Enjoying royal cuisine in a Vietnamese garden::Y Thao Garden::Vietnam

Anyone who has been to Vietnam will know that there are many lush gardens in the country. Due to the tropical climate, the plants are abundant, as are vegetables and fruits, and a rich variety of spices have become an indispensable addition to the food. In ancient times, the favorite dining environment for emperors and royalty was not inside the palace, but rather garden-style spaces where they could enjoy natural scenery and relax in a leisurely atmosphere while eating.

Hue, once the capital of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam—the Nguyễn Dynasty—is dotted with palaces, imperial tombs, and ancient temples, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in religious and traditional architecture.

The “Y Thao Garden” restaurant is renovated from a traditional Vietnamese garden structure, where plants and trees can be seen everywhere. The building itself is made of ironwood and is surrounded by a garden full of humanistic charm, giving the restaurant an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.

The dining area is semi-open, with soft indoor lighting and blue-and-white tablecloths and tableware—simple yet not overly ornate, offering a distinct Southeast Asian vibe. It’s perfect for dressing up in floral dresses or cool attire. The restaurant also displays over 200 pieces of blue-and-white porcelain, which are said to have 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 per person, charged at $10 USD per set. The dishes are served in sequence: spring rolls, soup, Banh Khoai, shrimp salad cakes, lotus leaf rice, grilled beef, and tomato dessert, with some dishes adjusted according to the season.