Hoang Kim: Bringing Vietnamese Culinary Heritage to Corsica, France

Hoang Kim, a Vietnamese self-taught chef, has made significant strides in Corsica, France, after being inspired by Anthony Bourdain. After starting a food business that effectively resonated with local demand for Vietnamese cuisine, she has gained popularity through her dishes and social media presence. Kim’s resilience in overcoming challenges highlights her dedication to celebrating and expanding the reach of Vietnamese cuisine in France.

Hoang Kim, a 35-year-old self-taught chef from Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, has blossomed in the culinary scene of Corsica, France, after moving there with her husband. Initially inspired by the late American chef Anthony Bourdain, she developed a passion for Vietnamese cuisine. His respectful portrayal of Vietnamese food motivated her to delve into cooking upon her arrival in April 2023.

Settling into the picturesque landscape of Corsica, known as the “island of beauty,” Hoang Kim began to replicate flavors from her homeland. She prepared traditional dishes such as fried spring rolls, braised pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, and chicken pho, quickly winning over her French in-laws and establishing a connection with her roots through her culinary creations.

Realizing the demand for authentic Vietnamese dishes among tourists, especially those from Asia, Hoang Kim’s husband’s cousin encouraged her to start a food business. After introducing her popular fried spring rolls to local night markets and bars, orders surged, with one venue naming her delicacies as “Nem Maison de Kim.” Her menu later expanded to include other traditional favorites, increasing her culinary footprint.

However, scaling the business posed challenges with some dishes lacking consistency, prompting customer complaints. To address this, she meticulously documented her recipes and portion sizes and focused on using fresh ingredients, understanding that frozen ones could degrade quality. Kim emphasized, “With some dishes, especially spring rolls, using frozen ingredients can lower the quality by half.”

In February 2024, Hoang Kim ventured into social media by posting her first TikTok video, gaining instant popularity with significant engagement. This led to over 60 videos showcasing her Vietnamese recipes, which resonated particularly with Vietnamese expatriates in France. She expressed that her viewers’ sense of pride in her representation of their culture far outweighed her pursuit of likes.

A month into her TikTok journey, she received an offer to work as a kitchen assistant in a four-star restaurant where the owner wanted to incorporate Vietnamese dishes into the menu. Despite lacking formal culinary training, she quickly adapted and was promoted to head chef overseeing appetizers, which incorporated her culturally significant dishes. She recounted, “Many guests had visited Vietnam before, and when they tasted my food, they immediately asked if it was made by a Vietnamese chef.”

Although facing challenges such as language barriers and the pressures of high culinary standards, Hoang Kim persevered, driven by her desire to promote Vietnamese cuisine. Encouragement from the head chef helped her navigate through stressful times in the busy kitchen.

Alongside her professional endeavors, Hoang Kim collaborates with her husband, Quentin Farrari, to prepare and deliver Vietnamese dishes to customers, sharing the culinary journey with him. Encouraged by their shared experiences, Kim plans to open her own Vietnamese restaurant in Corsica, emphasizing authentic drinks and culinary traditions while aspiring to expand Vietnamese cuisine throughout France.

In summary, Hoang Kim’s journey from a self-taught chef in Bac Ninh Province to the culinary scene in Corsica highlights her passion for Vietnamese cuisine and her commitment to authenticity. Her endeavors reflect the growing recognition of Vietnamese flavors abroad, as she aims to share her heritage through her food. Despite challenges, she remains dedicated to elevating Vietnamese cuisine and dreams of expanding her culinary influence across France.

Original Source: e.vnexpress.net