Skylight Nha Trang is a place where unique cuisine, vibrant ambiance, and unprecedented experiences converge. We are proud to introduce one of our talented chefs: Head Chef Le Minh Hoa. Under his skillful hands, Chef Hoa has brought Skylight a menu filled with creativity and distinctive flavors. From traditional dishes to modern culinary innovations, each dish is meticulously crafted with passion, promising an exceptional dining experience for our guests.

In this article, join us as we explore the extraordinary story of Chef Le Minh Hoa, an inspiring journey from his self-taught beginnings and kitchen assistant days to becoming the head chef at Skylight Nha Trang. Chef Hoa will share insights into the restaurant’s signature dishes, the challenges he faces in his work, and the secrets behind creating unique culinary masterpieces.

The journey of Chef Le Minh Hoa to becoming a chef

Born in Ninh Hòa, Head Chef Le Minh Hoa grew up surrounded by local delicacies, but his curiosity and passion drove him beyond traditional boundaries. For Chef Hoa, cuisine is an endless journey, where he connects dishes with ancient cultures through sophisticated recipes. He believes that cooking is a unique profession that stimulates all the senses and creates unforgettable experiences for both the chef and the diner.

With a passion for cuisine, Chef Hoa is primarily self-taught, especially during the years 2013 and 2014 when culinary resources were scarce. Chef Hoa shares that his first inspiration came from the TV program “Nét ẩm thực Việt” on VTV, which sparked his love for cooking. Throughout his career, he has had the fortune to meet and learn from exceptional mentors and international chefs, helping him shape his culinary style.

Chef Hoa pursues a high-end European culinary style while always respecting Vietnamese ingredients and culture, often blending these elements in his dishes. For instance, the “Duck Tacos” he is currently creating at Skylight Nha Trang combines duck with ingredients like sesame, coconut, and mango to produce a unique dish.

With over 10 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Hoa has worked in various regions of Vietnam. Some of his most memorable experiences include working at renowned restaurants and resorts such as Urban Kitchen & Bar (Ho Chi Minh City), Six Senses Ninh Vân Bay (Khanh Hòa), and Chill Chill Eatery (Da Lat). Among these, the restaurant in Da Lat, where the weather changes constantly, posed significant challenges for operating an outdoor restaurant during the rain. However, these challenges allowed him to accumulate valuable experiences. Now, he is eager to bring those experiences back to Nha Trang, enriching Vietnamese cuisine in general and Nha Trang cuisine in particular in the eyes of international friends through creative cooking techniques and skillful use of local ingredients.

Chef Le Minh Hoa: Returning Home and His Mission at Skylight Nha Trang

Chef Le Minh Hoa shares, “After experiencing many places, I wanted to return to my hometown to share the knowledge I have accumulated. Skylight is a perfect place for me to tell my story to international friends.” Returning to Nha Trang and working at Skylight is not just a career choice but a journey back to his roots, where Hòa wants to contribute and develop.

Challenges in the Role of Head Chef at Skylight Nha Trang

A day for Chef Hoa starts at 6:30 am with exercise and reflection on his work. By 8 am, Hòa begins office work or meets with partners. From 12 to 1 pm is his break before he continues with preparation and serving guests from 1:30 pm to 11 pm.

Skylight currently has a team of talented chefs, but Chef Hoa’s role as head chef goes beyond cooking. The head chef must have a comprehensive management vision, exceptional cooking skills, and the ability to train the young team.

“The job comes with its fair share of challenges,” Hòa admits. With Skylight’s brand positioned as a top-tier sky bar and entertainment venue, ensuring memorable customer experiences presents a significant challenge. Hòa tirelessly strives to maintain the highest standards of food quality and service.

During peak times, delayed service is a common occurrence. “We often negotiate with guests, reassuring them to allow us more time for preparation,” Hòa shares. He consistently aims to ensure customer satisfaction even in the most demanding situations.

Inspired by the culinary maxim of renowned chef Marco Pierre White, “A tree without roots is just a piece of wood,” Hòa emphasizes the importance of building a solid knowledge foundation in the culinary profession, essential for survival and growth. This mindset has been honed through intense kitchen environments that push adrenaline levels to the limit, symbolized by the tattoo “Adrenaline” on his right arm—a testament to his commitment to the craft.

Explore 10 Must-Try Dishes at Skylight Nha Trang

Skylight Nha Trang continually innovates to enhance the culinary experience for its guests. The menu combines the essence of Vietnamese and European cuisines, using fresh, local ingredients. Under Chef Hoa’s creative direction, Skylight has elevated traditional Vietnamese cuisine to new heights. Below, discover some of the standout dishes on the restaurant’s menu:

1. Garlic Butter Lobster

The Garlic Butter Lobster is a delicate fusion of succulent lobster, fragrant garlic butter, and lightly grilled vegetables. The lobster is generously coated with flavorful garlic butter, grilled to a golden perfection, accompanied by grilled baby corn and carrots. This dish not only delights the palate but also makes for a perfect choice for family gatherings or special occasions.

2. La Vong Grilled Fish

La Vong Grilled Fish is a famous dish from Hanoi, made with fresh snakehead fish scaled, filleted, thinly sliced, marinated with spices, and fried to a golden crisp. It is served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, particularly dill, pickled vegetables, and sweet-sour fish sauce, creating a distinctive and enticing flavor of Hanoi cuisine.

3. Crispy Deep-Fried Persimmon Fish

Crispy Deep-Fried Persimmon Fish served with mango salad and sweet-sour fish sauce is a delightful dish made from fresh red snapper, fried to a golden crisp. The refreshing mango salad, with its balanced tangy flavor, pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful sweet-sour fish sauce, creating a captivating and special culinary experience.

4. Chicken Rice

Chicken Rice includes small pieces of tender chicken, eggs, mushrooms, and Chinese sausage, cooked in sweet soy sauce. This flavorful and appealing dish features fragrant chicken, mushrooms infused with spices, and Chinese sausage adding sweetness. It is served with white rice.

5. Beef Salad

An enticing salad featuring tender grilled beef, paired with fresh green vegetables and a rich dressing, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

6. Duck Tacos

Duck Tacos, prepared meticulously to preserve its natural sweetness and distinctive flavor, combined with Vietnamese ingredients for a novel culinary experience.

7. Shrimp Gambas

Local fresh shrimp is prepared in a rich Spanish style, showcasing its characteristic flavors that are irresistibly delicious.

8. Truffle Mushroom Pasta

Italian pasta combined with creamy sauce and truffle mushrooms, delivers a rich, sophisticated, and unforgettable flavor. Ideal for those who appreciate the delicacy of Italian cuisine.

9. Shrimp Bisque Pasta

Italian pasta with shrimp bisque sauce, a perfect harmony of creamy bisque and al dente pasta, creating a savory and enticing dish.

10. Nha Trang Seafood Bowl

A bowl packed with delicious fresh seafood from Nha Trang, combined with assorted vegetables and a special sauce, offering a rich and diverse oceanic flavor.

Chef Le Minh Hoa has dedicated much effort to creating these dishes, aiming to provide guests with the best culinary experiences.

What does Chef Le Minh Hoa do to balance his life and his plans?

Beyond cooking, this young head chef enjoys caring for plants, and pets, playing music, and reading books. He plays guitar, piano, and saxophone, and finds leisure in relaxing and entertaining activities. Chef Hoa has a profound passion for reading books, especially those revolving around the art of cooking.

He prefers reading books in English to fully grasp not only the content but also the essence the author intends to convey in each work. Among them, his favorite book is “The French Laundry Cookbook” by renowned chef Thomas Keller. Chef Hoa has spent considerable time absorbing and learning from its pages. With the knowledge and experience gained, he continually strives to apply and further develop his cooking style at Skylight Nha Trang.

One of Chef Hoa’s favorite quotes is: “There is no perfect dish, but strive to do everything perfectly.” This quote is also taken from the aforementioned book. With his philosophy in both life and work, Chef Hoa believes that perfection is not about achieving flawless dishes, but about striving to do everything to the best of one’s ability. This principle applies not only in the culinary field but also guides his approach to life, always aiming for improvement and authenticity in everything he does.

Chef Hoa shares that the secret to creating innovative dishes is to avoid unnecessary complexity. He always respects the original values of cuisine and culture, applying the 70-20-10 rule: 70% originality, 20% creative innovation, and 10% storytelling. This approach helps him craft unique dishes that retain traditional flavors yet offer something new.

Beyond cooking, Chef Hoa enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures, and living like a local in the places he visits. He has had many interesting experiences in Central Vietnam, Southern Vietnam, and the Central Highlands, especially during his time in Đà Lạt during the Covid-19 pandemic, where he formed beautiful memories and strong bonds with the local community.

Regarding plans, Chef Hoa mentions that he typically sets short-term goals and is currently focused on running the kitchen at Skylight Nha Trang. “Next year, Skylight will mark its 10-year journey, and I am busy preparing for that milestone. I invite everyone to join and anticipate this memorable occasion,” he enthusiastically shares.

Recently, Chef Le Minh Hoa shared a story about his impressive career. With relentless creativity, dedication, and a passion for cooking, he has not only elevated Skylight to new heights but also captivated many diners with his blend of Vietnamese and European-inspired dishes rooted in original flavors. We wish Chef Hoa continued success in his culinary career and to bring meaningful dining experiences to his guests.

With its stunning view of Nha Trang, Skylight offers a culinary experience that combines magnificent scenery with Chef Hoa’s creatively reimagined Vietnamese dishes. Each meal at Skylight is a journey, blending tradition with contemporary sophistication, inviting travelers to discover Vietnam’s essence through Chef Hoa’s eyes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the unique dishes created by Chef Le Minh Hoa at Skylight Nha Trang. Contact us now to make a reservation and enjoy a wonderful dining experience, meticulously prepared as detailed below:

Skylight Nha Trang

📆 Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday

⏰ 5:30 PM – 1:00 AM

📍 Address: 45th Floor, Havana Hotel, 38 Tran Phu, Nha Trang

☎ Phone: (+84) 258 352 8988⁠

📧 Email: [email protected]

We are delighted to welcome and serve you at Skylight Nha Trang!