ASOBU - AN AFTERNOON TEA

ASOBU is an afternoon of tea, taste and playful making, inspired by the Japanese spirit of asobu – to play, explore and enjoy oneself.

The event brings Vietnamese fine teas into conversation with Japanese-inspired flavours: contemporary creations by chef Viet of Namia River Retreat and sophisticated entremets of Bloom Patisserie.

From tea tasting to botanical making, origami and unexpected little moments of play, the afternoon is about enjoying the pleasure of discovering together.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

– A Japanese-inspired creative take on the traditional afternoon tea treats by The Merchant Restaurant
– Signature multi-layered entremet pastries by Bloom Patisserie.
– A guided tasting of Vietnamese fine teas selected and differently prepared for food pairing by La.Kao Teahouse
– Free-flow tea served throughout the afternoon
– A hands-on kokedama (botanical making) experience for everyone to take home a keepsake
– Tea stories, conversations and playful table surprises hosted by Chi Phan

EVENT DETAILS:

– Date & Time: 15:00 – 17:30, Saturday 14 November 2026
– Venue: The Merchant Restaurant, Second Floor | Namia River Retreat
– Price: VND 1,300,000 nett per person
– Capacity: Limited to 35 guests

HOW TO BOOK:

Kindly RSVP to reserve your seat.
Hotline: 0235 3969 888
Email: book@namiariverretreat.com

EXPERIENCE MAKERS:

➤ La.Kao Teahouse celebrates Vietnamese heritage tea through leaves sourced from ancient tea regions and stories connected to the land, growers and the craft. For ASOBU La.Kao selects teas that ties the food journey together while bringing out key flavours in each dish.
➤ Bloom Patisserie specialises in mini entremet pastries that are complex in flavours. Blending rigorous scientific precision with creative passion, Bloom creates original pieces for ASOBU that incorporate Japanese cultural references.
➤ Chef Viet Pham expresses the spirit of contemporary Vietnamese dining grounded in place and season. His ASOBU creations are inspired by Japan while retaining the thoughtful culinary identity of The Merchant.
➤ Chi Phan, curator and host of the Social Table series at The Merchant, guides guests through the unfolding journey of tasting, discovering and making.