How Jason Pham Became Vietnam’s Top Bartender | Crafting Cocktails, Culture & Community in Saigon | Jason Pham S11 E5
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"In the West, we say hospitality; in Vietnam, it’s still just F&B. Bridging that gap is everything to me." – Jason Pham

This episode with Jason was truly inspiring. Jason’s journey from Australia to Saigon, rooted in his family’s refugee story, brings so much depth to what he does in the hospitality industry here in Vietnam. 

He’s not only a skilled mixologist but also an incredible storyteller, blending Vietnamese and Western influences in a way that’s reshaping Saigon’s cocktail scene. 

Our conversation really highlights the passion, creativity, and hard work behind his bars, and I think listeners will walk away with a new appreciation for the artistry involved in every drink he serves.

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

• Jason’s Negroni Secrets: Why he uses Lady Trieu Flower Bomb Gin to elevate his signature cocktail, the Negroni.
• Mastering Hospitality: Jason’s philosophy on remembering guests’ names and creating a welcoming atmosphere in Vietnam’s young cocktail scene.
• Balancing Two Clienteles: How Jason tailors service for both Western expats and affluent Vietnamese in Saigon’s growing bar industry.
• Embracing Cultural Heritage: Jason’s journey as an Australian-Vietnamese and reconnecting with his roots in Vietnam.
• “Viet Kieu” Influence: How a mentor inspired Jason to return to Vietnam to make the most of the emerging market’s unique opportunities.

Chapters:

10:00 - The Secret Ingredients to the Perfect Negroni22:00 - How Jason Builds Community Through Hospitality40:00 - Serving Saigon’s Diverse Clientele: Expats and Vietnamese Elites58:00 - Growing Up Australian-Vietnamese: Jason’s Cultural Journey01:02:00 - Why Vietnam is a Land of Opportunity for Viet Kieu and Entrepreneurs

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