Richie
Saigon Culinary Arts Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Focus: Vietnamese and Asian cuisines with intensive training and hands-on approach.
Vietnam Australia Vocational School (VAAC), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Program: Bartender
- Focus: Basic knowledge on how to store, preserve and select ingredients, and practice cocktails, mocktails, hot and cold drinks.
Key Accomplishments
- Gained over 10 years of experience in culinary content creation, focusing on Vietnamese and Asian cuisines.
- Produced a wide range of articles and visual content that explores the rich traditions of Asian and beverage culture.
- Excelled in the art of food and beverage styling, enhancing the visual appeal of Vietnamese and Asian dishes and drinks.
Experience
Richie has compiled hundreds of Vietnamese recipes, blending tradition with modern tastes, and shared them across various media. With a decade of experience in graphic design and culinary writing, he excels in creating content that’s both visually appealing and rich in flavor.
His unique insights come from both family traditions and professional experiences, including time spent in military kitchens. As a content creator, Richie inspires with his articles, photographs, and recipes, celebrating the depth of Vietnamese cuisine and encouraging exploration of its diverse flavors.
Personal Interests
Richie is an enthusiastic home cook deeply fascinated by the complexities of Vietnamese and Asian cuisines. He’s committed to perfecting classic recipes and enhancing them with his innovative style, incorporating unique ingredients for a fresh take. His enthusiasm for cooking at home drives him to constantly experiment and refine his culinary skills, aiming to blend the rich heritage of Asian cooking with contemporary tastes.
Education
Richie’s culinary training started at the Saigon Culinary Arts Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, achieving a Diploma in Culinary Arts with a focus on Vietnamese and Asian cuisines through intensive, practical training.
He broadened his skills at the Vietnam Australia Vocational School (VAAC) in Hanoi, where he finished a bartending program. At VAAC, Richie developed essential skills in choosing, storing, and preserving ingredients, as well as hands-on experience in making cocktails, mocktails, and various hot and cold drinks.
Key Insights into Richie’s Culinary World
What’s your secret ingredient for adding depth to Asian dishes?
“Fish sauce. It’s the backbone of many Vietnamese dishes, providing a unique umami that elevates the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.”
What beverage complements Vietnamese meals for you?
“A cup of strong Vietnamese coffee or a light jasmine tea. Both beverages offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.”
What motivates your food styling and photography?
“The vibrant colors and diverse textures of Vietnamese ingredients. My goal is to showcase the freshness and dynamism of Asian cuisine, inviting viewers into the culinary experience.”
What’s your favorite type of cuisine to explore outside of your specialty?
“Mediterranean cuisine, for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and healthful dishes.”
What drives your passion for culinary photography?
“The challenge of capturing a dish’s essence visually, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. My aim is to trigger the same excitement and anticipation one feels before enjoying a great meal.”
