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After dedicating 8 years to relentless academic pursuit, earning a master's degree, and securing a stable high-paying job, the winner of Master Chef 2013 still finds the allure of being a chef at Góc Á irresistible.
Abandoning the role of Marketing Director at a renowned furniture company with a hefty salary, in favor of becoming the head chef at Góc Á, if you were to ask Ngô Thanh Hòa if he has any regrets in three words: “Just a smile.” For this courageous man, 8 years of hard work to obtain a master's degree in marketing, and then landing a job that aligns with his expertise and offers a dreamy income, cannot be compared to pursuing his passion...
A turning point that transforms life
After reigning as the first-season Vietnam Culinary King for 3 years, Ngô Thanh Hòa has elevated his personal value with ambitious plans successfully completed, such as publishing books, assuming the role of culinary consultant for renowned restaurants, or venturing into organizing events for resorts. However, every endeavor he undertakes is intricately connected to gastronomy – the intense passion of this extraordinary man.
He once shared, “The title achieved in Master Chef Vietnam 2013 was the final push for me to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to the path that I had always considered secondary in my career.” And the first step on that path was joining Góc Á – a restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine on Hồ Xuân Hương Street, Ho Chi Minh City.
According to Ngô Thanh Hòa, there are many ways to start a business, but when one is not confident enough or lacks a solid foundation, the best approach is to choose a reliable companion. Starting a business together is undoubtedly more time, effort, and cost-effective than going it alone from scratch. That's why he turned down several collaboration offers before joining Góc Á, believing that the number one business principle in partnerships is having the same perspective and establishing a united front for successful construction and development.
Passion for Self-Made Choices
As a co-owner, Ngô Thanh Hòa takes charge of designing the menu and 'revamping' the restaurant's service style. He candidly shares that unlike building a career independently, entrepreneurship based on an existing platform and collaboration with others always demands timely adaptability. Therefore, even with complete trust from partners, he always knows how to cleverly present his contributing ideas, flexibly adapting to existing elements while creating the necessary innovation without causing disruption.
Under the hands and mind of Master Chef 2013, the menu at Góc Á has become more attractive and enticing to many diners in Saigon. Particularly smart is his use of fame to 'hook' customers with the very dishes that helped him win the top spot in Vietnam's number one culinary competition. Additionally, his ceaseless creativity leaves diners wide-eyed and open-mouthed on every visit. Notable dishes at Góc Á include pomelo and coconut rice paper rolls with ant sauce, salmon prepared with fish sauce and ginger, mullet in 3-flavor sauce, Bop fish curry, fresh shrimp salad, BBQ duck, and more.
Góc Á Restaurant with Intriguing Elements Crafted by the Talented Head Chef
Ngô Thanh Hòa reveals that Góc Á targets young families who enjoy new experiences, are willing to try, and ready to embrace new flavors. Therefore, Góc Á limits its service prices to an average range of 150k – 180k per person.
Not only delicious, but the dishes prepared by this culinary maestro's own hands also must meet the requirements of nutritional balance for the diners' health. Therefore, the selection, preservation, and processing of ingredients here are extremely meticulous and strict. He openly admits that Góc Á's first-time loyal customers come to savor dishes crafted by the Vietnamese Culinary King, and the second time is because they've become 'addicted.' Hence, the quality of the dishes is always prioritized to make customers come for the taste... as a habit!!!
Another allure of Góc Á is its ambiance. If a delightful eatery is likened to a woman, then Góc Á is undoubtedly a Saigon lady—modern, elegant, sophisticated, sometimes romantic, considerate, capable of captivating any diner's heart.
Stepping into Góc Á, diners are pampered with a spacious, unexpectedly vibrant, and lively atmosphere. Cleverly arranged wild banana trees and ornamental plants create a refreshing space, where the sweltering heat and dust of Saigon seem to disappear.
>>> Explore the most impressive images and detailed menu of Góc Á
