Hoang Kim: A Vietnamese Culinary Pioneer in France’s “Island of…

Hoang Kim, a self-taught chef from Bac Ninh, Vietnam, has found success in Corsica by adapting local ingredients to create traditional Vietnamese dishes. With inspiration from Anthony Bourdain, she turned a passion for cooking into a thriving business, gaining recognition for her creations like fried spring rolls and chicken pho, despite facing various challenges in a luxury kitchen. Kim aspires to open a restaurant in Corsica and expand Vietnamese cuisine across France.

A self-taught chef from Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, Hoang Kim moved to Corsica, France, with aspirations ignited by American chef Anthony Bourdain’s admiration for Vietnamese cuisine. Initially reluctant, her culinary journey began upon her arrival in April 2023, where longing for home prompted her to adapt local ingredients into traditional Vietnamese dishes, delighting her French in-laws with creations such as fried spring rolls and chicken pho.

As demand increased, encouraged by her husband’s cousin, Kim ventured into the culinary business. Her fried spring rolls gained popularity among tourists, especially Asian visitors, leading to their addition on a cruise ship’s menu. The success blossomed, with some markets ordering over 100 pieces daily, and she subsequently expanded her offerings to include braised pork and southern-style beef noodle salad.

Kim faced challenges in maintaining dish consistency, which led to customer feedback. Committed to quality, she meticulously documented recipes and emphasized fresh ingredients over frozen ones, ensuring her food reflected authentic homemade flavors.

In early 2024, Kim launched a TikTok channel, showcasing Vietnamese dishes. The channel quickly gained traction among Vietnamese expatriates, earning thousands of likes and fostering pride in her cultural representation. Soon after, she was offered a position as a kitchen assistant at a four-star restaurant, where her skills in Vietnamese cuisine prompted her rapid promotion to head chef in charge of appetizers, boosting her confidence despite language barriers and the pressures of a luxury kitchen.

In addition to her restaurant career, Hoang Kim collaborates with her husband to sell Vietnamese dishes directly. Together, they prepare and deliver meals, enriching their endeavors. This year, she aims to open a Vietnamese restaurant in Corsica, featuring traditional drinks, with aspirations to expand her culinary influence across France.

Hoang Kim has navigated a remarkable culinary journey from Bac Ninh to Corsica, bravely establishing her identity as a Vietnamese chef in France. By overcoming challenges and leveraging her passion for cooking, she has effectively promoted Vietnamese cuisine, enchanting both locals and tourists alike. Her ambitions remain bold, looking to expand her culinary offerings throughout France while preserving her heritage through food.

Original Source: e.vnexpress.net