The festival is taking place from July 16 to 19 at Nikura Restaurant and Pisco Hana Bar (JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon).
The festival aims to introduce the richness and diversity of Peruvian cuisine through the talents of two Peruvian chefs who are currently leading the culinary team at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon: Executive Chef Ivan Casusol and Sous Chef Katerin Solis.
Executive Chef Ivan Casusol was born in Lima, Peru, which is known as the cradle of Nikkei cuisine — a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. He has more than a decade of international experience in leading and launching Nikkei dining concepts across North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
His career has spanned Peru, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Türkiye, Belize, and the United Arab Emirates, where he has refined his expertise in the culinary fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines.
As Executive Chef specialising in Nikkei cuisine at Nikura, Ivan Casusol combines Peru's Nikkei traditions with a global culinary vision.
His cuisine reflects the balance, precision, and creativity that characterise Nikkei gastronomy, while incorporating modern techniques and influences from the diverse culinary cultures of the countries where he has worked.
Meanwhile, Sous Chef Katerin Solis received her culinary training in Peru and has built her career at renowned restaurants in Peru, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Viet Nam.
Specialising in Nikkei cuisine, she combines modern techniques with traditional Japanese-Peruvian flavours. As Nikura's Sous Chef specialising in Nikkei cuisine, she helps create dining experiences that blend Nikkei traditions with local ingredients and contemporary gastronomy.
At this culinary festival, Nikura will present an exclusive Peruvian menu specially created by Ivan Casusol and Katerin Solis, served from July 17 to 19. The menu features signature Peruvian dishes such as Jalea Mixta, Anticucho de Corazón, and Carapulcra Limeña, followed by the dessert Tres Leches infused with Peruvian pisco.
Guests can also enjoy a special Peruvian sandwich at Pisco Hana, together with the country's iconic Pisco Sour cocktail.
The regular menus at Nikura Restaurant and Pisco Hana Bar will continue to be served throughout the festival, allowing diners the opportunity to enjoy both the restaurant's signature Nikkei dishes and the distinctive Peruvian flavours that have been specially curated for this event.
The event aims to strengthen the friendship between Peru and Viet Nam through the universal language of cuisine. At the same time, the festival provides an opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of Peruvian gastronomy, promote cultural exchange, and help the Vietnamese public and international visitors gain a deeper understanding of the culinary traditions of this South American country.
