Kieu Phan at her Madam Kieu restaurant in Hoi An
Born in Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Kieu Phan has spent numerous years residing and working in Australia. While initially pursuing a law degree, her passion for the F&B industry took hold, and she decided to go into restaurant business instead. Since then, she has founded Madam Kieu and The Shamrock’s Irish Pub in Hoi An, firmly establishing her presence in the Vietnamese ancient town’s restaurant scene.
Fueled by a deep desire to share the warmth and distinctive flavors of Hoi An with the world, Kieu Phan aspires to prove to clients abroad that Vietnamese cuisine can be traditional yet elevated. The female entrepreneur is planning on opening a high-end restaurant in Melbourne later this year and Sydney next year, bringing Vietnamese culinary artistry to a prominent position on the world culinary map.
Kieu Phan: An ambitious entrepreneur with unwavering dedication to Vietnamese traditional cuisine
Despite owning the F&B chain in Hoi An and preparing to enter the international market, Kieu Phan remains grounded and modest. She considers herself fortunate and expresses gratitude to all who have helped her along the way. And instead of dwelling on her past achievements, her focus lies on what she can accomplish in the future.
As the proprietor of Taste of Vietnam Group, Kieu Phan firmly believes in the power of hard work and continuously setting new goals. This approach allows her avoid complacency and nurture her fervor.
“The Taste of Vietnam Group has set its sights on expanding into international markets, and I am excited to carry on with my mission of sharing the warm hospitality of Hoi An to the world. This is a journey that streches far into the future and now is not the time to halt our progress”.
From Madam Kieu in Hoi An, to Hoiana in Melbourne: A journey of continuous improvement
Madam Kieu restaurant is imbued with the spirit of Hoi An ancient town
A visit to Madam Kieu restaurant will leave a lasting impression on every guest, with its exquisite flavors, prompt service, and captivating live music amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Hoai river. This exceptional experience has won the hearts of many visitors, domestic and international alike.
Diners enjoy their meal at Madam Kieu restaurant
The ancient town of Hoi An attracts a diverse range of domestic and international tourists, who seek different things when travelling.
Vietnamese patrons yearn for indulging in dishes that uphold authentic, local flavors. Meanwhile, international visitors possess unique cultural backgrounds, tastes, and the culinary preferences that differ greatly from those of Vietnamese. Harmonizing these disparate preferences is no simple feat.
Nevertheless, Madam Kieu has triumphed in her endeavor to satiate the refined palates of gastronomes who visit the charming streets of Hoi An.
“I realize that most international tourists are really keen to discover authentic cuisine with homemade flavors. Therefore, Madam Kieu’s primary mission is to deliver genuine Vietnamese culinary delights. However, we go beyond that by offering exceptional values through fast and friendly service, complemented by a live music program that has become a hallmark of our establishment. Personally, I am very proud that the restaurant always provide a platform for young local artirts to showcase their talents”.
Madam Kieu Restaurant leaves a lasting impression on guests with its artistic menu, dedicated service and beautiful decoration
Since its opening in 2016, Madam Kieu restaurant has continually improved its daily operations. Particularly, during the global pandemic, the team has found way to reduce unnecessary costs while still ensuring the highest standards of food and service quality.
The interior of Madam Kieu restaurant
In order to create unique touches and sophisticated dining experience, Kieu Phan has curated combinations that blend Vietnamese cuisine with international wines. Additionally, renowned chefs such as David Thai and Chef Star Francis Thuan have been invited to bring their expertise and creativity on special menus.
“I firmly believe in the concept of ‘evolution’ rather than ‘revolution’ and Madam Kieu epitomizes this philosophy. I am very proud that Madam Kieu restaurant did not have to cut too many staff during the pandemic. The advertising and media team is also running very good campaigns”.
A modern presentation of traditional Vietnamese dish
Following the resounding success of Madam Kieu, Kieu Phan is filled with confidence as she ventures into opening the upcoming Hoiana restaurant in Melbourne. Joining her, renowned Chef David Thai will be actively involved in training the restaurant’s team, ensuring a top-notch culinary experience.
“When it comes to my restaurants, I place great importance on four essential elements: location, atmosphere, service and tasty. Focusing on strengthening each of the factors in our restaurants, I firmly believe that this will create business that are built to last.
Embracing the concept of globalization, I am particularly fond of the idea that Hoiana will maintain a consistent approach, safeguarding the core values of Taste of Vietnam Group when expanding abroad yet still being consistent with the tastes and preferences of local people. With unwavering confidence, I assert that Hoiana will bring international friends the authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine”.
Success comes from the compassionate heart
It is evident that Kieu Phan is a meticulous individual, always ensuring that her activities are carefully planned to achieve desired outcomes. However, her success is not solely attributed to her meticulousness; it is largely fueled by her passionate personality.
In her childhood, Kieu Phan faced and overcame a life-changing illness, which has made her realize that that each person only has one chance to live. This epiphany fuels her desire to live, work, and wholeheartedly devote herself to fulfill the dreams and ideals she cherishes.
“Over the next five years, I hope to strengthen Taste of Vietnam Group’s presence in the central region of Vietnam, of which Madam Kieu restaurant will be the standout feature. Next December, I will be opening a more popular Vietnamese restaurant called Ngon Hoi An. In addition, The Taste of Vietnam Group also plans to open a restaurant in Hue, and expand the operation of The Shamrock’s Irish Pub in Hanoi next year”.
Not stopping there, Kieu Phan is in the process of developing a craft beer brand called Faifoo, which will be produced locally right in Hoi An. Faifoo craft beer will be served at her restaurant chain in Vietnam and Australia. In 2024, the businesswoman plans to open another restaurant in Sydney to enhance the position of Vietnamese cuisine in Australia.
Sharing about her future ambitions, the businesswoman affirmed: “I want to lead Taste of Vietnam Group into a more sustainable development because my long-term dream is to open a hospital to support children who suffer from diseases. I dream to help them overcome difficulties in whatever way that I can.”
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
