Aquarius International Development (AQI), the pioneering company specialising in high-end travel experiences, is preparing to elevate the gourmet food and beverage industry in Asia with a series of new culinary concepts, including gourmet stores with flagship locations in Thailand and Vietnam, an e-commerce platform, fine-dining restaurants and noodle houses.

Under its AQ Gourmet & Dine (AQGD) division, the group will create an extensive, regionwide eco-system of gastronomic products and services. This forms part of AQI’s ambitious five-year expansion strategy which encompasses new luxury resorts, residences, yacht charters, bespoke bookings, membership services and more.

AQGD’s growth plan will start with the launch of gourmet &dine stores under AQ Gourmet & Dine brand, a series of spectacular retail showrooms that specialise in first-class ingredients from all over the world. These sleek and modern shops will feature market-style counters, open kitchens, sushi bars, interactive butchers, fishmongers with tanks of live seafood, fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, natural wellness and spa products, and even Japanese knife stores, all displayed in eye-catching, open-plan galleries.

Customers can browse the store and purchase premium produce, meal boxes with easy-to-follow recipes, or ready-to-eat dishes. This makes AQGD Stores ideal for party hosts, special occasions, or anyone with a passion for fine food.

This new retail brand will make its debut in October 2020 with an e-commerce platform (https://www.aq-gourmet.com or https://www.aqgourmetndine.com), which will enable customers to make their purchases online and have them delivered straight to their home. The inaugural AQ Gourmet & Dine Store will then open its doors in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2020, and the company’s flagship store in Bangkok is due to launch in the first quarter of 2021. More stores are expected to be rolled out across the region in due course.

The AQGD growth strategy will accelerate in 2021, with the opening of the group’s first fine-dining destinations. These rustic-chic restaurants will allow diners to savour the highest quality cuisine in stylish settings. Talented chefs will focus on crafting dishes that take guests on a complete sensory journey, through sight, sound, scent, touch and, of course, taste. Insta-friendly presentation will be paired with vibrant atmospheresto ensuring“must-try” social experiences for residents and visitors in key Asian cities.

Complementing itsfull-service brand, AQGD will also introduce anew special Asian Noodle House brand, serving appetising local and regional specialties such as ramen, pho and more. These inviting eateries are expected to becomeincredibly popular with groups of friends, families, colleagues and couples seeking a light lunch or an easy-going evening meal.

Mr. Nixon Chung, Chief Operations Officer of AQI and AQGD, said: “Vietnam is a country with such a rich culinary tradition that it takes something truly outstanding to stand out from the crowd. With our focus on the best ingredients, top chefs and cutting-edge experiences, AQ Gourmet & Dine will strive to do just that! We want to create a portfolio of unique concepts that will let customers reach the pinnacle of epicurean excellence, either at our restaurants or in the comfort of their own homes. We look forward to raising the bar for dining in Vietnam and in key locations all across the region as we make five-star cuisine accessible to all.”

To learn more about AQI or any of its investments and ventures, including AQGD, please visit Norcal Venture Capital Group (NVC)’s website at www.norcal-asia.com.

About Aquarius International Hospitality Development

Aquarius International Hospitality Development is an international hospitality and real estate development and consultancy company based in Bangkok, Thailand. Led by a team of highly-qualified and respected experts, Aquarius International provides professional services to individuals and businesses seeking to invest in the hospitality industry in South East Asia. From the initial development all the way through to the branding, management and operations, we can transform your vision into reality and drive strong returns on your investment.