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We are pleased to introduce Sakal Phoeung Executive Chef and Founder of P’ti Saigon and le Corto Restaurant as Maître Rôtisseur for la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Vietnam. Chef Phoeung has been a supporter of la Chaîne for many years and was finally inducted into la Chaîne in 2018 at the Grand Chapitre Gala of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.
Chef Phoeung, attributing his inspiration to his mother in France, has worked in culinary all of his life. He started his journey to join the ranks of professionals when he turned 17 years old by pursuing three years of culinary school. After graduation, Chef Phoeung was lucky enough to work in several restaurant brigades as Commis, Chef de Partie and even worked his way all the way up to Sous Chef in a myriad of Relais and Châteaux and Michelin-starred establishments.
Originally hailing from Cambodia and then moving to Savoie, France, in early childhood, Chef Phoeung proclaims his biggest epiphany was when he relocated away from the countryside to Paris for his four years of mandatory military service. Stationed in la Cercle national des armées, which includes an officers' house, three hotels, three restaurants, a bar and a space for reception rooms, Chef Phoeung found himself managing the expectations, rubbing shoulders and also befriending some of the world’s toughest gourmands – France’s top officials and military command.
After his educational and military experience in Paris, Chef Phoeung travelled to Vietnam where he worked at the Sofitel Saigon Centre at the height of its prominence, spending time alongside many a famous invited chef and the local diplomatic corps in the now defunct Olivier Restaurant.
In 2008 the Beijing Olympics called for the brightest minds of the region to assemble in the Chinese Capital and again, Chef Phoeung was called upon to show his talents at the Sofitel Wanda Beijing for their opening.
After the brief Olympic stint, the always-on-the-move Chef was called upon in Phnom Penh to christen the Sofitel Phokeetra as their opening Executive Chef. During the 2010 opening preparations of the Phnom Penh landmark, a place which to this day remains exciting and full of adventure, Chef Phoeung played a pivotal role as executive chef in the establishment of la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Cambodia, our sister group which is credited to holding its inaugural induction gala and Chapitre event in a still-under-construction hotel! Some in Vietnam may remark, “điên!”
On to the next chapter, Chef Phoeung found his way back to Saigon and resumed working at the Sofitel in Saigon. With his eyes immediately on greener pastures, Chef Phoeung decided to depart the safe pastures of the hotel f&b scene and opened Le Corto, the hottest Parisian-style bistro in Ho Chi Minh City, which is incidentally named after an adventurous fictional sailor, Corto Maltese.
A short 7 months later, Francois Hollande, the then President of France, hearing of the feats accomplished by our special Chef, organized a state dinner at Le Corto on September 6th, 2016, the then first state visit from France’s President in 12 years.
Le Corto has over the years, hosted dozens of dignitaries and guest celebrity chefs from all over the world.
In 2019, always seeking new adventures, Chef Phoeung opened P’ti Saigon in the Thao Dien ward of District 2, Ho Chi Minh’s bustling expat enclave. His newest restaurant was meant to be a peaceful oasis with featuring Mediterranean and Provençal food. Soon after opening, the world changed with the Wuhan Coronavirus. P’ti Saigon quickly pivoted and reshaped their dining experience to include a local, festive dining concept. Today (when not in lockdown,) P’ti Saigon is abuzz with fashion shows and musical events with revelers wearing feather boas and party hats. It truly is a sight to see.
Those living in Ho Chi Minh City are truly fortunate to have a Chef like Sakal Phoeung. An always welcoming, always smiling, easy going top Chef at the height of his craft. La Chaîne appreciates dedicated and talented members, and we certainly look forward to hosting a dinner soon with Chef Phoeung.
Le Corto
5D Đường Nguyễn Siêu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84 28 3822 0671
P’ti Saigon
52 Ngô Quang Huy, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84 28 3620 1880
