Li Bai restaurant reopens after uplifting renovation

After two months of renovation, Li Bai, the renowned Cantonese restaurant nestled within Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel, reopened on April 12.

With a legacy of excelling in time-honoured Cantonese cuisine since 2003, Li Bai has withstood the tests of time as one of the leading Chinese restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and captured the hearts of many local and overseas Cantonese gastronomes, offering an authentic taste of Cantonese quintessence.

Post renovation, Li Bai, named after the famous Chinese poet, introduces its full-scale renovation, from interior design to food concept, service delivery, and entailed dining experience.

The brand-new ambiance embodies contemporary aesthetics inspired by Li Bai’s poetic stories, with a harmonious interplay of his life journey with nostalgic elements.

A tranquil landscape with mountains, the moon and cherry blossoms set the mood from the entrance, whilst koi fish representing an auspicious blessing as you walk through the gateway.

Inside the restaurant, the new interior features gold tones with exquisite artworks depicting Li Bai’s milestones, from the beautiful Nga Mi mountains in Sichuan where Li Bai showcased his talent at the age of 15, to the following years when Li Bai embarked on a journey to explore magnificent mountains and rivers, the two most distinctive elements in his poems.

The whole restaurant spaces boast different table settings catering up to 104 guests - from two-four-six seating to semi-private and private rooms offering an enhanced sense of comfort. The exclusive VIP rooms with large round dining tables for 10 or 20 guests each are mergeable to create a spacious private dining area with floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Dong Khoi street.

Renowned for its simple presentation that allows the dishes to take the central stage, Li Bai has taken the bold step towards rejuvenation based on the new direction of executive chef Shardul Kulkarni.

Chef Giang, who originates from Guangdong, also has more than three decades of experience in Cantonese cuisine. The new menu features Cantonese classics with innovative twists and intricate presentations that spotlight traditional cooking techniques using the finest ingredients whilst drawing inspiration from a variety of Chinese regional cuisines. These include Cantonese with a contemporary spin, to elegant dining interpretations of Sichuan comfort classics, whilst still maintaining the heart and soul of Li Bai’s authenticity.

The produce is thoughtfully sourced and sustainably harvested from local farms. The culinary magic features exciting signature dishes, including the Peking Duck pancake with crispy skin, highlighted by 10-day dry-aged cage-free ducks from the Mekong Delta, a tribute to Vietnam’s rural poultry culture bringing a succulent taste.

Since its opening in 2003, Li Bai has gained a large gathering of loyal guests returning for our delectable Cantonese staples and popular hand-crafted dim sum selection available with lunch offerings.

Li Bai opens daily for lunch and dinner with an à la carte menu, while Yum Cha is served on weekends paired with free-flow drinks. There is something for every craving and generation to gather for good moments.