artLIVE – On April 18, Nguyen Dong Hai, Chef of Azerai La Residence Hue, was honored with the prestigious title of ‘Culinary Artisan of Vietnamese Traditional Craft Villages’ by the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association and the Council for Recognition of Artisanal Titles.
Azerai La Residence Hue is one of the latest hotels bearing the hallmark of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha, founder of the renowned Aman Resorts. Located in the former residence of the French governor, dating back to 1930, the hotel stands out with its classic Art Deco architecture, 122 elegant guest rooms, and a distinctive Indochine-style curved façade.
Not only does it impress with its refined artistic ambiance, but Azerai La Residence Hue is also a culinary destination, offering exceptional dining experiences personally crafted and curated by Executive Chef Nguyen Dong Hai. In 2025, the hotel was named one of Vietnam’s top 16 hotels by The Times (UK), affirming its status as a premier travel icon.
The quiet journey of a guardian of Hue’s culinary soul
As a native of Hue, Executive Chef Nguyen Dong Hai began his culinary career in 2005, right from the earliest days of La Residence’s opening. Nearly two decades of dedication have seen him both witness and contribute to the transformation of this historic property, from a classic hotel into Azerai La Residence Hue, an internationally acclaimed destination rich in Vietnamese cultural identity.
Throughout that journey, he continuously honed his skills, expanded his culinary mindset, and learned from chefs from France, Germany, Australia, South Africa, and the UK. Despite being exposed to diverse culinary traditions, he has always preserved the spirit of Hue in every dish, creating a distinct and captivating signature of his own.
One of the most memorable milestones in his career came in 2014 when a Vietnamese bread (bánh mì) prepared by him received special praise from world-renowned chef and filmmaker Anthony Bourdain. Since then, the “La Residence Bánh Mì” has become an iconic dish, beloved by both local and international guests.
Chef Hai doesn’t just craft delicious dishes – he creates deeply emotional dining experiences. His signature menu, “The Colonial Life”, is a vivid testament to this, blending the regal essence of Hue’s royal cuisine with the elegance of French gastronomy. Served in the hotel’s historic setting by the Perfume River, the experience offers guests a unique and unforgettable culinary journey.
In 2017, Chef Hai was entrusted with designing the state banquet menu for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during their official visit to Vietnam. The menu was a harmonious blend of Vietnamese flavors and Western style, reflecting the expertise and refined taste of a seasoned culinary master.
His reputation has also reached international heights, having twice been invited as guest executive chef at the prestigious Sha Tin Clubhouse of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, one of the most elite horse racing clubs in the world. These occasions offered a valuable opportunity to bring Vietnamese cuisine closer to discerning global diners.
Beyond his role as a chef, Chef Hai is also a dedicated mentor. He collaborates with Hue Tourism College, inspiring and sharing his experience with the younger generation. He also frequently serves as a judge and advisor at prestigious culinary competitions across Vietnam.
Illuminating Hue’s culinary heritage with a passion for the craft
According to Mr. Phan Trong Minh, General Manager of Azerai La Residence Hue, Chef Nguyen Dong Hai has played a key role in bringing the essence of Hue’s culinary heritage to the global stage.
He remarked: “As a talented chef, Nguyen Dong Hai has helped elevate the essence and heritage of Hue cuisine to new heights, placing it alongside the world’s great culinary traditions. His dedication, eagerness to learn, and constant creativity have rightfully earned him recognition from the Vietnam Handicraft Village Association, the admiration of his peers, and the trust of his guests“.
He also shared: “It has been an honor to work alongside Hai and witness his rise to become one of the leading chefs in Vietnamese cuisine”.
With national-level recognition and an enduring passion for his craft, Executive Chef Nguyen Dong Hai will continue to raise the culinary standards at Azerai La Residence Hue, delivering exceptional dining experiences while preserving and celebrating the heritage, artistry, and essence of Hue cuisine in particular and Vietnamese gastronomy as a whole.
Photos: Balcony Media Group
