At the age of 83, Thi Ba Nguyen, Austria's oldest top chef, is delighting gourmets at the Graz restaurant Vina with a new fine dining concept. From now on, her favorite Vietnamese dishes will be offered in a five-course menu that is served Tuesday to Thursday. The menu reflects the flavors and memories from Nguyen's childhood in Vietnam and offers authentic flavors that have been refined by the chef's years of experience.
The Vina restaurant, run by Nguyen's son Robert, has enjoyed great popularity since its reopening in October 2023. The elegantly designed restaurant in downtown Graz, designed by the renowned architecture studio INNOCAD, is often fully booked. The combination of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and modern design attracts both gourmets and tourists.
Culinary memories from Vietnam in Graz
Nguyen's new menu consists of five courses, including organic beef with fresh herbs and Vietnamese Phu Quoc pepper, scallops with wasabi cream and fish sauce, and "Thit Kho Tau," a traditional Vietnamese dish made from braised organic pork and quail egg. These dishes are not only a culinary highlight, but also a tribute to the chef's Vietnamese homeland.
The menu also includes innovative creations such as a refreshing drink with kiwi and lime, developed by bartender Sascha Ehmann, and a dessert with coconut and passion fruit. The total menu price is 75 euros per person, which is considered fair considering the quality and originality of the dishes.
The success story of the Vina restaurant
Thi Ba Nguyen's story is impressive. With over seven decades of cooking experience, she is considered an icon of Vietnamese cuisine in Austria. Her son Robert runs the restaurant Vina, which has been appreciated for its excellent cuisine and elegant design look since it reopened. Demand for a table in the restaurant is high, which underlines the culinary appeal of the establishment.
In addition to the gastronomic experience, the stylish atmosphere also contributes to the success. The architecture studio INNOCAD, which has already gained international recognition, was responsible for the modern design of the restaurant and has created a place that is both visually and culinary appealing.
Vietnamese soul food in Graz
Thi Ba Nguyen's cuisine is a mix of traditional Vietnamese flavors and modern fine dining elements. It is often described as "addictive soul food," which reflects the emotional connection and authenticity of the dishes. This special combination has made Vina a hotspot on the Graz gastronomy scene in a very short time.
The new fine dining offer makes the restaurant even more attractive. Although it has only been awarded one Falstaff fork, the restaurant has nevertheless received a lot of recognition for its high-quality cuisine and the extraordinary personality of the 83-year-old top chef. The opportunity to enjoy her dishes in such an exclusive setting is a highlight for gourmets and lovers of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
The new fine dining menu, which is offered Tuesday to Thursday, is a complement to the existing culinary offering at Vina. Thanks to the close collaboration between Thi Ba Nguyen, her son and the team, the restaurant in downtown Graz will continue to gain importance. The mixture of tradition, modernity and a family atmosphere attracts many guests and makes Vina an outstanding gastronomic destination in Styria.