Tingara, the magical omakase journey in Bill Bensley's architectural masterpiece

Tatler Asia

11-07-2025

Above Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ambient music that echoes the rhythm of a turning universe create a dreamlike atmosphere
Above Inside, 18 seats line the open kitchen counter, where the chefs' deft movements unfold before your eyes
Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and ambient music that echoes the rhythm of a turning universe create a dreamlike atmosphere. On the terrace, guests are drawn closer to the sky and sea, taking in breathtaking views as the sun slips beneath the horizon and the stars awaken above. Inside, 18 seats line the open kitchen counter, where the chefs' deft movements unfold before your eyes, each sound, scent and flavour composing a vibrant performance. Together, they craft an unforgettable, multi-sensory experience. Culinary art inspired by the Japanese spirit of 'bushido'
Behind Tingara's evocative setting and refined dishes is a trio of visionary chefs who constantly seek to explore new possibilities while remaining anchored in tradition. Guided by the shuhari philosophy—preserve, break, transcend—they uphold the soul of Japanese cuisine with creativity and respect.
Junichi Yoshida, a celebrated name in the world of teppanyaki, serves as Tingara's culinary consultant. For him, teppanyaki is a dynamic interplay of flame, sound, texture, taste and meaning. Each dish is a story in itself. The diners are not bystanders but participants in a journey of expression and connection.
Above Junichi Yoshida, Culinary Consultant and renowned chef in the art of Teppanyaki
Chef Tetsuhiko Isozaki is another master of teppanyaki. Known for his precision and attention to detail, Isozaki transforms technique into art, blending the contemporary use of Teppan stoves with the age-old refinement of Kishu Binchotan charcoal. The result is perfectly grilled dishes with a distinct and unforgettable aroma.
You might have missed: Tatler's picks: 5 Vietnamese resorts taking vegan cuisine to the next level
Above Chef Tetsuhiko Isozaki, who oversees the Teppanyaki dining experience at Tingara
Chef Tsuneyoshi Taira leads the sushi experience. For him, sushi embodies wakon yosai , the spirit of honouring Japanese culinary identity while embracing Western influences and native Vietnamese elements. His sashimi glistens with clarity, his nigiri delicate and smooth. Each plate, though rooted in tradition, carries a contemporary elegance, soft and expressive, like a brushstroke in a watercolour painting.
Above Tsuneyoshi Taira, Sushi Chef of Tingara Restaurant
Tingara does not offer a fixed menu. Instead, diners are guided through an Omakase journey unique to each evening. Depending on the season and palate, chefs select the finest ingredients ranging from locally sourced seafood to premium Yaeyama Kyori Wagyu, offering an experience that inspires with every bite.
Above Meals at Tingara will take diners on a journey full of surprises
Above Meals at Tingara will take diners on a journey full of surprises
Taste journeys between the 'galaxy'
Tingara draws those with discerning taste—individuals who seek not only exquisite flavours, but also a sense of artistry in the experience. This spirit infuses every corner of Tingara, including its refined sake selection.
The beverage list, curated by Sommelier Tri Tran, adds another layer to the journey. Alongside artisanal sake and Japanese teas are traditional shochu, rare aged whisky, and carefully chosen European wines with an Asian sensibility, each pairing designed to elevate the culinary narrative.
Above Besides carefully selected sake and Japanese tea, Tingara's beverage list, curated by Sommelier Tri Tran, is also a rare highlight
Luxurious yet warm, Tingara offers more than just dinner. The quiet exchange between guest and chef, the soft notes of music in the background, the thoughtful lighting, and the seamless, unobtrusive service all combine to create a moment that feels like a meeting of minds and palates, where connection comes through flavour and feeling.
Above Dinner at Tingara is like an artistic meeting, where people connect through taste and emotion
At Tingara, there is no repetition. No dish is ever quite the same. What remains constant is the boundless creativity of its chefs, the breathtaking natural backdrop, and the openness of diners ready to receive the quiet beauty each plate has to offer.
NOW READ
7 designer dining chairs that you'll recognise from restaurants and dining rooms
Visual cuisine art: when food becomes a vibrant art form
The oldest restaurants in Asia: Where every meal is a taste of living history