Sofitel Saigon Plaza Unveils Luxurious French-Inspired Afternoon Tea Experience

Sofitel Saigon Plaza has announced the return of Le Goûter, an upscale French-inspired afternoon tea experience, starting December 5, 2024. The event, held at Le17 Bistro restaurant from Tuesday to Sunday between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM, showcases a new menu created by acclaimed French Chef Robin Mouquet, known for his work in Michelin-starred kitchens.

Le Goûter offers guests a selection of refined pastries presented on a sophisticated white trolley, allowing for personalized selection. Highlights include the Mont Blanc, inspired by the Alps' highest peak, and the Paris Brest, paying homage to France's oldest long-distance cycling race. These creations exemplify Mouquet's innovative approach, blending traditional French pastry techniques with Vietnamese flavors.

The afternoon tea can be paired with premium teas from The Teamakers Private Reserve collection by Dilmah, sustainable Vietnamese coffee from Folliett Coffee, or Pommery Brut Reserve Champagne, enhancing the luxurious experience. Chef Mouquet will be present on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays to serve guests and share insights into the menu.

This culinary offering is significant as it represents a growing trend in luxury hospitality, where high-end hotels are leveraging unique food and beverage experiences to attract discerning guests. By combining French culinary expertise with local Vietnamese influences, Sofitel Saigon Plaza is positioning itself as a cultural crossroads, appealing to both international travelers and local connoisseurs.

The reintroduction of Le Goûter also reflects the hospitality industry's post-pandemic recovery efforts, with a focus on creating memorable, experiential offerings that cannot be replicated at home. This strategy aims to draw guests back to hotels and restaurants, potentially boosting tourism and local economic activity in Ho Chi Minh City.

For the luxury hotel sector, such specialized culinary experiences serve as a differentiator in a competitive market, potentially influencing guest choice and loyalty. It also demonstrates Sofitel's commitment to maintaining its brand identity as a purveyor of French art de vivre in an international context, reinforcing its position in the luxury hospitality segment.