Shri is the perfect place for a business meeting, date or a drink with family and friends, says Xuan Hiep who satisfies his taste for fine dining
On a regular business trip to HCM City last month, a foreign friend of mine told me he had tried one of the city's best Western restaurants which boasts a stunning 360-degree view.
Wow, I hadn't heard about that. I was curious and could not wait to experience the restaurant.
On a regular business trip to HCM City last month, a foreign friend of mine told me he had tried one of the city's best Western restaurants which boasts a stunning 360-degree view.
Wow, I hadn't heard about that. I was curious and could not wait to experience the restaurant.
Upmarket: Shri Restaurant and Lounge is located at the high end of town. — VNS Photos Xuan Hiep
Finally, last weekend I gave it a try and discovered that it's worth more than one visit.
What a shame I didn't know about the Shri Restaurant and Lounge earlier!
Located at level 23 of the Centec Tower on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 3 – right in the heart of HCM City – Shri is one of the city's newest upscale venues.
It's an interesting escape for visitors in the country who need a break from Vietnamese cuisine.
Shri opened early last year, but it has acquired a regular clientele, most of whom are foreigners.
Set atop the new Centec Tower, Shri offers unparalleled panoramic views from almost every table in the restaurant, whether it is in the internationally styled Dining Room or the contemporary Lounge and Bar, or the stunning alfresco Garden Terrace, where diners can relax and get away from the city's frenetic energy.
The restaurant is divided into three main areas.
The Dining Room, which offers the most stunning panoramic views of the city, is set classically with simple white linen and modern glassware, offering an intimate feeling for all occasions, whether it is a dinner for two, or a business dinner with an international client.
The restaurant's Terrace is another surprise for diners. With its full open air feel, frangipani trees, water features and ambient lighting, it provides an excellent setting to unwind for the day and watch the sun set and the lights come up over the city.
The Bar and Lounge of the restaurant is also nicely designed. With its modern styling, ample sofas and fully stocked bar, the lounge is a good place to sit back with a classic cocktail or a glass of wine.
Diners have an option to stay inside the Dining Room to enjoy the cosy atmosphere or stay outside at the Terrace to enjoy the fresh air and the views of the city.
I went to Shri with a friend on a rainy evening, but, unfortunately, the restaurant doesn't serve diners on the Terrace on rainy days.
The restaurant was quite busy so we waited for about 10 minutes to have a seat at a corner in the Dining Room.
A waitress advised us to reserve the seat in advance if we wanted to have a seat on the Terrace area.
"Most diners would love to have a seat on the Terrace to enjoy the fresh air and the views of the city," she said.
We quickly forgot about the hassle of waiting to order our favourite dishes.
"Are you ready to order, Sir?" a waiter asked softly, smiling.
We spent some minutes looking at the menu again and again. It was quite difficult for me to choose my desired foods from an extensive menu full of Western dishes, many of which I had not heard before.
The menu at Shri offers a wide range of dishes to suit a majority of diners' tastes with contemporary Western-style starters, mains and desserts as well as a wide selection of grills and salads utilising both local and imported ingredients. It also serves a range of pasta and risotto dishes.
Diners will also find a full grill menu with Wagyu beef, pork chops, grilled lobster, and surf and turf, among others.
The waiter was enthusiastic and helpful and based on his advice, we chose two main dishes.
My friend ordered the pan-seared magret of duck "au poivre" with gratin dauphinois and sauteed broccoli, while I chose the pan-roasted sea bass wrapped in Serrano ham, with olive oil mash and gremolata.
I preferred the sea bass much better as I love fish. The dish was extremely flavourful as I could feel all the tastes of the well-cooked dish, a bit sweet, salty and sour.
It's such an indescribable feeling, especially when I ate the fish together with vegetables included. The fish texture is tender and the vegetable is also fresh.
Light music was played quietly during the meals, which makes diners feel more relaxed.
The staff was attentive and courteous, and spoke English well. They filled my glass of water even before I noticed it was empty.
Because this was a high-end restaurant, the prices ranged from VND90,000 up to 1,200,000 (US$4-60) per dish.
My friend told me next time he would take his American boss to the restaurant again; the last time they dined there, they were very satisfied with the restaurant's food and service.
I also talked with the restaurant's manager Duong Cong Thuong about the name of the restaurant and discovered that "shri" is not an English word but Sanskrit, which means "surrounded by the light".
Indeed, the Shri is surrounded by lights with its 360-degree view of the city's skyline.
"Shri" is the sacred sound of cosmic auspiciousness and abundance in Hindu religion. Written as Sri or Shree or Sree or Shri, it stands for abundance, auspiciousness, affluence, grace, wealth, beauty, loveliness and light, according to one respected source. My friend and I believed the name was quite fitting for the restaurant. — VNS
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Shri restaurant & lounge
Add: Level 23, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3, HCM City
Hours: 10am-12pm. On Sundays and public holidays, 4pm till midnight
Prices: VND95,000-1,200,000 (US$4-60) per dish
Comments: High-end restaurant, wonderful view, contemporary Western cuisine, professional and courteous staff.
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