About us
The Culinary Team
Meet The Chef
Chris JH Fong
Founder & Chef from Singapore with roots in Hong Kong, Chef Chris Fong is enthusiastic about Eastern Asian Cuisine. Moreover, he spent his childhood in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Growing up in a diverse cultural background, he aims to break the boundaries and connect different cultures using food.
Having been impressed by the “artisan” value of Vietnamese people, he has decided to leave a “fingerprint” in the South of Vietnam – Saigon and let his soul be nurtured in this beautiful country.
He has over a decade of fine dining experience, five years of hospitality consultancy experience, and multiple kitchen stints in the star-studded kitchens in Singapore, including that of Restaurant Andre and Saint Pierre.
Chef Chris has also led vital consultancy projects across several countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China & Australia.
He first arrived in Vietnam in 2019 to help redevelop the gastronomy concept for the award-winning – boutique hotel Villa Song Saigon #2 on Tripadvisor as the Executive Chef before heading to multiple sets of innovative concepts.
Chef Chris Fong’s take on innovative cuisine has always been a locally sourced approach with East meet West techniques, reinventing tradition without breaking the soul. His perception of “Cooking” is connected closely to “Time” as his creations result from his journey exploring different cuisines. From understanding the roots and how culture influences particular food, he has created a vast number of masterpieces to deliver an extraordinary culinary experience for dinners at ORYZ Saigon.
Philosophy
Step into the world of East Asian, we are bringing out a casual yet warm dining space, created by the spirit of communal dining. We feature a modern bar where we serve rice-inspired wine, brews, and spirits; paired with modern East Asian dishes. Every dish was shaped by migration, tradition, and the hands of generations who cooked not only to feed, but to care. And at the heart of it all is the joy of sharing. In East Asian culture, dining is meant to be communal: dishes placed in the center, chopsticks reaching across the table, everyone tasting a little of everything. To share food is to share stories, generosity, and the warmth of being together. That’s our philosophy in creating this new place.
The Space
ORYZ is now designed as a relaxed communal dining space, inspired by the warmth and connection found across East Asian tables. The minimalist spirit remains, but the room is brought to life with decorative accents from different East Asian regions. The open kitchen stays at the heart of ORYZ, where our culinary team brings to life a vibrant tapestry of East Asian flavors. The signature round window, echoing the “O” of ORYZ, continues to serve as a lens into our kitchen, symbolizing both openness and the harmony of Asian cultures.
ORYZ spans two floors, each designed for shared experiences, alongside a private area for intimate gatherings. Earthy gray and beige tones set a calming backdrop, while raw concrete textures and bamboo-inspired furnishings add a grounded, welcoming feel. Our bar now becomes a focal point as well, offering craft cocktails and East Asian-inspired beverages that complement the communal dining experience.
Hidden in our third floor is our mysterious in-house fermentation room – where we utilize to create our flavor of “Time”. From soy sauce, pickles, and fermented rice to waxed meat and oyster sauce (our signature sauce), our culinary team has carefully put their heart into each fermentation jar to ensure the final products achieve the perfect balance of flavours. Significantly influenced by Asian cultures, the diversity of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures are bridged into a unified vibe in the restaurant space. Raw materials of bamboo, rattan, wood, and stone combined with Asian breath generate the warmth and romance necessary for a meal with beloved people.
The Brand
ORYZ East Asian Rice Bar, inspired by Oryza Sativa – the scientific name of the rice grain, introducing a fresh reinterpretation of East Asian gastronomy alongside a curated selection of rice-inspired wines, brews, and spirits. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, ORYZ embraces the spirit of a rice bar: a lively yet relaxed space where guests gather over good drinks, shared dishes, and engaging conversations. Rooted in a communal dining ethos, ORYZ invites guests to explore our Rice Bar concept through a warm, social atmosphere. Our space is more about connection and conviviality than nightlife. Here, the bar becomes a centerpiece for discovery and dialogue, celebrating rice in every form, from the plate to the glass.
Inspired by the scientific name of a rice grain – Oryza Sativa, we honor the significance of rice in developing Asian cuisine through the name – ORYZ.
Join The Family
ORYZ Saigon isn’t a restaurant only; it’s a haven for passionate minds who dream of redefining Asian cuisine.
We seek talented chefs, service professionals, and detail-oriented individuals for our back-office team. Join our dynamic team and collaborate with like-minded individuals, pushing culinary boundaries and crafting unforgettable experiences. Develop your skills in a fast-paced yet supportive environment, where innovation and exceptional service are valued. Fuel your passion for Asian cuisine – explore our openings and join the ORYZ family today.
Location
Here are directions to our location. We hope to see you soon!
51 Đ. Trần Nhật Duật, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh