The Culinary Voyage of VietNom: Recipe for Business Success

VietNom, Delhi NCR’s first authentic Vietnamese hip bar and dining spot, captures the essence of Vietnamese culture for nostalgic patrons. Nestled in Gurugram’s prime Cyberhub location, VietNom brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to the heart of India. The menu features quintessential dishes made from simple yet distinctive ingredients like fish sauce, sugar, and rice. Signature offerings include Vietnamese stewed beef (Bo Kho), lemongrass pork skewers (Banh hoi thit nuong), and shrimp and pork-filled pancakes (Banh xeo).

In an exclusive exchange with The Interview World, Pratishtha Kiran, Brand Head of VietNom, shares the inspiring journey of this Vietnamese restaurant chain in India. She delves into the enthusiastic market response and highlights the primary customer demographics. Pratishtha underscores the uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine, which sets it apart in the diverse food landscape of Delhi NCR. She also elaborates on VietNom’s extensive range of offerings, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all patrons. Here are the key insights from her enlightening interview.

Q: Could you share the story behind your Vietnamese food restaurant chain in India?

A: VietNom, an authentic Vietnamese hip bar and dining experience, brings the flavors of Vietnam to India. Since its inception in 2019 in Gurgaon, it has aimed to provide genuine Vietnamese cuisine to Indian consumers. Located in Cyberhub, it has grown to five outlets across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Goa. With its success, VietNom plans to expand further, opening new locations in Hyderabad, Bangalore, another in Gurgaon, and Noida in the coming year, continuing its mission of offering authentic Vietnamese tastes.

Q: How has the response been to specialized cuisine restaurants across the country?

A: Our cuisine is undeniably niche, which presents unique challenges in market capture. Unlike Indian restaurants, we need to invest significantly in marketing to reach our audience. However, once customers experience the distinctive flavors and exceptional quality of our offerings, they quickly become loyal patrons. We firmly believe in the superior taste of our products, and this confidence drives us to go the extra mile in our promotional efforts. This dedication ensures that our satisfied customers will return time and again.

Q: Who are your primary customers?

A: Our strategy is highly influenced by location. For example, in Cyberhub, we primarily serve corporate clients, while in Worldmark, Sector 65, Gurgaon, our audience consists of a more affluent residential clientele. This geographical distinction significantly impacts our customer base. As a result, our promotional strategies fit each location’s unique demographic. Although our product remains uniform across all locations, the way we market it is adapted to resonate with the specific characteristics of each area. By aligning our marketing approach with the local customer profile, we effectively cater to the distinct needs and preferences of each clientele.

Q: How would you describe the unique aspects of Vietnamese cuisine to appeal specifically to an Indian audience or consumer?

A: Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its remarkable lightness and freshness, setting it apart from many other culinary traditions. Unlike Indian dishes, which often leave you feeling weighed down and in need of a rest, Vietnamese food is crafted to be both invigorating and satisfying. The essence of this cuisine lies in its use of fresh, natural ingredients, which means you enjoy a meal that is as light as it is delicious.

One of the key benefits of Vietnamese food is its ability to keep you feeling alert and energized. After a meal, you won’t experience the common heaviness or lethargy that accompanies many other types of cuisine. This makes Vietnamese cuisine an excellent choice for corporate lunches.

In a business setting, it’s crucial to stay productive and focused. By opting for Vietnamese food, you can enjoy a satisfying lunch without the risk of drowsiness. Many professionals appreciate this aspect, as they can enjoy their meal and quickly return to their work, maintaining peak performance throughout the day.

Q: How many items are on your menu? Additionally, is the cuisine predominantly non-vegetarian?

A: Our menu features approximately 80 to 100 items, categorized into dim sums, summer rolls, starters, main courses, and desserts. We ensure a diverse selection, offering a balanced array of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to cater to all preferences. Each category provides a unique culinary experience.