Authentic Vietnamese food Bali
'Mệ Vui', meaning 'Happy Grandmom'
MEVUI , IT IS MORE THAN JUST A NAME
” it’s a tribute to my beloved mother, whose name is also Vui.From her, I inherited family recipes of authentic Vietnamese food and a profound respect for the traditions of Vietnamese culinary culture.” Huyen Maria, Chef & Owner
Our Story: The Birth of Mevui Bali
Our first Mevui Bali restaurant opened its doors on November 11, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia and across the globe. Having signed our lease just before the lockdown was announced, we faced a daunting choice. With nearly all suppliers, workers, and markets shut down, should we even begin? The famous Legian street was plunged into darkness. Historic, bustling neighbors of 25 years, like Mamas restaurant next door, had closed… A heavy silence loomed over everything.
Pushing past our fear of the virus, financial worries, and the immense uncertainty, we opened with a single-minded mission: “Even if Mevui Legian operates at a loss, it will support our staff’s families, help our suppliers, and bring a glimmer of light and life back to Legian during these dark times.” We kept that promise. Miraculously, our very first customers put their trust in us. The restaurant slowly grew busier, and we fulfilled our vow to help illuminate a stretch of Legian street in its darkest hour.
Today, we are filled with daily gratitude for this island. We thank Bali, we thank the philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana”—the Balinese principle of harmony that has become our guiding light—and we thank every customer who has supported Mevui since those challenging first days.
WHY BALI?
Finding a Taste of Home in the Heart of Bali
“My love affair with Bali began on a trip with my husband in 2018. It might sound cliché, but I was instantly captivated by the island’s generous spirit and the genuine warmth of its people. The culture, the communities, the vibrant prayers—everything felt like coming home. And our whole family moved to Bali 6 months later
But for me, the real magic happened in the local markets. As a chef, I was thrilled to find so many herbs and ingredients that reminded me of Vietnam, yet with a freshness that was uniquely Balinese. Holding a bundle of crisp herbs, I didn’t just see produce; I saw the soul of a perfect noodle soup. I pictured creating the best pho in Bali, with a broth so clear and fragrant it could only be made with ingredients from this blessed land.
That feeling grew when I discovered the local bakeries. The bread was incredible, and I immediately knew it was the perfect vessel for a true Saigon-style banh mi Bali. It was in that moment I realized my dream: to build a place where someone searching for ” authentic Vietnamese food near me or Best Pho Bali or Banh Mi Bali “, he wouldn’t just find a meal, but a story of two cultures meeting on one plate. That’s when the idea for Mevui Bali was born.”
The Secret Behind the MEVui Kitchen?
You might wonder what our secret is. The truth is, we don’t rely on complex philosophies or flashy explanations for our success. For the Mevui family, it all comes down to a few simple, honest principles. It begins with a deep understanding of our food’s roots and the experience to perfectly balance each flavor. This is combined with dedicated hard work, incredible teamwork, and a profound respect for every customer who walks through our doors. Our mission is to bring these values together on every plate, creating authentic Vietnamese food that offers the best possible quality at a fair and reasonable price. We believe everyone deserves to experience the true, comforting taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
History
2011
Landed our first project of the year.
2017
3 simultaneous projects while finishing up final year at university…
2022
Closed 2 massive projects with a $20 million funded start-up in London
2025
ViDesigns is officially a limited company!! We’re legit now!
Our Journey
From Fine Wines to Authentic Vietnamese Flavors
2011
Our story doesn’t begin in a kitchen, but rather, in a wine shop. In 2011, my culinary journey started with ‘Cái Thùng Gỗ,’ a wine boutique I opened in the heart of Saigon, which still operates to this day. It was through wine that I learned the most crucial principles of flavor: balance and subtlety. These lessons would become the foundation for everything that followed.
2015
By 2013, under the mentorship of the great Chef Sakal Phoung—now the President of Escoffier Vietnam—I opened my first wine restaurant. Success with European cuisine was fulfilling, but a deeper calling remained: a desire to master the traditional Vietnamese food of my childhood. I carried with me the memories of my mother’s Hue recipes and sought the wisdom of skilled culinary artisans from Hoi An.
This passion led to the birth of the first Mevui in Saigon in 2015. By 2019, it had grown into a beloved chain of five Mevui restaurants. That same year, our family’s journey brought us to the shores of Bali.
November 2020
In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, amidst global uncertainty, we opened our first Mevui Vietnam Kitchen in Legian – Bali in November 2020. It was a leap of faith, driven by our mission to share the comforting taste of home.
As of today
Today, we are humbled to serve you from nine Mẹ Vui locations across this beautiful island—from Legian, Renon, and Canggu to Sanur, Ubud, Kuta, Lovina, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan. With two more restaurants opening soon in Denpasar and Komodo, our commitment remains stronger than ever: to bring the very best of Vietnam to your table, one delicious meal at a time.
MeVui Staff
The staff at Mệ Vui Vietnam restaurant are vibrant, friendly, and highly professional. With bright smiles, they warmly welcome guests, always ready to assist and provide an exceptional dining experience. Their dedication and efficient service create a cozy atmosphere, ensuring every detail reflects care and professionalism.
