Leading Thai restaurant operator Mango Tree Worldwide has inked a partnership deal with Nova FnB, a member of NovaGroup, to bring one of the world’s most recognised Thai culinary brands to Viet Nam this year.

Mango Tree is no stranger to Viet Nam, having operated its COCA restaurant Suki Hot Pot here for a decade.

However, bringing its flagship brand to the country marks a significant moment for the company, Mango Tree said.

Trevor MacKenzie, global managing director of Mango Tree Worldwide, said: “We are very excited about our new partnership with NovaGroup in general and Nova FnB in particular in Viet Nam. We have been planning to enter the market for some time, but we needed to wait until we found the right partner. As one of Viet Nam’s top conglomerates, Nova Group provides the solid foundations and local expertise that will enable us to expand across southern Viet Nam. We look forward to introducing a new era of Thai gastronomy to Viet Nam, starting with our new flagship restaurant in HCM City.”

The launch of the top-tier Mango Tree restaurant is scheduled for the third quarter in a downtown location.

Set in a renovated colonial-style property with high ceilings and elegant interiors, the restaurant have some 160 covers, a bar lounge and two private rooms.

Subsequently the partners plan to open eateries all across Viet Nam integrated into Nova Group’s real estate developments.

NovaGroup is one of the biggest conglomerates in Viet Nam with an eco-system that covers industries ranging from real estate, hospitality and F&B to education, agriculture and vaccines.

Nova FnB manages several restaurant and coffee shop brands.

Mango Tree has a target of 100 outlets world-wide by 2025. — VNS