Hue, Vietnam — Chef Nguyễn Đông Hải, Executive Chef of Azerai La Residence Hue, has officially been awarded the prestigious title of “Master Culinary Artisan of Vietnam” (Nghệ Nhân Văn Hóa Nghệ Thuật Ẩm Thực Làng Nghề Việt Nam) by the Vietnam Handicraft Villages Association and the National Council for Handicraft Title Awards at a national ceremony held in Hanoi in April 2025. This distinguished accolade recognizes his extraordinary craftsmanship, cultural contributions, and steadfast commitment to preserving and innovating Hue gastronomy and Vietnamese cuisine.
A native of Hue, Chef Hải began his culinary journey with La Residence Hotel at its opening in 2005 and has remained ever since, growing alongside the property’s transformation into the acclaimed Azerai La Residence Hue. Over the years, he has worked alongside celebrated chefs from France, Australia, Africa, and the UK—broadening his culinary repertoire and deepening his expertise in international cuisine.
In his 24-year career, a standout moment came in 2014, when Chef Hải was invited to cook aboard the exclusive 10-day Calisto private cruise, serving a group of international millionaires and celebrities. Each day, he curated unique menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—earning widespread acclaim for his creativity, precision, and adaptability.
Chef Hải’s talents have captured the attention of high-profile global guests, including the late Anthony Bourdain, who stayed at La Residence in 2014 and praised Chef Hải’s cuisine—particularly his inventive rendition of the Vietnamese Bánh Mì, now famously known as the “La Residence Bánh Mì.”
Beyond Bourdain, Chef Hải and Azerai La Residence Hue have had the distinct honor of welcoming and serving an extraordinary array of royalty, dignitaries, and world leaders. These include Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Mr. Viktor Yushchenko – Former President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Fernando Henrique Cardozo – Former President of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Karolos Papoulias – President of Greece, H.E. Mr. Go Chok Tong – Emeritus Senior Minister of Singapore, H.E. Mr. Bertrand Delanoë – former Mayor of Paris, former French Prime Minister François Fillon, Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni – King of Cambodia, and most recently, in April 2025, Madame Anne Hidalgo – Mayor of Paris. The hotel has also proudly hosted numerous Vietnamese and international heads of state, including Prime Ministers, Presidents, and National Assembly Chairpersons. These distinguished visits stand as a powerful testament to both Chef Hải’s culinary excellence and the hotel’s international stature.
During his tenure, Chef Hải has also been the visionary behind several of the hotel’s most iconic dining experiences, including The Colonial Life—a signature concept that blends Nguyen Dynasty imperial cuisine with refined French gastronomy, served in a nostalgic riverside setting evoking the charm of Indochina.
His international reputation has led to multiple prestigious invitations, including two guest chef appearances at the renowned Shatin Clubhouse of the Hong Kong Jockey Club—one of the world’s largest and most exclusive clubs—in April 2017 and again in October 2018. His role as a cultural ambassador continues to elevate Vietnamese gastronomy on the global stage.
In March 2017, Chef Hải was entrusted with designing a Majestic Menu to honor the state visit of Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan, hosted by then-Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. This exceptional menu—an elegant fusion of Hue’s imperial cuisine and global flavors—has since become one of Azerai La Residence Hue’s most celebrated and best-selling culinary offerings.
Beyond his accomplishments in the kitchen, Chef Hải is a dedicated mentor and educator. He has trained hundreds of aspiring chefs through his enduring partnership with Hue Tourism College and has served as a judge and curriculum advisor for national culinary competitions. His efforts have played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of Vietnam’s culinary professionals.
Mr. Minh Phan Trong, General Manager of Azerai La Residence Hue, who has closely witnessed Chef Hải’s growth over the years, shared:
“Chef Hải embodies the essence of Hue’s culinary heritage while infusing it with global perspective. His unwavering dedication, humility, and creativity have earned him this well-deserved recognition, and the admiration of peers and guests alike. It has been a privilege to support his journey and watch him rise to become one of Vietnam’s most respected culinary leaders.” With this new national recognition and an enduring passion for his craft, Chef Nguyễn Đông Hải continues to set new standards of culinary excellence at Azerai La Residence Hue—delivering refined, memorable dining experiences that celebrate heritage, artistry, and innovation.
