January 2021 - October 2022: A vision is born
Driven by a Buddhist beliefs and a desire to do meaningful things in life, our founders Tien Bui Manh and his wife began the journey of creating Kasaya, a vegetarian restaurant and a space that would serve as a heritage for the next generation. The restaurant was built from the ground upeming an abandoned house, opposite one of the most beautiful temple in Hanoi named Hong Phuc, had stood vacant for decades. With great effort, this forgottee space was revitalized into a vibrant vegetarian restaurant, embodying their vision of compassion, sustainability, and mindful living.
The name Kasaya comes from Sanskrit, referring to the robe or cloak worn by Buddhist monks. This simple garment represents the virtues of simplicity, humility, and detachment from worldly concerns.
At Kasaya, we embrace this symbolism, offering a space where diners can metaphorically “sit under the cloak of the monk.” The intention is to help visitors disconnect from the hustle and stress of daily life, creating an atmosphere of peacefulness and calm.
The name Kasaya comes from Sanskrit, referring to the robe or cloak worn by Buddhist monks. This simple garment represents the virtues of simplicity, humility, and detachment from worldly concerns.
At Kasaya, we embrace this symbolism, offering a space where diners can metaphorically “sit under the cloak of the monk.” The intention is to help visitors disconnect from the hustle and stress of daily life, creating an atmosphere of peacefulness and calm.
Kasaya is a combination of different materials, from steel to wood, ciments and bricks to the feelings of lacquer in your hand. Hence, we select ordinary materials to create unforgetable experiences from every walls you touch or every staircases you step on
Metal
At the heart of the restaurant stands a striking steel spiral staircase, adorned with bamboo carvings—a symbol of Vietnamese strength that combines resilience with grace.
Wood
The warm, natural tones of wooden furniture and décor create an inviting, earthy feel, offering a sense of calm and serenity throughout the space.
Fire
Expressed through the flames in the cooking area, symbolizing warmth, passion, and dedication of every person at Kasaya
Earth
Embodied in the vibrant greenery of vegetarian dishes, carefully prepared by Kasaya's staff, delivering a sense of freshness and serenity to every diner
Water
Evoked through the gentle sound of pouring tea, symbolizing the essence of calm and connection
Kasaya’s interior design pays homage to both Buddhism and the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings, while the arched doorways echo traditional Vietnamese architecture. The use of wood, soft lighting, and natural materials further enhances this sense of cultural immersion, creating a serene environment that honors both the local heritage and the broader spiritual landscape of Buddhism.
Our vegetarian menu, crafted with natural ingredients, aligns with the Buddhist principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, offering food that nourishes the body without harm to living beings. This mindful approach to dining further supports the restaurant’s mission of bringing balance and peace to those who visit.
Every member of the staff plays a crucial role in creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the restaurant. Whether it’s through their service, hospitality, or behind-the-scenes work, the staff at Kasaya are the unsung heroes who make each guest’s experience special.
Every member of the staff plays a crucial role in creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines the restaurant. Whether it’s through their service, hospitality, or behind-the-scenes work, the staff at Kasaya are the unsung heroes who make each guest’s experience special.
Kasaya received an extraordinary honor when the First Lady of Korea, Kim Keon Hee, and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Madam Janet Yellen, visited the restaurant. Their visit was a proud moment, bringing global recognition to our humble establishment.
