It was a gloomy afternoon in October when Canadian travel blogger Alyshia Turchyn and American Samantha hopped out of a taxi and made their way into Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest building, located in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

The two ladies entered the 81-story skyscraper through B1 Level, where they passed through a security gate, allowed the guards to check their names against a guest list, and stored their backup phone charger in a locker area before being guided into a fast-moving elevator.

In just a few moments, the pair were greeted in Japanese by staff members at the Miwaku Premium Restaurant on the building’s 80th floor and promptly led to a table by the window where they could enjoy stunning views of the bustling city while sipping afternoon tea from a set called High Tea in the Sky.

A few minutes after serving a steaming pot of brown rice green tea, Miwaku wait staff reappeared with a food set displayed in a wooden box inspired by ‘Osechi-ryōri,’ a traditional Japanese New Year meal.

The waiter excitedly explained in English that the box contained seven savory Japanese fusion dishes and four types of cakes before disappearing and allowing the two customers to enjoy the treat in privacy.

“It was such a unique way to take in the views of Ho Chi Minh City from above!” Samantha said.

“I loved the Japanese twist on afternoon tea and really couldn't even pick a favorite. 

"Each was so delicious!”

The brown rice green tea itself was so unique and one of her favorites, she said, adding her compliments to the “nice and friendly” staff at the restaurant.

According to Miwaku manager Duc Trung, a set of High Tea in the Sky must be reserved at least two days in advance and the restaurant limits itself to serving just five sets a day in order to ensure quality.

During their enjoyment, customers are free to ask for their tea pot to be refilled two times after the first serving.

A set for two costs VND1.5 million (US$65) before tax and other possible fees, nearly the same price as two VND800,000 ($35) tickets to the building’s observatory.

“The fact that it costs the same for two people as going up to the observatory makes it a steal,” Samantha said.

Meanwhile, Turchyn recalled her High Tea in the Sky experience as “a total spread of savory and sweet Japanese fusion creations” with praising hints of edible gold pieces scattered throughout her foods.

“The amazing view, exceptional service and beautifully handcrafted plates left our taste buds on a high,” she commented.

“There is no better way to see that 360-degree view of Saigon than by nibbling your way through a lavish array of tiny tasty dishes!”

To take advantage of their location, the restaurant’s tables were set up to allow customers a view of the city from above.

In order to enter the self-claimed tallest restaurant in Southeast Asia, customers must pass through the security gate on B1 Level, with flammable items like backup phone chargers and lighters to be kept in the locker area.

Besides its engaging afternoon tea set, Miwaku Restaurant has also been a choice for fine dining connoisseurs in the city with its Omakase meals serving dishes selected by the restaurant’s chef.

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