CHEF MASTERCLASS
ARTISANAL PASTRY MASTERPIECES Crafting delicate traditional pastries, inspired by local Vietnamese Ingredients and flavours, Robin Mouquet-Richelet is a French Michelin – starred trained pastry chef who can be found daily enthusiastically greeting clients at his eponymous HCMC bakery every day, with passion, enthusiasm, and friendliness, that lures consumers seeking the best this sprawling metropolis has to offer. Today, he is going to talk with Epicure about the dedication, inspiration, and history that have all contributed to the success of his talents, which all have combined to produce his patisserie masterpieces. BY THAO NGUYEN
How did you get into the world of pastry and can you share with us your journey that lead you to Vietnam? I grew up with my grandmothers, always hanging out in the kitchen. The smells, the touch were the first senses that I was able to develop. On the other hand, Pastry Chef, in the end, is where I felt more comfortable and creative. Then for Food & Beverage industry is inked for part of my family. Since I was a kid, I see myself living in Asia and not in France. For Vietnam, it is simply pure adventure. I was not prepared to live in Saigon, besides I had never set foot there. But I had in memory, the contact with Vietnamese super nice, smiling and happiness. I kept this feeling in my head. Have been working with many Michelin star restaurants, what have your learn from the experiences? Daily life in the kitchen brings together great values including respect, team cohesion, surpassing oneself, high standards, solidarity. Michelin’s star restaurant gave me this adrenaline and I love it enormously. Also, the pleasure of seeing, touching, working and of course tasting exceptional and luxury products for demanding customers or those curious about new pleasures. Alongside great Chefs, I learned a Job! The passion was already there. What makes you stand out among Haute Patisserie in Vietnam recently? I don’t think I still stand out from the pastry scene here in Vietnam. There are pastry Artists in Saigon, like me! They have their touch, their desires and of course their history. I want to tell my story today in Saigon, if I have time to say a little more then maybe I will stand out.
94 epicurevietnam
