Since its debut in December 2025, Roku has introduced a refined approach to Japanese dining in Halong Bay. Perched atop the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, the restaurant pairs panoramic views of the bay with cuisine, design, and a structured evening experience. Open for dinner and late-night service, Roku presents Japanese dining in an immersive, considered format rather than theatrical spectacle.
The restaurant’s name references six classical Japanese cooking techniques: Nukazuke (pickling), Mushimono (steaming), Yakimono (grilling), Agemono (frying), Nimono (simmering), and the art of sushi and sashimi. These traditions form the foundation of Roku’s culinary philosophy, shaping a menu that balances heritage with contemporary interpretation. Ingredients, sourced locally and internationally, are handled with precision, with each dish designed to highlight texture, seasonality, and harmony.
TECHNIQUE & CRAFT
Star Bar’s curated sake selection, designed to complement Roku’s culinary techniques.
Signature dishes at Roku are defined by these six classical methods. Truffle Tuna Tartare reflects the patience and restraint of Nukazuke, while Foie Gras Chawanmushi embodies the gentle warmth of Mushimono. Assorted Ha Long Sashimi highlights the freshness of the bay’s waters, and Co To Rock Abalone with liver sauce layers minerality with a velvety finish. Van Don Tiger Prawn Tempura showcases the crisp precision of Agemono, while Wagyu Shabu Shabu, inspired by Nimono, emphasises seasonal balance and tenderness.
Attention to detail extends beyond the kitchen. Ingredients are treated with care to minimise waste, and each preparation reflects a philosophy of restraint — allowing technique and flavour to take precedence over theatrics. The result is a dining approach defined by precision and intention.
RITUALS & EXPERIENCES
Japanese architectural elements and local textures shape the restaurant’s rooftop setting.
The interior design mirrors the structure of the menu. A bamboo ceiling installation, inspired by the Vietnamese legend of the descending dragon, crowns the dining room, casting a soft, sculptural light across the space. Japanese elements — wooden screens, latticework, and minimalist finishes — are blended with local textures, creating a calm environment where Japanese and Vietnamese influences intersect.
Japanese-inspired cocktails served as the evening transitions into night.
At night, Roku transitions into Star Bar, where Japanese-inspired cocktails are served alongside a curated Sake Library featuring rare and premium labels. Pairings of drinks and dishes are designed to emphasise balance and seasonality, extending the restaurant’s philosophy of thoughtful presentation.
In the weeks since opening, Roku has established itself as a destination where culinary tradition, intentional design, and rooftop perspective converge. The experience is structured and deliberate, presenting Japanese dining in Halong Bay through technique, atmosphere, and meticulous attention to detail.
