Jasmine Halal Lounge: Soaring above expectations at Vietnam's Airport
This is a special feature from PAX International’s June 2023 WTCE issue on page 20.
A selection of the delicious, Mediterranean-inspired dishes offered at the Jasmine Halal Lounge
In the Departure area of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Muslim passengers are now able to relax in a luxurious new lounge designed to cater to their cultural needs. Located on the second floor of the terminal, near gate 17, Jasmine Halal Lounge welcomes discerning travellers who require access to a prayer room, a halal-certified menu, and all the amenities expected by those traversing the globe.
Launched to market in December 2022, the intimate space, spanning more than 3,000 square feet, welcomes guests with the calming and enchanting fragrance of its namesake jasmine flower to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Owned and operated by Southern Airports Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO), the lounge features gender-specific prayer rooms for private religious rites, and its Mediterranean-inspired menu delights the senses of passengers from all backgrounds. In fact, as neither pork nor beef is included in its dishes, even those of the Hindu faith can dine worry-free and in style on the lounge’s halal Mediterranean cuisine.
The facilities adhere to Islamic Law’s hygiene requirements, as well as Malaysia’s Halal standard MS1500-2019, with certifications awarded by Malaysia Consulting and Training Company in accordance with International Halal Alliance standards. In total, 234 lounge employees have been certified, 14 received halal internal assessment certificates and two were certified to teach the standards of halal to others, helping to ensure that all levels of service adhere to the strict guidelines that their guests expect and require.
“In addition to ensuring halal eligibility to serve Muslim passengers, Jasmine Halal Lounge demonstrates respect and interest in cultural values, religion and beliefs in order to meet the diverse needs of passengers, thereby contributing to the perfection and improvement of Tan Son Nhat International Airport’s service level,” says Mr. Nguyen Van Hung Cuong, Deputy General Manager of SASCO.
Professor Dr. HJ Abdul Rafek Mohamed Saleh
(left), Managing Director of Malaysia Halal
Consultation and Training Company (MHCT),
is awarded the certificate recognizing that
Jasmine Halal Lounge meets international halal
standards by Mr. Nguyen Van Hung Cuong,
Deputy General Manager of SASCO (center),
with Mr. Cuong, a member of the lounge’s staff
Passengers who have enjoyed the offerings of the lounge agree.
“I’ve travelled to many countries and had the opportunity to visit Business lounges with varying standards,” Ahbi, a 31-year-old traveller from England, told SASCO. “Jasmine is one of my top five favourite lounges in the world in terms of quality, food and space.”
Saily, a 28-year-old from Malaysia, had similar thoughts. “The staff was very friendly and asked if I had any special food or drink requests,” Saily told SASCO. “As a vegetarian, I appreciate it. The salads and vegetarian dishes on offer are all delicious. From the moment I walked into Jasmine Halal Lounge, I felt welcomed and cared for.”
With the utmost respect for the culture and beliefs of all passengers, this first-of-its-kind Business Class Lounge will continue contributing to — and improving — Tan Son Nhat International Airport’s bespoke service to the tens of millions who travel through its gates each year.
SASCO’s Le Saigonnais Business Lounge at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport received the 2020 Pax International Readership Award for Best Airport Lounge in Asia.
