Cambodian-French Executive Chef Sakal Phoeung, with over a quarter-century in luxury hospitality, has become a culinary star in Ho Chi Minh City. His journey includes leading roles at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra and Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Now at Le Corto & P’ti Saigon, he blends traditional French cuisine with innovative approaches, and as President of les Disciples d’Escoffier Vietnam, Sakal fosters community and culinary excellence. We had the opportunity to chat with Chef Sakal about his illustrious career in Gastronomy.

Passion, precision and purpose define the Rising Star Chef category at the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025. From Saigon’s vibrant kitchens to Phu Quoc’s island shores, these 24 chefs illuminate the evolving story of Vietnamese cuisine with creativity, vision and heart, shaping the nation’s gastronomic future one plate at a time.