Chef Tran Duc from Hoi An’s Mango Group chats about coming through two difficult years

Hoi An's dependence on international tourism made it especially vulnerable to Vietnam's two-year closure of international borders. We sit down with successful Hoi An chef and restaurateur Tran Duc at his home just outside the old town for a chat.

Tran Duc is one of Vietnam’s most successful chefs. He made his name in Hoi An, Vietnam’s heritage listed former trading town and his restaurants, Mango Rooms, Mango Mango and Mai Fish have brought a unique approach to Vietnamese cuisine to Hoi An since the opening of Mango Rooms, almost two decades ago.

Check the video - a chat with Hoi An chef Tran Duc

Duc is equally a creator of culinary wonder and a delightful host. I was very happy to have the opportunity to experience both at his home during my visit to Hoi An.

Duc told me Hoi An's tourism and hospitality industry was wiped out during the two pandemic years. Many international restaurants are gone for good.

Duc was forced to put his businesses on hold. But he didn’t sit still. He applied his boundless energy and creativity to the family home. Check out the video of one of our favourite chefs (and people) in Vietnam.

The good news is that Mango Mango, Mango Rooms and Mai Fish will all reopen later in 2022 as Hoi An reopens.

For the full Hoi An postcard, head over to our sister travel guide, Rusty Compass.