A French Son-in-Law’s Love for Vietnamese Cuisine Turns into a Family Business in Saigon

Timothée Rousselin, a Frenchman living in Vietnam, never imagined that his love for his mother-in-law’s cooking would lead to a thriving restaurant venture. But that’s exactly what happened when he and his Vietnamese wife, Hồng Nhung, encouraged her mother, Lê Thị Ngọc Trinh, to share her home-cooked Vietnamese meals with the world.

From Family Kitchen to Restaurant

Every morning, at a cozy eatery on Pasteur Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Mrs. Trinh, 54, can be seen meticulously cleaning tables and setting up utensils. Though the restaurant’s décor carries a French touch, its menu is unmistakably Vietnamese, featuring beloved traditional dishes.

Mrs. Trinh hails from Tây Ninh province and moved to Ho Chi Minh City in 2021 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. While helping care for her grandchildren, she also prepared daily meals for the family. It was during this time that Tim discovered her exceptional cooking. Fascinated by the rich flavors and authenticity of her dishes, he encouraged her to open a restaurant to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to more people, especially foreigners.

“I love cooking, but I never thought about opening a restaurant,” Mrs. Trinh admitted. “After receiving praise from my children, I started selling food online, and to my surprise, many people loved it. One day, my daughter and son-in-law suggested opening a physical restaurant, with me as the head chef. I was excited but also nervous.”

With Tim’s unwavering support, Mrs. Trinh took on the role of head chef, preparing traditional dishes such as gỏi (Vietnamese salad), cà ri (curry), chả giò (spring rolls), and bì cuốn (shredded pork rolls). She relies on years of cooking experience rather than strict recipes, ensuring each dish retains the authenticity of homemade Vietnamese food.

The restaurant operates daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, with Mrs. Trinh in the kitchen alongside an assistant, while her daughter and staff serve customers. Despite managing another restaurant in the city, Tim frequently drops by after work to help oversee operations.

A Frenchman’s Passion for Vietnamese Cuisine

Tim, who has over 15 years of experience in the food industry, was instantly captivated by the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, particularly his mother-in-law’s chicken curry. For him, opening the restaurant was not just about business—it was about sharing his appreciation for Vietnamese food with the world.

“I chose this location because many foreigners live and work here, and I wanted them to experience authentic Vietnamese dishes,” he explained. “I hope our dedication will help our restaurant grow and introduce more people to the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine.”

A Love Story Rooted in Vietnam

Hồng Nhung takes pride in seeing her husband and mother pursue their culinary dreams together. Every day at the restaurant, she wears a traditional Vietnamese áo dài, adding to the cultural experience for foreign guests.

“Our busiest times are lunch and dinner,” she said. “During lunchtime, we mostly serve Vietnamese customers, while in the evening, foreign tourists make up the majority. Their positive feedback motivates us to keep going.”

Now living in Thủ Đức City with Mrs. Trinh, the couple has been happily married for over four years and has two children. Despite the challenges of learning Vietnamese, Tim makes an effort to speak it daily with his wife and mother-in-law.

A true family man, Tim designed the restaurant to be warm and inviting, creating an atmosphere where customers can feel at home. He even decorated the space with pictures of his parents and grandparents, keeping their presence close despite being far from France.

Having lived in Vietnam for over six years, Tim has no regrets about leaving his career in France to embrace life in this vibrant country. “Vietnam is a beautiful land with a rich history. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed. I knew right away that this country was my future.”

Tim admires the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people and is fascinated by the country’s diverse culture. While he acknowledges that Vietnamese is a difficult language, he enjoys learning and speaking it.

“I’m focused on working hard, raising my family, and ensuring my children have a bright future. I hope they, too, will follow their dreams,” he said.

Through a simple yet heartfelt venture, Tim and his family have created more than just a restaurant—they’ve built a bridge between cultures, proving that food has the power to bring people together.

Source: Dan Tri

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Source: Vietnam Insider