Spanish flavors made waves on the shores of Nha Trang, following the official launch of Gran Meliá Nha Trang’s signature restaurant Hispania, the most upscale Spanish restaurant to debut in the popular beachside town. Guided by a chef with a Michelin star track record and based on the successful Hispania restaurants of Europe, the first Hispania in Asia brings Spanish cuisine to life with the freshest Vietnamese ingredients.
Theia – The chic lobby bar is named for the Greek goddess of sight and light
“Gran Meliá Nha Trang is set to become more than just a luxury resort,” said Ernesto Osuna, General Manager of the hotel. “With Hispania and the hotel’s other upscale dining outlets, such as Shibui, we expect to become a destination of reference for haute cuisine in Nha Trang, set to raise the bar on gastronomy in the city.”
To cement its position as a hub for the best in luxury gastronomy, Gran Meliá Nha Trang hosted “Una Cita at Hispania” on January 13th, an exclusive VIP multi-course meal by Michelin-starred chefs accompanied by live music and a surprise performance by the neighboring Do Theatre troupe. Several of Spain’s top chefs graced the kitchens for the event including Marcos Morán, the seasoned culinary star behind the Hispania concept and the restaurant’s menu.
Marcos Morán is the fifth generation in a lineage of chefs. He currently helms Casa Gerardo, a one-star Michelin restaurant serving authentic Asturian cuisine — something which the Moran family has done at the location since 1882. During his career Morán has been awarded one Michelin Star, three Soles Repsols, Spain’s version of Michelin Stars; and “Chef of the future” by the International Gastronomy Academy. He is also behind Hispania’s two other outposts, including its Michelin-starred Brussels restaurant.
Luxurious space at Hispania restaurant
“Vietnam is a special place because of the long coastline and the seafood is fantastic,” explained Morán when asked why he chose Vietnam for the first Hispania in Asia. “For us high quality products are very important, as well as the place itself. The location, the people, the culture of the country plays a pivotal role in deciding on a location.”
Morán was joined by his right-hand man, Adrián Mancheño, from Hispania Brussels who has worked in some of Spain’s most prestigious restaurants including Casa Gerardo, Coque Madrid and the three-starred Celler de Can Roca, which was crowned the World’s Best Restaurant in 2013 and 2015.
Pepe Solla of the family-owned Michelin-starred Casa Solla also joined the stellar chef line up. Solla, according to the Michelin guide has “hospitality coursing through his veins,” and is known for his creative cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of the region of Galicia. He is also a founding member of the Asociación Gallega de Sumilleres (Association of sommeliers of Galicia).
Casa Solla and Casa Gerardo, both are proud to be the restaurants that own the oldest Michelin stars in Spain. Begoña Rodrigo showcased her skills in Hispania’s kitchen, which she has cultivated around the globe since beginning her career at 19. The exceptional chef is behind the Michelin-Starred La Salita restaurant and has worked in upscale restaurants throughout Europe, including as Head Chef at the two Michelin-Starred private club Aquarium.
Hispania Restaurant has a really unique kitchen open space
The event marked the launch of several new menu items, including Spanish iberic ham croquettes and a fresh lobster dish, Salpicon de bogavante. While the entertainment by the Life Puppets performers was a contemporary and energetic show, highlighting similar cultural elements between Vietnam and Spain through dance and music.
“Hispania, and the talented chefs who joined us this month, offered an immersive escapade through the food and wine of Spain’s beautiful regions,” explained Osuna. “The dishes were inspired by Spanish culture, culinary history, and the different seas and oceans that surround Spain: Mediterranean, Cantabria and Atlantic, as well as each chef’s hometown.”
Hispania Nha Trang’s menu includes signature dishes that feature in Hispania London and Brussels and showcase the best of Spanish gastronomy, while embracing new culinary trends in Spain. The wine selection is representative of the best of hundreds of years of Spanish wine-making traditions.
Located in its own private bay with the Fairy Mountain peaks behind and the sea stretching out in front, Gran Meliá Nha Trang is an upscale sanctuary inspired by the surrounding landscape. The new property features 94 expansive private pool villas; five gastronomic destinations; and indulgent wellness offerings from onsen to spa.
Natura Restaurant Where Breathtaking Views Meet Delicious Cuisine
The property’s four other dining destinations introduce global flavors from Japan to the Mediterranean. The refined Shibui restaurant is an elegant affair that taps the abundant seafood Nha Trang is known for, for superior Japanese cuisine. In addition to the main dining area the restaurant features a sushi bar and a Teppanyaki counter. The upscale offering highlights omakase-style dining (chef’s choice menus) made with the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Three distinct courses are available consisting of 8-9 courses each. The aesthetic embraces Japan’s penchant for understated luxury, simplicity, and clean lines.
Natura highlights the bounty of the natural world through a blend of dishes from the surrounding region and the Mediterranean. The chic lobby bar Theia is named for the Greek goddess of sight and light. The laid-back Sal pool bar offers refreshing cocktails and light bites in the sunshine with a tropical breeze.
Exquisite dishes at Gran Melia Nha Trang
“The Gran Meliá brand brings the Spanish luxury of a ‘Life Well Lived’ to the world while embracing the local culture and traditions of each destination,” added Osuna. “Our Hispania event with its fusion of Vietnamese ingredients and Spanish flavors, alongside performances that span both cultures, was the perfect example of this.”
The five-star Gran Meliá brand currently has 19 hotels worldwide in leading destinations. These include such hotels as Gran Meliá Iguazu in Argentina; along with Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá in Madrid and Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in Rome, both of which are converted palaces and Leading Hotels of the World.