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Gordon Ramsay, one of the world's most influential chefs, is not only famous for his Michelin-starred restaurants and popular television shows like Hell's Kitchen and MasterChef, but also for his outspoken, fiery, yet passionate style.
Despite having traveled the world and tasted countless exquisite dishes, this renowned chef has a special fondness for Vietnamese cuisine. His love for it is evident not only in his praise but also in his willingness to "try his hand" at simple, rustic dishes, despite the often amusing "failures."
Vietnamese cuisine through the eyes of a master chef.
One of Gordon Ramsay's most memorable moments, affirming his love for Vietnamese cuisine, was when he enjoyed crab noodle soup (bún riêu cua) during his trip to film the culinary documentary series Gordon's Great Escape in 2012. In the Mekong Delta, he had the opportunity to experience this humble yet flavorful Vietnamese dish from a local chef.
For a chef who has traveled the world and tasted countless exquisite dishes, his special praise for Vietnamese street food further confirms the appeal of the cuisine of the S-shaped country.
When the steaming bowl of bun rieu (crab noodle soup) was served, Ramsay carefully tasted a spoonful. The refreshing sourness of the tomatoes, the subtle sweetness of the bone broth, and the soft texture of the crab paste blended perfectly, overwhelming the discerning chef. He blurted out, "It's delicious! I love it!" This genuine and heartfelt emotion became one of the most impactful moments of the show, helping to bring Vietnamese cuisine closer to international audiences.
Ramsay's fondness for bun rieu (crab noodle soup) is no accident. This dish impresses with its balance and subtlety of flavors: the broth is refreshingly sour, the crab paste is rich but not cloying, and it's combined with fresh, crisp vegetables. The blend of fried tofu, shrimp, pork blood, and herbs creates a flavor that is both rustic and unique, unlike any other dish. It is this simplicity yet sophistication that has earned the admiration of a world-class chef.
Besides the praise, Gordon Ramsay's culinary exploration of Vietnam is also marked by some hilarious "challenges." During a visit to Mai Chau, Hoa Binh in 2011, he attempted to make Vietnamese rice rolls himself. Despite possessing golden hands and 16 prestigious Michelin stars, the chef suffered a major failure when trying to make rolls as thin as paper.
The British celebrity chef has great respect for Vietnamese cuisine.
After his failure, he admitted, "Making these paper-thin rice rolls requires exquisite technique. Luckily, I wasn't born in Vietnam, otherwise I would just be a terrible chef." This statement not only reflects the humility of a master chef but also affirms the skill and finesse of Vietnamese cuisine.
During this trip, Ramsay faced another challenge when he was asked to prepare seven pork dishes within three hours. The dishes included a variety of options such as spring rolls, pig ear salad, braised pork, and more. Once again, the culinary legend was defeated by the complexity of the local cuisine. He admitted it was "the most difficult night of my career" and even spilled rice on the floor due to his unfamiliarity with the kitchen.
Another story Ramsay recounts is about trying to get the recipe for marinating duck from a local female chef he called "Madam Duck." However, she flatly refused, saying it was a family secret. Ramsay likened asking for the recipe to "asking for her hand in marriage," highlighting his respect for culinary secrets passed down through generations.
During a guest appearance on a Seoul food show, when asked about the city or country with the best food in the world, Gordon Ramsay unhesitatingly named Vietnam, alongside Laos and Madrid (Spain). He shared: "Vietnam has so many amazing dishes. I love Vietnam and I'm obsessed with its food."
World-renowned chef falls in love with Vietnamese food: "A place with many dishes that are simply amazing."
Gordon Ramsay's love for Vietnamese cuisine extends beyond simply enjoying it. He also incorporates it into his shows. In MasterChef season 4 in 2013, he included a noodle soup (hu tieu) dish in the challenge for the contestants. Before the competition, he clearly instructed them: "This is a dish I really like, don't disappoint me." However, the contestants were all flustered by Ramsay's request, once again highlighting the uniqueness and complexity of Vietnamese cuisine.
For Gordon Ramsay, Vietnamese cuisine is not just about delicious food, but also a story of creativity, meticulousness, and love for ingredients. His experiences with bun rieu, banh cuon, and hu tieu have helped bring the image of Vietnam closer to friends around the world. It doesn't need to be a fancy or expensive dish; a simple bowl of bun rieu is enough to leave a lasting impression on a world-class chef, and for Vietnamese people, such praise is an affirmation of the timeless and borderless value of their homeland's cuisine.
