Luke Nguyen

Luke Nguyen and his family escaped Vietnam as boat people in 1978 and arrived on the shores of Thailand where Luke was born. Today Luke Nguyen is a celebrated Australian television chef, author, gastronomic traveler and restaurateur. Luke's passion for food stemmed from his food obsessed parents who owned 'Pho Cay Du' restaurant in Cabramatta for 15 years. He learned the art and fundamentals of Vietnamese cooking from his parents. Wanting to learn more, he trained and worked with renowned Sydney restaurateurs and chefs. Luke Nguyen opened his first restaurant in 2002 and is the owner of 'Red Lantern' in the Sydney suburb of Surry Hills, an Authentic Vietnamese Restaurant. In the first month Red Lantern was awarded 'Best New Restaurant' by the Sydney Eats Guide. In 2004, Luke was invited by the Australian Embassy and Asia Society to host and cook for a two day event called 'Tastes of Asia, Dine At Red Lantern' in Makati, Philippines. Luke was asked to be the representative of Asian Australians to continue to build a bridge of understanding between the West and Asia, celebrating its 30 year relationship. In 2005, Luke starred in a five series documentary capturing the lives of three Sydney restaurateurs, called 'Heat In The Kitchen'. The television series was screened on the Australian SBS, Foxtel, Lifestyle channel and on Discovery Asia aired across twenty five countries. In September 2006, Luke and Red Lantern is awarded Best Asian Restaurant in Sydney, awarded by restaurant and catering association. In December 2006, Luke starred in a ten series food and culture show, 'Food Safari'. Showcasing his expertise in Vietnamese cuisine. 'Food Safari' is hosted by Maeve O'Meara and is screened on Australian ABC and Lifestyle channel. Luke Nguyen has been the face for various advertising campaigns. He is the ambassador for 'Pork Australia' promoting Pork in Australian households and restaurants. Luke is Australia's first 'PORK STAR'. Along side Tetsuya Wakada, they are both the face of Electrolux. Campaign for the Zanussi range of intuitive ovens and induction cooking. Luke has an ongoing relationship with Electrolux. In September 2007, Luke and Red Lantern is awarded Best Asian Restaurant in Sydney for the second year running, awarded by restaurant and catering association. In October 2007, Luke Nguyen: 'Secrets of Red Lantern' was published by Murdoch Books. His first book showcasing his recipes and his family story narrated by his sister Pauline Nguyen. 'Secrets of Red Lantern' is translated in Dutch and French and is sold through Europe, New Zealand, United States of America, Asia and Australia. It is currently the number one seller in the Netherlands. In March 2008, by popular demand, Luke Nguyen gastronomic traveler leads intimate groups of eight to ten on a culinary adventure through Vietnam. From the mountains of Sapa to the French influenced Hanoi, across Imperial Hue, through Ancient Hoi An and down to Saigon and the Mekong Delta. Luke is currently working on his next cook book, a culinary journey-documenting travel stories and regional recipes of Vietnam.