There are moments when a meal becomes more than sustenance — it becomes a journey. A return to cherished memories, or a graceful voyage into new and evocative flavors.
Cradled by the Saigon River and enveloped in lush tropical serenity, Sen and Riva quietly debut as the newest culinary experiences at An Lam Retreats Saigon River — each bringing its own poetic rhythm to the symphony of summer.
More than dining destinations, Sen and Riva are curated expressions of culture and craft. Sen evokes the soul of Vietnamese cuisine — heartfelt, timeless, and deeply rooted — while Riva offers a refined interpretation of the Mediterranean spirit, elegant yet unpretentious, where every dish is a sunlit celebration of taste.
Sen – Where Flavors Awaken the Senses and Stir the Soul
Celebrating the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culinary traditions, Sen offers two distinct dining experiences throughout the day. Light and leisurely during breakfast and lunch at Sen Bistro & Cafe, and soulful and immersive in the evening at Sen Vietnamese Dining.
From 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sen Bistro & Cafe welcomes guests into a breezy riverside setting, where each morning begins with graceful simplicity — perhaps a delicate tomato pasta, a crispy panini, freshly rolled grilled pork rice crepes, lotus seed porridge, or just a bold black coffee, fragrant like the early mist rising from the Saigon River. It is a tranquil space, gently removed from the rush of city life, where every chair, every table seems to whisper an invitation to linger a little longer — not just for the food, but for the taste of serenity it brings.
As dusk begins to settle, Sen unveils its most intimate whispers. From 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the riverside bistro gracefully transforms into Sen Vietnamese Dining, guided by Chef Hưng — a culinary storyteller who has devoted over a decade to honoring southern Vietnamese cuisine through the lens of memory and heartfelt connection.
Bathed in the soft glow of golden lights and the gentle clinking of dinnerware, Chef Hưng’s kitchen does not speak with words — it speaks through flavors. From Châu Đốc-style steamed snakehead fish with pork belly and grilled fish wrapped in sugarcane, to sour soup with sesbania flowers and warm ginger sticky rice dumplings, each dish is a tribute to the nostalgic essence of a homeland. They echo the familiar warmth of rustic kitchens in the Mekong Delta, steeped in woodsmoke during the flood season — where childhoods were shaped around shared meals and stories told between bites.
Chef Hung believes: “Each traditional dish is a fragment of Vietnamese culture, and the kitchen is where those values are preserved and retold — always with sincerity.”
What sets Sen apart is not only the depth of flavor, but the soul behind every ingredient. Everything is carefully sourced from trusted local producers — from freshwater fish of the Mekong Delta, to seasonal forest herbs, and traditionally brewed fish sauce aged to perfection. The culinary techniques remain rooted in Vietnamese heritage, yet are delicately refined to meet today’s tastes — honoring the past while elevating the present.
Riva – Mediterranean Elegance in the Heart of the Tropics
If Sen is a gentle note of nostalgia, then Riva Dining & Lounge offers a contrasting melody — airy, elegant, and imbued with a spirit of discovery. Inspired by the Italian word “riva,” meaning “shore,” this space becomes a graceful threshold where guests momentarily leave the present behind and embark on a sensory journey inspired by the Mediterranean coast.
From 4:00 pm daily, Riva Lounge opens its doors as a prelude to the evening. Perched on the upper level with sweeping views of the river, it becomes a stage where sunsets unfold in soft hues — mirrored in the deep allure of a classic Negroni or the herbaceous brightness of a Spritz. Each cocktail is crafted by hand, channeling the sunlit soul of the Riviera. Paired with light, refined tapas, the experience is designed to spark conversation — or simply offer a moment of stillness, just for you.
As night falls, the Lounge gracefully transforms into Riva Dining — a modern Venetian-inspired restaurant led by Chef Jamel Sarray, a native of the famed canal city. With over 13 years of experience in acclaimed kitchens across Australia, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam, Chef Jamel brings a culinary style that harmonizes Mediterranean soul with global inspiration.
At Riva, ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from trusted purveyors, paired with seasonal local seafood to ensure both freshness and authenticity. Each dish is a testament to refined technique — preserving original flavors while embracing contemporary presentation. From hand-crafted truffle mushroom pasta to seared cod with lemon sauce, or a classic tiramisu subtly laced with licorice, Chef Jamel’s creations go beyond taste. They tell a story — one of culture, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance.
“For me, true Italian cuisine is not only about flavors, but about emotion, connection, and honoring tradition in every detail,” says Chef Jamel Sarray.
Sen and Riva embody two distinct rhythms within one seamless retreat journey — one rooted in remembrance, the other inspired by exploration. Yet at their core, both are guided by the same philosophy: that cuisine is not merely what we taste, but what we feel. When it’s deep enough, it touches something within.
With these two culinary concepts, An Lam Retreats Saigon River doesn’t just expand its dining offerings — it invites guests to explore the very notion of a “retreat” through each thoughtfully crafted meal.
For more information, please contact: E: rsvn.sr@anlam.com, T: (+84) 274 378 5555, anlam.com
