Dining on royal cuisine in a Vietnamese garden::YThaoGarden::Vietnam

Anyone who has been to Vietnam will know that there are many lush gardens across the country. Due to its tropical climate, the vegetation thrives, with an abundance of vegetables and fruits, and a rich variety of spices that have become indispensable ingredients in the local cuisine. In ancient times, the preferred dining environment for emperors and royalty was not inside palaces, but in garden-style spaces where they could enjoy natural scenery while savoring their meals in a serene and relaxed atmosphere.

Hue, the former capital of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty—the Nguyen Dynasty—is home to numerous palaces, imperial tombs, and ancient temples throughout the city, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in religious and traditional architecture.

“Y Thao Garden” restaurant is built from a traditional Vietnamese garden structure, surrounded by plants and flowers everywhere. The building itself is made of ironwood and is enveloped by a garden full of cultural charm, giving the restaurant an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.

The dining area is semi-open, with soft indoor lighting, complemented by blue-and-white tablecloths and tableware—simple yet not overly ornate, offering a distinct Southeast Asian vibe. It’s perfect for wearing floral dresses or cool attire. The restaurant also displays over 200 pieces of blue-and-white porcelain, which are said to have once been part of the royal collection.

The cuisine here carries royal characteristics, but there is no menu—each meal consists of one complete set of seven dishes, charged per person (per set) at $10 USD. The courses include spring rolls, soup, Banh Khoai, shrimp salad cakes, lotus leaf rice, grilled beef, and tomato dessert, with some dishes varying slightly depending on the season.