What does a famous British culinary and lifestyle expert say about Dalat?

That is one of the reasons why British food critic, lifestyle expert, culinary and restaurant director of many world- famous private clubs - Tom Parker Bowles - was moved by the beauty of Dalat at first sight.

Tom Parker Bowles is a judge on many prestigious TV shows such as MasterChef (BBC), a culinary writer for The Mail on Sunday, and the author of 9 books, including Cooking and The Crown, which are loved by many readers.

He believes that Dalat is a magical land, a place full of potential to develop services for the elite, services that bring the feeling that every moment of life is enjoyed.

Below is Tom Parker Bowles's sharing about Dalat.

Tom Parker Bowles at an afternoon tea and food show. He is
son of Queen Camilla (from her first marriage), and godson of King Charles III. Photo: News Licensing

- Why do you think Da Lat has great potential to develop world-class luxury services for the elite and the super-rich?

I came to Vietnam at the end of July on a trip combining work and tourism . After leaving Ho Chi Minh City, I set foot in Da Lat. It was a contrast that we could feel with every sense in every moment. Ho Chi Minh City was bustling and vibrant, youthful and hasty. While Da Lat, it was a gentle silence, a relaxation and calmness. This is a land to enjoy, to heal the body - mind - spirit. Da Lat, with its cool climate, peaceful space, and natural beauty, captured my heart. It is no exaggeration to say that I fell in love with this place at first sight. This is truly a very special land.

I came to Vietnam on this occasion to participate in a preparatory event for the launch of the first private elite club in your country. When I arrived in Da Lat, I was completely convinced with the decision to build such a club here.

The beautiful "natural heritage" available in Da Lat makes this place converge all the elements to build a world-class resort and entertainment model with privacy, luxury and beauty. A service that not everyone with money can enjoy, a club that not everyone with money can become a member, like the clubs for the super-rich and elite in society in many famous cities around the world.

Da Lat with many beautiful sceneries, ranked in the top 3 most beautiful flower viewing spots in the world. Photo: Dang Van An

- Do you believe that Dalat will succeed with its private and luxurious entertainment model for the super rich?

Having worked for many years as a culinary and restaurant director in charge of many world-famous private clubs such as Soho House, 6 Grosvenor Place, I have had the opportunity to travel to many places, meet many billionaires and royal families around the world. Each trip, each meeting gives me an experience in observing and evaluating potential. I believe that Dalat, with its own history and potential, position in the past, present and future, can absolutely succeed with this new entertainment model.

Da Lat is also attracting investors who have all the financial factors, with the cooperation of the world's leading legends in the fields of architecture, health care and resort development... Thanks to that, the infrastructure to prepare for private club services to serve the upper class is being built. I am looking forward to seeing the first private club project in Vietnam completed.

I believe this project will shock and surprise everyone. Vietnamese people, especially the elite, as well as the upper class around the world, always need places that are served in a special way, a place that gives them a feeling that they are unique, a service designed to serve each individual, with personal needs, completely private and different emotions.

Tom Parker Bowles calls Dalat a magical land full of potential. Photo: Phan Tan Dat

- You have given many compliments to destinations in Vietnam. As for cuisine, with your deep expertise, do you have any special impressions?

My job is a culinary expert. Therefore, discovering local food is something I never miss when visiting any new place. Before coming to Vietnam, I especially loved Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Mi and Bun Bo Hue. I tried them in shops in London, England and New York, America. No matter how delicious those dishes are, I believe nothing compares to enjoying them in their home country. I mean, no matter how delicious Pho is in England or America, I still prefer to try the taste of that dish in Vietnam, the birthplace of them. The regional diversity is what makes Vietnamese cuisine special and deserves international recognition. When I come to Vietnam and enjoy delicious food, especially in a dreamy space like Da Lat, I feel like I am living in paradise.

A “miniature Paris” in the heart of Da Lat. Photo: Vo Trang

- In the last three years, Vietnam has been awarded stars by Michelin Guide to 9 restaurants and has included hundreds of other restaurants in its recommended list. How do you evaluate this?

I prefer eating street food and rustic dishes rather than experiencing Michelin-style cuisine. However, the presence of Michelin Guide in Vietnam is also an important step forward in the evaluation of international experts on Vietnamese cuisine, helping the destination to attract more international visitors. I hope Michelin will honor more traditional dishes with strong local cultural imprints instead of just focusing on French or Japanese restaurants.

A private club project is about to launch in Da Lat. Perspective photo: TOD

- What is the most memorable feeling in your mind during this trip to Vietnam?

This trip, though short, left me with many emotions and expectations. Vietnam is one of the most magical lands I have ever been to. I truly feel honored to have set foot here and hope to return soon. From the perspective of a culinary and lifestyle expert, I see that Vietnam not only attracts visitors by its natural beauty, but also by its rich indigenous culture and charming local cuisine. These are the ingredients that, through the hands of great creators, can create a playground, a destination for the elite.

With Da Lat, I believe that the dream of a private club - a gathering place for elite individuals in a private, classy space - will soon become a reality. I believe that soon, Vietnam will have its own place on the map of destinations for the international super-rich.

- Thank you for sharing your impressions and love for Vietnam.

Phong Anh (perform)

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/chuyen-gia-am-thuc-phong-cach-song-noi-tieng-anh-quoc-noi-gi-ve-da-lat-2430273.html