The first rays of dawn paint the rice paddies surrounding Hoi An in hues of gold and emerald, and for Jade (Ngoc), owner of Irini Hoi An, this is the magic hour. It’s the moment she falls in love with her adopted home all over again. Before the tourist bustle begins, she’s on her motorbike, a gentle breeze carrying the sweet, earthy fragrance of ripening rice filling her lungs. This is the Hoi An she cherishes, a world away from the bustling streets, a world of quiet beauty and simple pleasures.
Jade’s journey to Hoi An wasn’t a planned one, but rather a serendipitous dance with destiny. She was captivated by the ancient town’s charm, the vibrant colors, the warm smiles, and the slow, deliberate pace of life. And most of all, she fell in love with An Bang, the seaside village just a stone’s throw away, where the rhythm of the sea dictates the day.
“There’s something so special about An Bang,” Jade says, her eyes sparkling. “The fishermen bringing in their catch, the women sorting the freshest seafood, the feeling of community… it’s a way of life I’ve always dreamed of.”
But Jade wasn’t just a traveler; she was a passionate foodie with a deep appreciation for healthy, nourishing cuisine. And while she adored Vietnamese food, she also carried a love for the vibrant flavors of the Greek Mediterranean. Thus, Irini Hoi An was born – a unique fusion of her two worlds.
“Greek food is all about fresh ingredients, simplicity, and celebrating the bounty of the land and sea,” she explains. “And that’s exactly what Hoi An offers.”
Every morning, after her peaceful ride through the rice fields, Jade heads to the local markets, her basket ready to be filled with the day’s treasures. She selects the plumpest tomatoes, the crispest cucumbers, the freshest herbs, the best local chicken, and the most vibrant vegetables. While her pork, beef, lamb, feta cheese, and haloumi are all carefully imported to maintain authentic Greek flavors, she delights in showcasing the local produce.
At Irini Hoi An, these local ingredients are transformed into authentic Greek dishes with a Vietnamese twist. Think creamy tzatziki made with local cucumbers, Greek kalamari cooked with local fresh-caught squid, and Greek saganaki cooked with local fresh-caught shrimp in local fresh tomato sauce. Local chicken is also incorporated into many dishes. And then there’s her signature vibrant mango salad bursting with the colors of Hoi An, mixing with fresh avocado, mint, and of course, signature touches of Greek feta and extra virgin olive oil and Greek herbs. “I love how it puts a smile onto every guest’s face after trying this salad. A perfect light fusion of Greek cooking and Vietnamese local ingredients,” Jade says.
“I want to share the beauty of this place with everyone who visits,” Jade says. “Not just the sights, but the flavors, the smells, the feeling of connection to the land and sea.”
Irini Hoi An is more than just a restaurant; it’s a reflection of Jade’s love story with Hoi An. It’s a place where the gentle rhythm of village life meets the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, where the fragrance of rice paddies mingles with the aroma of freshly cooked kalamari and saganaki, where local chicken and vegetables are celebrated, and where every dish, especially her mango salad, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the joy of fresh, local ingredients, and authentic imported Greek products.
As the sun sets over An Bang, casting a golden glow over the sea, Jade watches her guests savoring their meals, their faces filled with contentment. She knows she’s created something special, a place where the magic of Hoi An and the warmth of Greek hospitality come together in perfect harmony. And in that moment, she knows she’s found her paradise.
