From Parisian kitchens to Saigon’s dining stage, Chef Thảo Na has forged a distinctive voice that unites French finesse with Vietnamese tradition. At Maison Des Rêves, she invites guests into a world where food is more than sustenance it is memory, storytelling, and the embodiment of a lifelong dream.
Chef Thảo Na, the creative force behind Maison Des Rêves, has dedicated more than two decades to a culinary journey that bridges Paris and Saigon. Her work is defined by a deep respect for French technique and a soulful connection to Vietnamese heritage, a combination that has established her as one of the leading figures in Vietnam’s fine dining movement.
Her love for food began in childhood, nurtured by a mother who transformed homegrown ingredients into meals rich with memory and meaning. From those early experiences came a lifelong devotion to storytelling through flavour. After starting her career in Saigon as a pastry chef at Metro Cash & Carry, she pursued formal training at the École de Maxim’s in Paris, earning a degree in French Culinary Arts, while also completing studies in Vietnamese cuisine at Saigontourist Hospitality College.
In France, she refined her craft in some of the country’s most competitive kitchens, from Public’s Drugstore and Hyatt Regency Madeleine to the Palace Park Hyatt Vendôme, where she rose to the role of Junior Sous Chef. These years in Paris instilled both discipline and artistry, teaching her to balance precision with creativity while leading and mentoring young talents.
Returning to Vietnam, she shaped the direction of modern French-inspired cuisine through her leadership at Atelier Des Rêves and Lavelle Library, before opening Maison Des Rêves in 2023. Conceived as a “House of Dreams,” the restaurant reflects her vision of dining as a place of family, warmth, and connection. Each dish is guided by seasonality and craftsmanship, weaving together French finesse and Vietnamese soul.
Her philosophy rests on three ideals: creativity rooted in memory, leadership with purpose, and heritage interpreted through a contemporary lens. This approach has allowed Maison Des Rêves to quickly become one of Saigon’s most celebrated dining destinations, admired for its elegance and cultural harmony.
The nomination for People’s Choice: Chef of the Year is a testament not only to her mastery of flavour but also to her resilience, vision, and commitment to elevating Vietnamese gastronomy on the world stage.