Akuna at the Le Méridien Saigon will present Mate's Mash-Up, an exciting series of chef collaborations this March featuring internationally acclaimed names Rishi Naleendra of Cloudstreet, Sun Kim of Meta and Peter Gilmore of Quay, among others.

For the first time, these chefs will be cooking together in Việt Nam. Opened in July 2023, Akuna reflects the evolution of chef Sam Aisbett’s culinary journey, with an intentional nod to the people and produce of Việt Nam.

Presenting his most ‘authentic cooking’, Sam leans into his rule-breaking nature and actively decides against limiting the menus to the boundaries of a region or style.

Akuna was awarded New Opening of the Year by LaListe, the ultimate guide to the world’s best restaurants. It was also recognised among the Top 25 Restaurants by Robb Report Gourmet Collection 2023.

Mate’s Mash-Up, the four-part collaboration series, will bring together some of Sam’s best mates and mentors from around the world as they cook up a storm of exquisite gastronomy in Akuna’s open kitchen.

“Guests should definitely be excited to experience the amalgamation of flavours from a trio of Australian, Sri Lankan and Korean chefs working together,” says Sam.

Sam Aisbett, Rishi Naleendra and Sun Kim will present a special six-course dinner on Saturday, March 9.

Born in Melbourne of Australia, Sam worked through the kitchens of famed chefs Peter Gilmore and Tetsuya Wakuda in Sydney before opening Whitegrass in Singapore in 2016.

At Whitegrass, he led the team to earn two consecutive Michelin-star wins, as well as a place on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. He left Whitegrass at its peak in 2018, and found his way to Việt Nam where he fell in love with the "beautiful chaos" of HCM City.

At Akuna, he serves up an experience that is ‘Sam on a plate’ - an amalgamation of his inspirations and experiences as a chef, restaurateur, traveller and produce enthusiast.

Rishi Naleendra of Cloudstreet from Singapore is the first Sri Lankan chef to be awarded a Michelin-star. His restaurant offers a progressive and sophisticated approach to gastronomy – marrying disparate cultures and influences in an exuberant expression that champions ingredients and seasonality.

The two Michelin-star Cloudstreet is currently placed No. 26 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023.

South Korean chef Sun Kim draws inspiration from his cultural heritage and international experience to deliver a contemporary yet deeply personal cuisine at Meta.

While pushing the boundaries of his cuisine, Sun remains true and respectful of the bounties of the land, with creations that focus on the natural flavours of the produce. His Meta is a one Michelin-star restaurant and is currently placed No. 17 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. VNS