On a recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, I was invited by the Vietnam Young Chefs Club SPC to attend a workshop by Vietnam Iron Chef David Thai. It was my first time meeting Nhan Vo, President of the club and his committee.
The workshop proved to be enriching and impressive. Chef David Thai is currently in the Jury of Iron Chef Vietnam. He had his culinary education in France, and has worked in many top establishments across the world, in countries such as France, Spain, Dubai, Jordan and more. His workshop was “Presenting food in a Modern way”. The room was filled with young chefs who were enthusiastic and eager to learn. Chef David Thai came up with 5 dishes, all beautifully plated and practical for restaurant service. Chef David later told me that he wanted to help and expose the young chefs here as they do not have much opportunity to be open to the cuisines of the world. I also had the opportunity to speak with the Young Chefs in the room, sharing with them my thoughts of their Young Chefs Club, and encouraging them to work hard and go beyond themselves.
Later in the evening, Nhan Vo, his committee and Committee Members of the Saigon Professional Chefs Guild brought me to a Festival Cultural Village. They told me that this event by their Tourism Board happens only once a year, and that I’m lucky to be there during that weekend. They took me to try the food of the respective diverse ethnic communities in the whole of Vietnam, while explaining to me along the way how they are prepared.
Nhan Vo share with me the on goings of his club and we discussed topics like recruitment of members and nurturing Young Chefs.
It was a truly pleasant day spent with the Vietnam Young Chefs Club, and I thank them for their warm reception and hospitality. I could feel the energy and eagerness of the active club and their members, wanting to progress and learn more and become a great Chef someday. I wish the club further growth, and a fruitful year for their members.
Yours in Culinary Friendship,
Jasper Jek
WACS Young Chef Ambassador (Singapore)
