For the past two years, Hải Anh has been a part of Chapter Dining, where his role in the Front of House team felt less like a career decision and more like a natural continuation of who he has always been. His fondness for conversation, his ease in connecting with people, and his genuine interest in everyday stories have long shaped the way he moves through life. Read on to discover his journey and the quiet strength he brings to the Chapter Dining experience.
Table of Contents
When Communication Becomes a Calling
For Hải Anh, working in the Front of House team at Chapter Dining never felt like a sudden career switch. It unfolded naturally, almost quietly, like something that had been waiting for him for years. He has always loved talking to people, listening to stories, and finding energy in everyday conversations. Hospitality, in that sense, felt less like a job and more like an extension of who he already was.
His journey began when a friend shared a series of Instagram Stories about Chapter Dining. What caught his attention first were the dishes – beautifully plated, balanced, almost artistic. At that moment, he thought to himself: This must be a high-end restaurant.
That small moment of curiosity eventually became the doorway to his new chapter.
When he talks about his daily routine, the simplicity of his rhythm stands out. His day begins with greeting his colleagues and ends with wishing them goodnight, a small ritual that frames the sense of togetherness that defines the team. Between those greetings lies a familiar pattern of preparation: adjusting the dining room layout to match the number of guests, making sure every detail in the space feels intentional, and setting the tone for the night ahead.
At closing hour, the team gathers briefly to revisit the evening’s service. “We go through the key issues together so everyone understands what happened and how we solved it,” he shares. These conversations help ensure that every challenge becomes learning rather than stress.
When he reflects on what excites him most, his answer comes gently but firmly:
“Personal growth, my colleagues, and our guests.”
They are the three threads that keep him grounded and inspired.
What Sets the Chapter Dining Experience Apart from Others?
Ask Hải Anh what makes the fine dining experience at Chapter different and he pauses thoughtfully, searching for the right words. What he finally lands on reflects something deeply cultural about the restaurant.
“I think most of the experience, maybe sixty to seventy percent, comes from the service. Standards are already a given in fine dining, but at Chapter, we try to serve as companions. We walk with the guests throughout their meal.”
It is a style of service that feels personal without being intrusive, warm without losing professionalism. The FOH team is trained to sense when to step in, when to hold space, and when to simply observe.
Among the many memorable interactions he has had with guests, the ones he recalls most vividly are the quieter, more emotional moments.
“I often remember the guests who arrive looking tense or closed off. But as the meal goes on, with small conversations and gentle check-ins, they slowly open up and share their stories. Those moments stay with me.”
There are evenings when joy is easy to read on guests’ faces, especially when a dish delights them. And there are nights when reactions are less positive, like when a guest leaves food unfinished. To him, every reaction matters, because every emotion reveals something about the dining journey they are experiencing.
Behind the Scenes: Pressure, Discipline, and a Family in Disguise
Fine dining may appear serene from the outside, but Hải Anh speaks candidly about the pressure that exists behind the scenes.
“The hardest part is constantly pushing myself and my teammates. I always think about how we can become better than we were yesterday. What wasn’t good enough? What can be improved?”
It is the mindset of someone who treats service not as repetition, but as refinement.
Still, even on the days when exhaustion settles in, something keeps pulling him back each morning.
He describes it through three simple values: responsibility, discipline, and the perseverance to grow.
Then there is the team. When asked about moments that made him feel Chapter was truly a family, he doesn’t choose a single day or event. Instead, he speaks about difficult periods in general.
“Every time we go through challenges together, I appreciate them more. Everyone stays, supports one another, and never lets anyone go through hardship alone.”
That sense of unity, he says, is one of Chapter’s quiet strengths.
What Makes Mr. Hải Anh Most Proud as a Member of Chapter?
Among all the things he has experienced in his time at Chapter, the feeling he carries with the most sincerity is pride.
“I get to learn and work in an environment that is one of the healthiest, most united, and most solid in the F&B industry right now.”
When asked to describe Chapter in three words, he doesn’t overthink it.
He simply says: Kind, Strong, Skilled (Ngoạn, Mạnh, Giỏi).
Three qualities he sees reflected every day, in both the people and the work they do.
Before our conversation ends, we ask him what he would like to say to guests who have never visited Chapter Dining. His message is warm and deeply genuine, the way he speaks to guests at the restaurant.
“Welcome to Chapter. Thank you for trusting us and choosing us for your dinner. I hope that through our perspective, you will feel inspired and gain a new way of looking at fine dining and the F&B world in Vietnam.”
Quiet Presence at the Heart of the Experience
In many ways, Hải Anh embodies the spirit of the Front of House team at Chapter. He is not loud or dramatic. His presence is gentle, observant, and attentive – qualities that are often overlooked but deeply felt by every guest he serves.
His story reminds us that fine dining is not only built on plates and techniques. It is also created through the people who walk beside guests from the first hello to the final goodbye, guiding the experience with kindness and intention.
And in that quiet, steady presence, the essence of Chapter truly comes to life.
Hải Anh’s story is a reminder that fine dining is shaped not only by cuisine, but also by the people who quietly elevate each moment of the experience. Through his perspective, we see how dedication, empathy, and daily discipline come together to create the harmony guests feel at Chapter. His journey reflects the spirit of a team that values growth, connection, and thoughtful service. Visit Chapter Dining to discover contemporary Vietnamese fine dining
_________
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
