How The "Artists" Of The Monkey Gallery Paint With Flavor

Mạc Thị Bưởi Street is renowned for its parade of vibrant shops and dazzling storefronts, all eagerly vying for the attention of passersby. Yet, amidst this lively scene, a quiet three-story building stands out by blending in. That’s The Monkey Gallery. With no sign or neon lights, it has remained a mystery for five years, inviting only the most curious step inside and uncover its culinary secrets.

The first "brushstrokes"

As its name suggests, The Monkey Gallery positions itself as a contemporary art gallery where the main exhibits are culinary creations. Founded by a trio of entrepreneurs, all born in the Year of the Monkey, the name "The Monkey Gallery" playfully reflects their shared zodiac sign, symbolizing a space led by these “chief monkeys.”

Designed as a hybrid dining experience, The Monkey Gallery features two main areas: The Monkey Gallery DINING on the third floor, offering exquisite set menus crafted by Chef Hậu Trần, and The Monkey Gallery DESSERT BAR on the ground floor, specializing in sweets and beverages meticulously prepared by Pastry Chef Thiên Hạnh.

Half a decade of artistic mastery

At The Monkey Gallery DINING, every dish is a work of art. There are no “waiters,” “bartenders,” or “chefs” here. Instead, those who guide your dining experience are known as “Gallery Attendants,” and the culinary creators behind the dishes are called “Gallery Artists.”

For Tuệ Mẫn, a Gallery Attendant at The Monkey Gallery DINING, every team member is a vital piece of the mosaic that forms The Monkey Gallery. The environment here is designed to nurture growth and learning, empowering each person to become the best version of themselves. This continuous development is reflected in the ever-improving quality of both the service and the dishes, creating an increasingly refined experience for every guest.

What has allowed The Monkey Gallery DINING to quickly establish itself on the culinary map and gain international recognition?

Founder Tùng Nguyễn, one of the three “chief monkeys,” explains: “When we first introduced our tasting menu in 2019, The Monkey Gallery DINING piqued the curiosity and excitement of the culinary community. Over time, the expectations for our quality and creativity have only grown, driving us to continually elevate ourselves and create more vibrant, emotionally resonant culinary journeys for our diners.”

A shining example of The Monkey Gallery DINING’s dedication to creativity is the Magical Ticket—a themed menu that is reinvented each year. This menu represents the restaurant’s most significant investment in concept and storytelling, designed to deliver a dining experience that is both unique and full of surprises.

Each dish on the Magical Ticket menu is thoughtfully crafted to tell its own story, merging artistic presentation with a meticulous selection of ingredients.

What awaits in the 2024 Magical Ticket menu

As The Monkey Gallery DINING marks its 5th anniversary, it is set to unveil a new chapter in its culinary narrative with the return of the Magical Ticket, this time themed /ˈpælət/. The name itself is a clever play on words, blending the artist’s palette with the diner’s palate, setting the stage for an immersive dining experience that’s as visually striking as it is flavorful.

The /ˈpælət/ menu is an 8-course journey across eight distinct colors, each represented by a carefully crafted dish. Under the expert hands of Chef Hậu Trần and Pastry Chef Hạnh Lê, every plate becomes a canvas, every ingredient a brushstroke, as they bring this colorful vision to life.

When asked about the inspiration behind /ˈpælət/, Chef Hạnh Lê described how colors in food do more than just please the eye. “Nutritionally, colors tell a story of freshness and variety—they are signals of the nutrients within. But in the world of culinary arts, colors have the power to connect with the diner on a deeper, more sensory level.”

For Chef Hậu Trần, the process of sourcing ingredients that matched each dominant color was both challenging and rewarding. He observed that proteins often lack a diverse color range, and naturally brown ingredients are particularly scarce—aside from familiar options like mushrooms, chocolate, and certain grains.

But then, an unexpected discovery changed everything. “One day, it hit me—sea cucumbers from the ocean have this rich, earthy brown tone. When I paired them with porcini mushrooms, the combination was unexpectedly harmonious, both in flavor and appearance,” Chef Hậu Trần shares, his excitement palpable.

What Lies Beyond /ˈpælət/?

As The Monkey Gallery looks to the future, its story continues to evolve, driven by a deepening connection to the land and sea of Vietnam. The team is committed to sourcing ingredients that are not only unique but also tell a story of their own, rooted in Vietnamese culture and tradition. Imagine the crunch of spirulina, as crisp as fish roe, or the earthy, briny taste of Phú Quý coral snail.

These ingredients, sourced from local farmers and fishermen, will soon grace the plates at The Monkey Gallery, carrying the familiar taste of home, yet with a creative twist that keeps diners coming back for more.

Reflecting on the past five years, co-founder Duy Phan is filled with pride. “Looking back at what we’ve accomplished, I feel an immense sense of pride. But I also know that this is just the beginning of our journey. The culinary world is vast, and we’ve only just started to explore it.”

This journey, as Duy is quick to point out, is not one taken alone. “It’s a collective adventure that includes our chefs, our Gallery Attendants, our management, and everyone who has been a part of The Monkey Gallery. That’s why we place such importance on experiences—whether it’s dining at comparable restaurants around the world or traveling to local regions to learn from the source. These experiences fuel our passion, sharpen our skills, and ignite our creativity.”

As they look to the future, The Monkey Gallery is poised to continue evolving, ensuring that each visit to the gallery is more than just a meal—it’s a story waiting to be told.

The Monkey Gallery DINING has been listed as a Michelin-selected restaurant for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). It has also received the Best 50 Discovery award and was voted Tripadvisor's Traveller Choice 2023.

Visit The Monkey Gallery for an exhibition of art and flavor at:

Address: 3F 91 Mạc Thị Bưởi, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Service Hours:
Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM