Mango Rooms — Restaurant in Hội An

My recent dining experience at Mango Room in Hoi An left me utterly mesmerized, and I am compelled to share the culinary journey orchestrated by the talented Chef Duc, the virtuoso behind this hidden gem.

Nestled on the tranquil side of Hoi An, near the Anantara resort, Mango Room provided the perfect backdrop for an exceptional evening with friends. Prior to our visit, I had the pleasure of communicating with Chef Duc, a mastermind known for his creativity. I sought his expertise to craft a set dinner that would turn our gathering into an unforgettable event—and oh, did he exceed all expectations!

Chef Duc's commitment to using the freshest ingredients was evident in every bite of the five-course set dinner he conjured. The flavors were nothing short of celestial, a testament to his culinary prowess and dedication to perfection. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing the vibrant local produce he had carefully handpicked earlier that day.

The Mango Room, overlooking the Hoi An river, added an extra layer of enchantment to the entire experience. The serene location complemented the exquisite meal, creating an ambiance that lingered long after the last course was savored.

Beyond the extraordinary food, the service at Mango Room was impeccable. The staff's attentiveness and genuine warmth enhanced our overall enjoyment, making us feel like cherished guests in Chef Duc's culinary haven.

For anyone fortunate enough to find themselves in the Hoi An area, Mango Room is a must-visit. Not only for the exceptional cuisine but also for the unbeatable combination of outstanding service and a location that feels like a slice of paradise by the river.

If you're searching for culinary excellence at attractive prices, look no further—Mango Room is the epitome of gastronomic delight.

Cheers to Chef Duc and the Mango Room team for an evening that transcended ordinary dining into an extraordinary...

When Vietnamese American Tran Duc arrived in Hoi An in 2004, the old town was dominated by mostly uninspired tourist restaurants. Mango Rooms was a breath and fresh air in both cuisine and fitout. More than a decade later, it’s still a standout for travellers seeking out innovative and original Asian flavours in Hoi An.

Duc has gone on to open other restaurants around Hoi An (he also owns Mango Mango and Mai Fish). His most recent project is Fat Fish in Danang.

Duc may be less visible in Mango Rooms these days but the quality of the kitchen’s output is unchanged. And remarkably, a good many of the team that started working with him back in 2004, are still on board - both in the kitchen and on the restaurant floor. That’s always a good sign.

On my most recent visit (September 2015), I tried Duc’s crispy calamari with spicy smoked tomato sauce as a starter and went for his recommended duck dish as a main. Both were very good.

Duc’s cool space is also a good spot for breakfast or an evening cocktail looking over the river. Happy hour runs till 7pm.

And if Duc looks familiar, it might be because he's cooked with celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Luke Nguyen.

Disclosure Rusty Compass reviews are always independent. We list the places we think are worth knowing about. That’s it. We’ve always paid our way at Mango Rooms and Mango Rooms have not exercised any influence over the listing or review. Tran Duc is...

Would give it 12 stars if it was a 10 point scale. Food, service, and ambiance were all top notch. Our server, Kieu, was extremely kind and remembered our faces from the week before when we stopped in briefly for a quick snack. It was quiet during lunch; I think it’s much more of a fun dinner spot. Sounds like they host large parties as well. Very well decorated to match the Asian fusion cuisine.

Kieu let us know about the red snapper special. Apparently, it was caught the night before. We were sold and the dish came out beautiful! Fish was huge and had a special sauce with lime garnish. There were also many umibudo, aka sea grapes, on the plate. This was new to me and I really enjoyed it. On to the red snapper. Magnificent. Probably the most tender piece of fish I’ve ever had. We also had the octopus/fish ceviche and we both really enjoyed it. Ordered a couple of their cocktails that were very refreshing after walking in the heat all morning.

In the middle of the meal, the owner and head chef came out to say hello. He sat with us for quite a while. He’s not always there but they’re getting prepared for a dinner for 50 people the next night. He was as kind and as authentic as just about anyone we’ve met in the past month in Vietnam. One of the best dining experiences we’ve had anywhere in the world. We can’t wait to take our family there when they come...