Beyond Borders: Phuong Ta’s Journey from Vietnam to Michelin Glory

Voyage New York Staff

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where culinary excellence is a way of life, a young chef is swiftly making her mark on the Michelin dining scene.

Meet Phuong Ta, a 22-year-old culinary graduate hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

With an impressive background in culinary education and internships at renowned establishments, Phuong has already achieved more than many chefs dream of in their entire careers.

Phuong’s culinary journey began in 2019 when she enrolled in culinary school. Fast forward to 2023, and she has successfully graduated, armed with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on the culinary world by storm. During her time in school, Phuong had the opportunity to externship at two of the finest restaurants, Eleven Madison Park and Jean-Georges, both in New York City. These experiences served as a crucible for honing her craft and preparing her for her future career.

Currently, Phuong holds the prestigious position of Chef de Partie at Eleven Madison Park, a three Michelin-star restaurant ranked as the world’s best in 2017. In the high-pressure environment of this culinary gem, Phuong oversees the senior roast station, responsible for leading a team of line cooks and ensuring the impeccable quality of the dishes that leave the kitchen.

Working at Eleven Madison Park is no small feat, as it is widely regarded as one of the toughest kitchens in New York City. Yet, Phuong’s dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her recognition as the devoted Employee of the Month and the coveted Crusher of the Week, further affirming her exceptional talent.

What sets Phuong apart from others in her field is not just her culinary skill but her genuine passion for what she does. Phuong thrives on new challenges and continuously strives to be one step ahead of the competition. Her ability to lead a team and maintain the highest quality standards in a three Michelin-star restaurant speaks volumes about her talent and dedication.

Throughout her career, Phuong has garnered several significant accomplishments. From being the top student in her class to winning third place in an intense cook battle competition, she has consistently demonstrated her culinary prowess. And despite her impressive achievements, Phuong remains grounded, always open to learning, growing, and seeking opportunities to improve.

Looking ahead, Phuong harbors a dream of opening a fine-dining Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of New York City. This ambitious project is set to take shape in the coming years as Phuong continues to amass valuable experience and skills in the culinary industry.

Notably, Phuong’s achievement of Chef de Partie status demonstrates her incredible talent and skill in the culinary field. Her ability to anticipate the kitchen’s needs, go above and beyond what is expected, and bounce back from challenges quickly has propelled her to where she is today.

Beyond her culinary excellence, Phuong is praised by her mentors and supervisors at Jean-Georges and Eleven Madison Park alike. Her natural talent and ease in the kitchen have left a lasting impression, and many are eager to provide glowing letters of recommendation for Phuong’s future endeavors.

In the culinary world, a budding chef’s remarkable talent lies in capturing the hearts and palates of those fortunate enough to dine at Eleven Madison Park. With her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence, this young woman from humble beginnings in Vietnam has followed her dreams to New York City. As she continues to learn, grow, and chase those dreams, there’s no doubt the future holds extraordinary opportunities for this young culinary prodigy. So, food enthusiasts and connoisseurs, keep an eye on Phuong Ta – the culinary world’s next shining star.