The Mapu Restaurant: Authentic Caribbean Cuisine in HCMC

The Mapu – The first ever restaurant to bring the flavorful cuisine of Caribbean to Vietnam.

On September 21st, The Mapu Restaurant officially greeted diners with a vibrant grand opening event. Co-founded by celebrity fashion designer Jovana Benoit of the brand Jovana Louis, also the wife of His Excellency Jean Lesly Benoit – former Haitian Ambassador to Vietnam and co-founder.

After her successful fashion ventures, Jovana Benoit expanded into the culinary field. Having expressed her deepest love for Vietnam on numerous occasions, coupled with the support of her husband, it is no surprise that Vietnam became the starting point for The Mapu.

Co-founder of The Mapu – Celebrity Fashion Designer Jovana Benoit and Actress Dania Ramirez.

Actress Dania Ramirez.

The restaurant’s co-founder shared:

“The inspiration behind opening The Mapu Restaurant in Vietnam first came from my husband, J. Lesly Benoit, and me. Lesly has lived in Vietnam for over ten years, and his deep connection to the country, combined with my Caribbean heritage, sparked the idea. Vietnam has been a source of creative energy for us, and we saw an opportunity to bring a unique Caribbean dining experience to this vibrant, culturally rich country.

As a designer, I’ve always believed in blending cultures and creating something fresh, and The Mapu allows us to do exactly that – infusing the flavors and spirit of the Caribbean with the warmth and enthusiasm we’ve encountered here in Vietnam.”

Esteemed guests at the grand opening.

At the grand opening, the elite and prominent figures from the entertainment and media world gathered in a space that resembled a miniature Caribbean tropical forest: an airy outdoor atmosphere filled with the lush, vibrant presence of palm trees, plants, and a swimming pool. They enjoyed cocktails, cuisine, and hours of conversation in the enchanting ambiance of The Mapu Restaurant, including notable guests like actors Truong Ngoc Anh, Bang Di, and businessman Truong Quoc Nam.

His Excellency Jean Lesly Benoit, Celebrity Fashion Designer Jovana Benoit with guests.

Guests at the grand opening, enjoying the atmosphere of The Mapu.

Celebrity Fashion Designer Jovana Benoit and the esteemed guests.

Esteemed guests at The Mapu.

Business Woman Betty Tran, Actress Truong Ngoc Anh and Fashion Designer Hoang Minh Ha.

Celebrity fashion designer Jovana Benoit with actress Dania Ramirez, businessman Truong Quoc Nam.

Hollywood star Dania Ramirez, known for her roles in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and Once Upon a Time (2017), flew all the way to attend the event. She appeared stunning in an evening gown and was seen bonding closely with Celebrity Fashion Designer Jovana Benoit.

Actress Dania Ramirez with husband, writer – director – producer Bev Land.

His Excellency Jean Lesly Benoit, the former Haitian Ambassador to Vietnam, also co-founder of the restaurant, alongside Jovana, warmly welcomed and conversed with both international and domestic guests.

Everyday is a feast at The Mapu Restaurant

Named after the resilient mapou tree, The Mapu Restaurant brings the essence of lands a hemisphere away from Vietnam, offering diners new experiences. From the moment diners step in, they are greeted by the warm, inviting colors of the Caribbean, a blend of rich textures, and the enticing aromas of traditional island cuisine.

Inside The Mapu Restaurant.

That’s the first impression. The real artistry is presented on the plates. Diners continue to feel the warm welcome of The Mapu through a meticulously crafted menu featuring authentic Caribbean dishes with modern twists. In addition to the cuisine, diners can indulge in exotic cocktails while chatting at the bar.

As the first to bring Caribbean flavors to Vietnam, the owners remain true to the authenticity of the food without trying to localize the dining experience. “interestingly, the taste buds between Caribbean and Vietnamese cuisine share similarities – both appreciate bold, fresh flavors and the use of herbs and spices,” explains the restaurant’s co-founder.

The exquisite taste of the Caribbean, brought to Vietnam by The Mapu.

However, ingredients like seafood are sourced from Vietnam to ensure freshness – an essential aspect of Caribbean cuisine.

The flavorful cuisine of The Mapu.

Some standout dishes on The Mapu’s menu that truly reflect Caribbean culinary traditions include Griot – fried pork marinated with lime and spices, a Haitian favorite known for its rich and savory flavor. Additionally, Jamaican Oxtail – slow-cooked oxtail, tender and infused with spices, is a soul-satisfying Caribbean dish. Riz Djon Djon – black bean rice cooked with black mushrooms, is another Haitian staple worth trying, unlike anything commonly seen in Vietnamese cuisine. These dishes showcase the diversity of Caribbean cuisine, bringing the islands’ authentic flavors to Vietnam.

The Mapu Restaurant is also a cultural hub

Dining at The Mapu is a multi-sensory experience.

While the visual presentations on the plates and the rich, vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine are impressive, they are not the only elements that define The Mapu’s essence. Open from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, the prime time to experience the restaurant is during weekend evenings, from 7:00 PM onwards when they stay open until midnight with a live band and International DJs. At this time, guests can immerse themselves in a multi-sensory experience.

The Mapu not only recreates Caribbean cuisine in Vietnam but also brings the region’s culture to life through architecture, fashion, and music.

Architecture

The decorations of The Mapu.

Jovana Benoit’s design principles, which reflect in her collections, also reflect in the ambiance and concept of The Mapu. With her extensive experience in fashion, known for meticulous craftsmanship and artistry, you’ll find that The Mapu is as impressive as Jovana’s fashion designs rooted in Caribbean and Haitian culture.

The classy table settings of The Mapu.

Every architectural element, placement, and atmosphere at The Mapu has been carefully curated to reflect the rich, vibrant colors and textures of the Caribbean, much like the way Jovana works with fabrics and patterns in her collections. Every detail, from the table settings to the lighting, has been chosen to create a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere, capturing the spirit of high fashion and the multi-sensory culture of the Caribbean.

Music

His Excellency Jean Lesly Benoit, alongside Hollywood actress Dania Ramirez, performing with The Mapu live band.

Moreover, the restaurant regularly hosts live performances featuring bands, musicians, and  International DJs on weekends, playing popular Caribbean and Afro-Latin genres like salsa and reggae. This allows diners to be fully immersed in a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Enjoying music and food simultaneously is something the co-founders of The Mapu recommend:

“Personally, my favorite way to spend time there is soaking in the live music on the weekends while enjoying one of our signature dishes with friends and family. There’s something magical about the combination of great food, music, and the joyful spirit of everyone around that truly embodies what The Mapu is all about.”

Fashion & Art

Naturally, as a designer with a deep passion for fashion, Jovana Benoit also enriches The Mapu’s variety of activities with fashion shows. The Mapu will become a bridge not only for the Jovana Louis brand but also for emerging designers from the Caribbean and Vietnam, connecting them with customers through exclusive shows and monthly pop-up events.

The Mapu is also looking for opportunities to collaborate with local artists for live painting sessions and cultural exhibitions that celebrate the vibrant, free spirit of both Caribbean and Vietnamese art. Diners can expect many events and partnerships in the future that honor both Caribbean culture and local Vietnamese talent.

With her vision and aspirations for The Mapu, Jovana Benoit is now busier than ever. Fortunately, her husband, former Haitian Ambassador to Vietnam, a co-founder, has been instrumental in curating the restaurant:

“Balancing my fashion career with The Mapu Restaurant has definitely not been easy, but thanks to the teamwork between my husband, J. Lesly Benoit, and myself, we’ve been able to make it work. Lesly, with his long-standing experience in the music industry and passion for food, has been instrumental in creating the menu and driving the day-to-day operations. This partnership has allowed me to stay focused on my fashion brand while also being deeply involved in the restaurant’s creative direction.”

Mrs. Jovana Benoit, actress Dania Ramirez at the grand opening.

Above all, this is a busy but rewarding journey for Jovana Benoit. She shares:

“The most thrilling part of this journey has been seeing how our individual talents have come together to create something unique.

One memorable moment was when, after countless late-night discussions, we decided to feature live music regularly. With Lesly’s love for music and my passion for fashion, it felt like the perfect blend of our worlds. The fact that we’ve been able to build this dream together, each contributing our strengths, is what makes this project so special and exciting for both of us.”

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam