Vietnamese Chef Brings Culinary Heritage to France’s Corsica Island

Hoang Kim, a self-taught chef from Vietnam, found her culinary passion after moving to Corsica, France. Inspired by Anthony Bourdain, she began adapting local ingredients to create Vietnamese dishes, quickly gaining popularity. Despite challenges, she has progressed to head chef in a prestigious restaurant, and she plans to open her own Vietnamese restaurant, aspiring to promote her culture widely.

Hoang Kim, a self-taught chef from Bac Ninh Province in Vietnam, ventured into the culinary world after relocating to France with her husband. Inspired by the late chef Anthony Bourdain, her passion for Vietnamese cuisine grew as she recalled his deep respect and love for her homeland.

In April 2023, Hoang Kim arrived on Corsica, known as the “island of beauty.” Amidst her adaptation to a new environment, she found solace in cooking, skillfully incorporating local ingredients into traditional Vietnamese dishes. Her offerings, which included fried spring rolls and chicken pho, quickly impressed her French in-laws.

Encouragement from her husband’s cousin, a cruise ship employee, led her to explore a business venture due to the demand for Vietnamese cuisine among tourists. Beginning with a popular fried spring roll recipe, Kim’s creations swiftly gained traction at local markets and bars, with one venue even branding them as “Nem Maison de Kim.”

While expanding her offerings, she encountered challenges, particularly with maintaining consistency in her dishes. Committed to quality, she meticulously documented her recipes and utilized only fresh ingredients, ensuring that her meals retained their authentic flavors. “Using frozen ingredients can lower the quality by half,” she asserted, emphasizing her desire for her dishes to evoke the feeling of home.

In February 2024, she launched her TikTok channel, which quickly garnered attention, amassing tens of thousands of likes and attracting a following among Vietnamese expatriates. The heartfelt feedback from viewers, noting that her recipes made them feel at home, resonated deeply with her.

Shortly after her TikTok debut, she was hired as a kitchen assistant at a prestigious French restaurant, where her knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine was valued. Despite the initial language barrier and the challenges it posed, she was promoted to head chef for appetizers within three months, introducing signature dishes to the menu that delighted patrons.

Despite the pressures and occasional frustrations of working in fine dining, Hoang Kim persevered, encouraged by her head chef’s support. She strives to elevate the recognition of Vietnamese cuisine in France, all while managing her food business with her husband, Quentin Farrari, who has embraced learning to cook traditional dishes.

Looking ahead, Kim harbors plans to launch a Vietnamese restaurant in Corsica, offering traditional beverages. Her ultimate aspiration is to broaden the reach of Vietnamese cuisine throughout France.

Hoang Kim’s journey from a self-taught chef to a head chef in Corsica highlights the transformative power of passion and adaptability. Despite challenges, her commitment to authenticity and her cultural heritage drive her ambitions in the culinary world. With plans to establish a dedicated Vietnamese restaurant and aspirations to promote Vietnamese cuisine across France, she stands as an inspiring figure for both her community and her homeland.

Original Source: e.vnexpress.net