ST25 by KOTO: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Social Impact at Sofitel Saigon Plaza

ST25 by KOTO

Located on the second floor of the sophisticated Sofitel Saigon Plaza in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, ST25 by KOTO is more than just a fine dining restaurant—it's a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culinary heritage, innovation, and social change. This unique dining experience blends the best of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine with a powerful social mission, making it an unforgettable place to indulge in exquisite flavours while contributing to a greater cause.

A Tribute to Vietnam’s Legendary ST25 Rice

ST25 by KOTO

The restaurant’s name, ST25, pays homage to the renowned ST25 rice—the world’s best rice, awarded the prestigious title in 2019. Known for its exceptional fragrance, texture, and delicate flavour, ST25 rice serves as the heart of the restaurant’s menu. Here, this celebrated grain is elevated and showcased in a variety of forms—from savoury rice-based entrées to fragrant rice desserts. Each dish highlights Vietnam’s agricultural excellence, with ST25 rice offering a foundation for diverse textures and vibrant flavours.

The rice variety symbolizes Vietnam’s deep culinary traditions and agricultural prowess, making it the perfect ingredient for dishes that reflect both the richness of local cuisine and a modern, innovative twist. ST25 by KOTO reimagines classic Vietnamese dishes, incorporating the world-famous rice into creative combinations, while introducing global influences and contemporary techniques.

A Social Enterprise with a Mission

ST25 by KOTO

ST25 by KOTO is not only a destination for extraordinary cuisine but also a social enterprise that strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Part of the KOTO program—the first of its kind in Vietnam—ST25 is a living testament to the transformative power of hospitality training. Founded with a vision to empower at-risk youth, KOTO operates a two-year training program that equips young people with the skills they need to succeed in the hospitality industry.

Graduates of this program receive internationally recognized qualifications from Box Hill Institute in Australia, opening doors to opportunities both locally and globally. The chefs and staff who craft the culinary delights at ST25 by KOTO are all graduates of the KOTO program, giving them not only technical expertise but also life skills, leadership training, and the confidence to excel in their careers.

Dining at ST25 by KOTO means supporting this noble cause, as a portion of the restaurant’s profits goes directly into expanding KOTO’s impact and helping even more young people break the cycle of poverty. In this way, every meal contributes to positive, permanent change in the community.

A Culinary Journey with Chefs Bao La and Heath Gordon

Chả Giò

At the helm of ST25 by KOTO are talented chefs Bao La and Heath Gordon, who have worked passionately to create a menu that combines the best of Vietnamese flavors with contemporary presentation and techniques. Their deep understanding of Vietnamese cuisine, paired with global culinary influences, results in a dynamic menu that surprises and delights at every turn.

The menu emphasizes freshness, seasonality, and sustainability, with ingredients sourced from local farmers and markets. This focus on using seasonal produce ensures that each dish is crafted to highlight the unique flavors of the moment, while supporting Vietnam’s vibrant agricultural communities. For example, the restaurant’s signature ST25 rice is used in a variety of dishes—from fragrant rice paper rolls with fresh shrimp and herbs to indulgent, creamy rice puddings for dessert.

Standout dishes include the ST25 Rice Paper Rolls, which pair delicate rice paper with shrimp, herbs, and vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce; and the Grilled Pork with ST25 Rice, a dish that marries tender marinated pork with the famous ST25 rice and pickled vegetables for a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. For dessert, try the Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango or the ST25 Rice Pudding, which showcase the versatility of the signature rice in sweet and satisfying forms.

The Dining Experience

KOTO Fried Chicken

The ambiance at ST25 by KOTO is one of understated elegance. The restaurant blends traditional Vietnamese design with modern touches, creating a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere. Warm wooden accents, soft lighting, and contemporary art pieces reflect the vibrant culture of Vietnam while ensuring a refined, welcoming setting for all occasions.

Guests can enjoy an interactive dining experience with views into the open kitchen, where chefs skillfully prepare each dish. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a gathering with friends, the setting is designed to complement the exceptional food and create a memorable experience.

The restaurant’s location on the second floor of Sofitel Saigon Plaza also offers stunning views of the bustling city, making it an ideal spot for both local residents and international visitors. The combination of world-class cuisine, a social mission, and breathtaking views makes ST25 by KOTO a standout destination for anyone seeking a meaningful dining experience.

A Memorable Evening at ST25 by KOTO: A Feast of Bold Flavors and Exquisite Textures

Bánh Chuối Nướng

I recently had a delightful evening dining at ST25 by KOTO, where I savored a memorable meal that perfectly combined rich flavours and unique textures. I started with Chả Giò, a crispy, deep-fried spring roll filled with braised Australian wagyu beef cheek, served alongside a tangy roasted chili ketchup and a refreshing basil herb salad. Next, I enjoyed the KOTO Fried Chicken, where tender, garlic-marinated chicken wings were deep-fried to perfection, then tossed in a luscious nước mắm caramel, and topped with lemongrass, chilli, and fried garlic for a bold, aromatic finish. For dessert, I indulged in Bánh Chuối Nướng, a caramelized Vietnamese banana cake served with silky vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with warm Valrhona 70% dark chocolate sauce, a decadent treat that rounded out the meal beautifully. To accompany it all, I enjoyed a rich and aromatic cup of Cappuccino coffee, the perfect end to an exceptional dining experience.

A Vision for a Better Future

Cappuccino

ST25 by KOTO is more than just a restaurant—it is a social movement. The restaurant’s holistic approach to training doesn’t only focus on technical culinary skills but also on developing life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, ensuring that KOTO’s graduates are ready to excel in the hospitality industry and beyond.

This comprehensive training program has already transformed the lives of hundreds of young people, equipping them with the tools to build sustainable, rewarding careers. KOTO’s impact doesn’t stop at hospitality; the organization is expanding its programs to include vocational training, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, further contributing to the community and driving long-term change.

As KOTO’s influence continues to grow, ST25 by KOTO remains at the heart of this mission, using the power of food to create positive, lasting change in the lives of at-risk youth.

Conclusion: Dining with Purpose

ST25 by KOTO

ST25 by KOTO offers an experience that goes beyond simply great food. It’s an opportunity to dine with purpose, supporting a powerful social enterprise while enjoying the finest Vietnamese cuisine. From the exquisite flavours of ST25 rice to the innovative dishes created by chefs Bao La and Heath Gordon, every meal at ST25 is a celebration of Vietnamese culture and a step toward creating a better future for young people in need.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Ho Chi Minh City, ST25 by KOTO is a must-visit destination that promises not only exceptional cuisine but also the chance to be part of something meaningful.

For a truly authentic Vietnamese dining experience that nourishes both the body and the soul, look no further than ST25 by KOTO, where food meets purpose at the heart of Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

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Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Address: 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3824 1555
Fax: +84 28 38241666
Email: H2077@SOFITEL.COM
Website: Sofitel Saigon Plaza