T-bone steak from New Zealand, a standout dish on the new menu.— VNS Photo

Hotel Equatorial in HCM City is carving out a niche with its ongoing culinary enhancements, with the appointment of Chef Donald Pezar and Pastry Chef Pongrat Prasitthimet, who are creating a new dining experience for residents.

With the recent launch of a new bistro concept at the hotel’s Chit Chat at the Café, diners can enjoy an East-meets-West dining experience with a European grill and Vietnamese bistro.

The European grill features a delicious range of fresh steaks, meats, lamb and seafood imported from Tasmania, New Zealand and Canada.

Guests can tailor their perfectly cooked meat or seafood with a wide selection of delicious sides, as well as a wide range of homemade sauces, such as Chimichurri and Phu Quoc peppercorn or Bourbon-shallot butter.

Chef Pezar brings his flair for creativity, with international inspiration from Italy and Asia, evident in his new exciting dishes such as Pappardelle al Ragu with braised back short ribs and grilled Peri Peri chicken wrap sandwich.

Salmon Nicoise Salad is a must-try. — VNS Photo

The talented chefs have reintroduced some local classics, prepared with the freshest of ingredients, such as steamed chicken with onions and Vietnamese herbs, braised caramel prawns with fish sauce and spring onion clay pot, and bún chả, fresh rice vermicelli cooked with grilled pork and deep fried spring rolls.

The hotel’s pastry chef offers irresistible desserts including the finest Vietnamese Marou chocolate mousse with sea salt and biscotti and New York-style apple cheesecake with oatmeal crumble topping and caramel sauce.

He has also developed a delicious range of artisan chocolates, cakes and pastries with a fine selection of coffees and teas.

The new menu is priced from VVD155,000 ++/dish and available daily from 6am-10:30pm.

Hotel Equatorial is located at 242 Tran Binh Trong Street in HCM City’s District 5. For reservations, call (028) 3839 7777. — VNS