LA VILLA: CHEF THIERRY JOURNEY TO STARS

1/1/2025 1:06:13 PM

In 2010, Chef Thierry and his partner Tina embarked on a culinary adventure, conceptualizing La Villa, a French restaurant that would become an oasis for locals in Saigon


Despite their limited knowledge of the market, they shared a clear vision: to create a warm and welcoming space where people could feel at home. Their ambitions were modest, but their enthusiasm was palpable.
The couple fell in love with a charming house in the peaceful Thao Dien neighborhood, which is now known as La Villa. The house boasted a swimming pool and a lush garden, making it the perfect setting for a family restaurant. Many people were surprised by their choice, considering it a risk to open a restaurant so far from District 1. However, Chef Thierry and Tina trusted their instincts and were determined to make it work.
 

"At La Villa, we strive to create a welcoming space where every guest feels at home yet every detail exudes refinement. It’s not just about the food but the connections we build and the memories we share. Thank you for letting us be a part of your special moments". Tina Pham
 

As the restaurant began to attract guests, they realized that the market was demanding higher quality. This inspired them to elevate their service and work with the best ingredients. From that point on, using only the finest ingredients became an integral part of La Villa's DNA. What started as a small, independent project evolved into something much greater, with quality at the heart of everything they did.

The La Villa Experience
 

At La Villa, the team believes that fine dining should satisfy both the palate and the soul. They have created a space where everyone can relax and choose between meticulously crafted set menus or explore a diverse à la carte selection. The goal is to give guests the freedom to tailor their meals to their mood and desires.
The team uses only the finest ingredients, carefully selected to ensure that every dish meets the highest standards. From seasonal local produce to exceptional imports from France, each ingredient is chosen to elevate the dining experience. The menu reflects the heritage of Southern France, blending traditional techniques with a touch of innovation to deliver both familiar and exciting new flavors.
 

Dining at La Villa is not just about serving food; it's about creating a personal and memorable experience. The team wants every guest to feel the passion and dedication they put into each dish, whether they're savoring one of the set menus or crafting their own experience from the à la carte options.

Philosophy
 
"Our philosophy is simple: to celebrate choice, quality, and the essence of French cuisine. By combining tradition with creativity and using only the finest products, we aim to offer our guests an elegant and unforgettable dining experience." - Chef Thierry Mounon

Menu Story
At La Villa French Restaurant in HCMC's District 2, the team has some special items in store for you. Over the course of more than a year, Chef Thierry Mounon has sourced, researched, and tasted ingredients hundreds of times to create his outstanding recipes for six top-of-the-line tasting menus designed to excite any gourmet palate.
 

Chez Nous
La Villa pioneered the movement in Vietnam to reveal the origin of the restaurant's phenomenal products. From Australian beef to Kamchatka king crab, Chef Thierry Mounon takes care to source each item from the top producers. The diners are connoisseurs, inquisitive about the process that goes into creating a world-class meal, and Chef Thierry believes they should have all the available knowledge on hand.
The reasonably priced Menu de La Villa is a classic at La Villa. This menu is perfect for those who are looking for traditional high-quality French food from the South of France. From the "Duck Foie Gras Terrine from Les Landes" to the "Canette of Duck from Dombes" to the "Confit Potatoes Cooked in Duck," this menu showcases the humble bird in all its fineness. For a sweet touch before your espresso, leave room for the apple tart with cinnamon ice cream.
 

The Menu de La Villa Gourmet features king scallops from the United States and beef tenderloin from Australia, a country renowned for its steak. To highlight the meat, pan-fried foie gras and a morel mushroom sauce take the dish to the next level. A chocolate pastilla with banana sorbet will satisfy any sweet cravings you may have at the end of the meal.
The Menu Discovery also treats diners to a host of imported delicacies - this time from France. The menu begins with foie gras from Les Landes, the heart of foie gras country in the south of France, then travels to the cool Brittany coastline with the Breton Blue Lobster, which is graced with a dollop of orange and anise butter. Les Landes also offers another excellent poultry dish - pigeon roasted and served in its sauce with a wheat berry ragout. The menu is rounded out by the Paris Brest, a classic French dessert comprised of flaky pastry and light as air praline cream.

The Secret to La Villa's Success
Success is always the result of many combined factors, with luck playing an important role. Running a family restaurant is not always easy, but it also means that "we care for La Villa as our own child and our staff as family. We have been fortunate to establish meaningful connections with our customers," says Chef Thierry.
In the beginning, there were not many French restaurants in Saigon, and Chef Thierry believes he did a few things right from the start. Over the years, the restaurant has always pushed to improve, adapt, and uphold its values. After nearly 14 years, La Villa still strives to provide excellent service, source high-quality products, and work closely with suppliers to ensure the best for their customers.



Ultimately, their success comes from continuously nurturing relationships with both their staff and customers. They have grown with the community, and it is this connection, along with their commitment to quality and the warmth and friendliness of the experience, that has become the key. It's not just about the food, but also the dedication that goes into every aspect of La Villa.

La Villa is Michelin star seleted 2023 & 2024
14 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien Ward,Thu Duc City, HCMC
Website: https://lavilla-restaurant.com.vn/

 


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