Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to be appointed to EU by New Zealand Chef
Bobby Chinn, an internationally renowned television presenter, chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, is now Vietnam Tourism Ambassador for the 2014-2017 term.
He was given the title at a ceremony held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 17 in London.
Ho Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that Chinn’s appointment will contribute significantly to the development of not only Vietnam’s tourism but also the strategic partnership between the Southeast Asian country and the EU, which was established in 2010.
Speaking at the event, Chinn said he would continuously introduce and promote Vietnamese cuisine, culture and tourism to foreigners through his activities as the Vietnam Tourism Ambassador.
Bobby Chinn has lived in Vietnam for 18 years. Chinn earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics in the United States and then briefly worked on Wall Street.
He moved to Hanoi in 1995, where he now owns a restaurant, Restaurant Bobby Chinn. The chef hosts multiple television shows: World Café Asia on the Travel and Living Channel, the BBC's Saturday Kitchen, Great Food Live on UKTV Food, and Bobby Chinn Cooks Asia on the Discovery Channel.
Chinn is also the author of a travel cookbook on Vietnamese cuisine, people and markets entitled “Wild, Wild East: Recipes and Stories from Vietnam” which was published in September 2008. It includes numerous recipes such as Minced Prawns, Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, and Shrimp and Pork Crepes.
He opened a high-end restaurant in Hanoi in 2001 and another in Ho Chi Minh City in 2011. Last year, he moved to London to open the restaurant “The House of Ho” that mainly serves typical Vietnamese dishes.
In June, Chinn participated in the 2014 “Taste of London” festival at which he introduced Vietnamese spring rolls and banh mi (sandwiches).