Our team
HUNG NGUYEN, Chef
Hung is the youngest chef in our team, yet he brings over 11 years of experience across various roles and restaurant concepts, consistently refining his foundational skills. From the outset, he joined us as our executive chef, quickly making a lasting impression with his talent and dedication.
Throughout his career, Hung has earned numerous awards, leading him to head chef roles in prestigious establishments like Duong, Mango Kitchen, Sen Hoàng Gia Vietnam, SHP – School of Hospitality Professionals, Avana Retreat in Mai Chau, and various five-star cruises in Ha Long Bay. In 2019, Hung gained national recognition by winning the Yen Sao Khanh Hoa competition and securing 1st runner-up on Top Chef Vietnam. These experiences have allowed him to collaborate with renowned chefs worldwide, continually learning and evolving in his craft.
Having spent years in both modern and traditional kitchens, Hung has developed a deep understanding of Northern Vietnamese cuisine, as well as specialties from other regions. This knowledge inspires his innovative creations, blending Vietnamese ingredients with a contemporary Asian-European style.
HOI VU, Chef
Hoi has been a dedicated contributor to the growth of our team, demonstrating his talent and leadership throughout his career. He was instrumental in setting up The East Restaurant in Hanoi, successfully leading the kitchen team. Within just six months of its grand opening, the restaurant was listed among the 25 best upmarket restaurants on the Michelin list for 2022.
Following this achievement, Hoi brought his expertise to New Zealand, where he worked at Vietflames for two years before moving to Germany to become the head chef at Vinrice in Erfurt.
With over 20 years of experience in the field, Hoi has served as a head chef and executive chef in up-market settings, including a 5-star cruise in Ha Long Bay. Beyond his technical skills, he has a ability to train and mentor kitchen teams under various setups, ensuring their success.
Hoi’s knowledge and passion for Vietnamese cuisine, particularly Northern Vietnamese dishes and fusion concepts, make him qualified to bring any Vietnamese culinary vision to life.
HOA LE, Concept Developer and Media Specialist
Hoa’s culinary journey began while studying and living in Hanoi, where she developed a passion for exploring diverse cuisines. Her love for food deepened during her twenties through numerous trips across Southeast Asia, fueled by her enthusiasm as both a foodie and a nature traveler.
In 2015, she officially entered the food and beverage industry when she moved to Australia to pursue a master’s degree in marketing in Melbourne. This vibrant city offered her invaluable opportunities to work at upscale restaurants and cafés, while receiving professional training under the guidance of industry experts in Melbourne's competitive marketing landscape.
Hoa’s philosophy emphasizes a holistic understanding of the industry. To achieve this, she immersed herself in various roles, working as a waitress, kitchen hand, restaurant manager, operations manager, backup barista, and sous chef across diverse café and restaurant environments. She skillfully combined her hands-on experience with academic knowledge to develop practical concepts spanning a range of cuisines, including Thai, Greek, Melbourne brunch, and high-end café dining styles.
Returning to Vietnam in 2020, Hoa continued her work as a marketing manager based in Saigon and Hanoi, while contributing to several restaurant projects in Hanoi and Hoi An. Her focus shifted to authentic and fusion Vietnamese cuisine, building strong relationships with interior designers, manufacturers, and other specialists crucial for creating unique Vietnamese restaurant concepts. From ceramics to lacquer paintings, Hoa has cultivated expertise in designing concepts tailored to suit any budget and specific needs.
Settling in Germany at the end of 2024, Hoa aspires to join the F&B community and contribute to the growth and recognition of Vietnamese cuisine, building on the strong foundation she has established over the past decade.