Chef Tommy: Continuing the Culinary Story at NÚC

Inheriting the free-spirited essence and inspiration from his predecessor, Chef Tommy (Tran Quoc Hung) continues to lead the kitchen team in writing a new chapter for the culinary story at NÚC Kitchen & Bar.

Starting with a background in Communication Studies before pivoting to the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu Thailand, his contemporary mindset and cultural sensitivity helped him shape a bold yet authentic Asian Fusion style. His years living away from home in Seattle and Tacoma awakened his passion for cooking—where memories of camping and preparing meals amidst nature with his guardian became the spark that led him to the culinary profession. For Chef Tommy, “you don’t choose the path; sometimes the path chooses you.”

Academic Foundation & Precision in Flavor Structures

Formally trained under the guidance of instructors at Le Cordon Bleu Thailand, such as Chef Wilairat Kornnoppaklao and Chef Atikhun Tansrakool, he accumulated a deep understanding of flavor balance, traditional techniques, and regional identity. Through a rich career journey ranging from the German Consulate to high-end restaurants, Chef Tommy built a solid foundation of life experience and kitchen expertise before officially taking on the role of Executive Chef at NÚC.

His patience and depth in the kitchen show through techniques that demand high meticulousness, such as smoking, sauce reduction, and multi-day artisanal fermentation. Under his hands, rustic ingredients that carry the East Asian soul—like traditional fish sauce or coconut milk—are elevated into groundbreaking new flavor structures, fully embodying the spirit of a Vietnamese Neo-Bistro.

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Culinary Philosophy: Memories and Emotions

For Chef Tommy, a great dish is a connection that evokes memories and shapes new emotional experiences. He believes that when we taste the flavors of home in a foreign space, we are brought back to moments and people of the past: "Good food will bring you to good memories."

This solid technical foundation and open mindset serve as a launchpad for him to create freely, bringing fresh perspectives to the cuisine at NÚC Kitchen & Bar.