Sitting down with Chef Huy Nam in the warm, refined atmosphere of Chapter Dining, it’s immediately clear that his journey is about much more than just a career. It’s a story woven from experience, emotion, and a deep love for food from an early age.
Table of Contents
What First Inspired Mrs. Nam To Become A Chef?
When asked what first drew him to the kitchen, Chef Huy Nam smiles, recalling childhood memories: “I guess it all started with knowing the difference between good and bad food from the meals my grandfather used to cook’’. Even as a child, he could taste the care and thought his grandfather put into every dish.
Before joining Chapter Dining, Chef Huy Nam’s journey had already passed through many “chapters” worth noting. “Before Chapter, I spent over ten years learning and working in kitchens across Ho Chi Minh City. But the most memorable time was four years at Quince, working with Head Chef Julien and incredibly talented colleagues.
That environment taught me precision, observation, and the importance of continuous learning. When I decided to continue my story at Chapter Dining, it felt like the perfect place to blend those experiences with my personal inspiration, creating a culinary narrative that honors Northern Vietnamese cuisine while embracing fine dining.”
How Does Chef Huy Nam Define “Fine Dining”?
Surprisingly, for Chef Huy Nam, defining fine dining isn’t about adhering to strict rules: “Even now, I don’t have a concrete definition of fine dining. When I first heard the term, I imagined it as elevated cuisine where both service and food are executed meticulously, focusing on the guest’s entire experience from entry to exit. But I never wanted to confine myself to a rigid definition because food is alive – it evolves and adapts.”
His guiding principle in the kitchen is simple yet profound: a relentless commitment to learning. “No matter how much experience I gain, I always try to maintain a mindset of curiosity. Each day in the kitchen is an opportunity to explore ingredients, techniques, and the stories behind every dish. That keeps me energized and inspired.”
When creating a dish, what does he focus on first – ingredients, technique, or story? Chef Huy Nam’s answer is immediate: “Ingredients always come first. Chapter Dining’s culinary direction emphasizes Northern Vietnamese ingredients, and my priority is ensuring that each dish celebrates the local flavors at their best. Bringing those ingredients to a fine dining table is more than cooking. It’s about balancing taste, presentation, and the overall dining experience.”
Why Does Chef Huy Nam Prioritize Ingredients in a Fine Dining Context?
Chef Huy Nam emphasizes the significance of local ingredients: “Ingredients are the soul of any dish. We constantly seek the freshest, highest-quality produce, seafood, meats, and spices. Each dish starts with these ingredients, but then requires technique and creativity to transform it into a true fine dining experience.”
Inspiration, he notes, comes not only from ingredients but also from culture and stories: “Northern Vietnamese cuisine has its own unique flavors and subtlety. I try to tell that story, whether through traditional dishes or modern interpretations, so guests don’t just eat. In fact, they experience the culture and narrative behind each plate.”
Personal Imprints in Every Signature Dish
When asked about a signature dish, Chef Huy Nam laughs: “It’s hard to pick just one. We refresh the menu every four months, and I’ve been at Chapter Dining for four years. Every dish carries a piece of me, yet still aligns with the restaurant’s overall spirit. Perhaps the real signature isn’t a single dish, it’s my style, the way I tell a story through every plate.”
Maintaining a personal identity while honoring the restaurant’s ethos is a delicate balance. “I’m fortunate that my approach naturally aligns with Chapter’s vision. As for my personal touch, I let guests discover it themselves. They might notice little hints of my style in a dish, but the harmony and coherence of the menu remain intact. That’s how I balance individuality with the collective spirit of the restaurant.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about future plans, Chef Nam smiles: “I want to keep learning, experimenting, and developing new dishes, while preserving the refinement and standards of fine dining at Chapter Dining. Every day in the kitchen is a journey, and my goal is to create memorable culinary experiences that surprise and delight our guests.”
Chef Huy Nam’s story at Chapter Dining is more than a career, it’s a finely tuned symphony, where every ingredient, every dish, and every moment of service blends to create a distinct melody. Through his eyes, we see that fine dining is not just about luxury or technical skill, it’s about passion, inspiration, and attention to every detail in the culinary journey.
Sitting with Chef Huy Nam, it becomes evident that fine dining is as much about the chef’s personal journey as it is about the dining room experience. From lessons learned in his grandfather’s kitchen to years of refining technique and creativity, his approach is both grounded in tradition and forward-looking. At Chapter Dining, every dish tells a story, one that’s personal, cultural, and unmistakably refined. Chef Huy Nam reminds us that true fine dining is not just a meal, but an experience crafted with care, curiosity, and heart.
_________
Chapter Dining
12C Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Mon – Sat from 18:00 – 23:00
Tel: +84 333 201 221 – Reserve a table
Email: reservation@chapter.vn
