ingredients, seasonal narrative and bespoke presentation orchestrates a poetic culinary experience unique to the time of the year.

During the two-month promotion, guests can taste the magic of umami in every dish of Japan's incredible cuisine created by Chef Iwane, served in buffet style.

Apart from fresh sashimi, nigiri and sushi, the guest chef will treat diners to a range of delicate dishes made from the finest ingredients and cooked by traditional Japanese methods such as: “Hokki”, clams and cabbage marinated with dried fish flakes, broiled salmon and avocado mixed wasabi, fluffy grilled crab with fresh cream, wagyu sukiyaki Don rice bowl and so much more.

Sushi, a popular Japanese cuisine created by guest chef Kazushi Iwane from famous Japanese restaurant Mai at the spectacular Westin Tokyo. — Photo courtesy of Autograph Collection

Umami Japan and seafood buffet with Saigon’s best views from the 66th floor of Việt Nam's tallest building, Landmark 81, will be served during dinner with reservations highly recommended. 

The dinner buffet is priced at VNĐ1.8 million++ inclusive of soft drink, water, tea and coffee on Thursday, Friday and Sunday while it is at VNĐ2.2 million++ inclusive of soft drink, water, tea and coffee on Saturday with live music.

Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is located at 720A Dien Bien Phu Street, in HCM City’s Binh Thanh District. For reservations, call 028 39718888. — VNS