Regent Phu Quoc, the first resort in Southeast Asia under IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Regent Hotels & Resorts and located alongside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve, is proud to celebrate the launch of Oku, a Japanese-French restaurant. Oku is the purest expression of Regent Phu Quoc’s Taste Gallery – an enchanting contemporary Japanese-French restaurant showcasing the finest techniques and ingredients of both worlds. The concept is an innovative addition to Vietnam’s culinary scene, with both Salon de Boeuf and an Omakase Atelier, offering guests the finest culinary creations with a meticulous attention to detail, from food to interior.
The Japanese concept of “Oku” means “inside” or “center,” and it shares three literal meanings: private, intimate, and deep. Oku is situated on the ground floor of Regent Phu Quoc, and it offers diners a choice of two private rooms, an omakase counter, as well as indoor and outdoor seating options. Here, guests will see a mix of couples out to mark a milestone, business partners celebrating, and groups of friends and families gathering.
The menu at Oku focuses on creating dishes that are both thoughtfully and deliciously prepared while remaining gastronomically refined. A modern twist on the classic brasserie, Oku’s menu is rooted in the French tradition of combining the perfect blend of fresh ingredients with timeless execution. Oku’s interior design, by BLINK Design Group, is a tribute to this tradition in its use of classic elements such as: globe lights, patterned floors, cozy banquettes, and modern ironmongery details. It also unites Eastern and Western design by taking Japanese ornamentation and merging it with modern design principles. From Japanese woodworking details, displaying a high level of precision and perfection, just as an omakase chef takes special attention to select ingredients to create a meal as an artistic expression, so does the meticulous woodworker who prepares carefully selected slabs of wood and cuts them so perfectly that the joinery itself becomes a work of art. Architecture, wall murals, textiles and lacquer work are inspired by traditional Japanese details and reinvented to reveal a new design aesthetic.
Bruno Anon, Executive Chef at Regent Phu Quoc, said: “The launch of Oku is a much awaited addition to the increasingly elevating lifestyle experiences available in Vietnam. Oku offers guests an effortlessly elegant dining experience encapsulating a tale of travel, taking guests on a culinary journey through the best of contemporary French and Japanese cuisine. We look forward welcoming guests to experience it first-hand.”
The seasonal menu at Oku is designed by emerging Chef Andy Huynh and embraces a wide selection of traditional dishes served with an unconventional twist including favourites such as Japanese Golden Eye Snapper with Umeshu and Dill, Wagyu Beef Croquettes, Dover Sole with Yuzu Caviar Beurre Blanc, Japanese A5 Wagyu Striploin with Wasabi Crème Fraiche and Aged Balsamic. For the most authentic Oku experience, guests are encouraged to pair their evening with a curated selection of artisanal Sake, wine or cocktails that will take them on a journey through the different regions of Japan and France.
“At Oku, we source products in the height of their season, as our food is very seasonal, this assists us in respecting food that can be eaten at the perfect time. My goal is to create memorable experiences for guests who will be coming back to Oku time and time again. We have an exciting line up of dining experiences for guests at Oku and a team that is passionate, creative, and innovative,” comments Oku Chef de Cuisine Andy Huynh.
BAR JADE, A SPEAKEASY PARLOR NOW ALSO OPEN AT REGENT PHU QUOC
A secret door leads guests to a speakeasy parlour harking back to a bygone era of luxury train travel. At Bar Jade, cocktails are inspired by gemstones, crafted around the idea of sensory experiences and ingredients lead to stories. This speakeasy bar is nested deep inside Regent Phu Quoc, where only word of mouth finds the way.
Guests will find the entrance to Bar Jade by walking towards the alley where Oku and Rice Market restaurants are situated. Concealed behind patterned wooden doors, the bar’s curvy ceiling evokes the feeling of being in the center of a luxury train car. The arrival experience is purposely concealed and discreet to make guests feel like they are walking into a hidden gem.
Design inspirations plunge deep into the jade waters of Phu Quoc, unearthing the rich ethnic crafts of Vietnam. The rich colours of Jade and hues of green that adorn the furnishings gives this parlour an old world feel.
Designed by BLINK Design Group, the ambiance at Bar Jade is vibrant and ornate with indoor and outdoor settings. The experimental cocktail menu includes rare spirits and the meticulous craftsmanship from friendly bartenders will whip up bespoke sips tailored to guests’ preferences.
