Kiki Phụng, whose real name is Đặng Kiên Di (39 years old), a Vietnamese woman who has lived in Hong Kong for nearly two decades, is the person behind the famous Bánh Mì Nếm brand, located in the bustling Wan Chai area.
Vietnamese bread is famous in China
Up to now, Michelin Guide has been present in Vietnam for 3 years. However, no bakery has "caught the eye" of the anonymous reviewers. Meanwhile, Banh Mi Nem, a rare Vietnamese bakery in Hong Kong, has been included in the prestigious Michelin Selected list for the first time.
Banh Mi Nem is the only Vietnamese bakery honored by the Michelin Guide. PHOTO: NVCC
Even Kiki Phụng, the owner of the shop, couldn't hide her surprise when her bakery, which only opened in April 2024, received this honor. For this Vietnamese owner, this is truly a special milestone for Bánh Mì Nếm.
This takeaway shop specializes in Vietnamese sandwiches, along with vermicelli with grilled pork, vermicelli with spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee. The banh mi special comes with char siu, sausage, and Vietnamese pate. Pickles and chili add a kick!
Previously, Kiki Phụng was well-known for her many social media videos introducing Vietnamese cuisine in Cantonese to people in Hong Kong. Driven by her love for Vietnamese food, she nurtured the idea of opening a Vietnamese sandwich shop.
"So Banh Mi Nem was born. For me, to promote and introduce Vietnamese culture to Hong Kong people, the shortest way is through cuisine and eating. Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, banh mi is very familiar to me and I chose to start with this dish. The flavor of Banh Mi Nem is also the flavor of Saigon sandwiches in my impressions and memories," the Vietnamese owner shared.
At first, the Vietnamese girl encountered many difficulties when opening the shop, especially in the problem of costs arising more than expected, procedures for business license application, and human resources. However, with her tireless efforts, the bakery became more and more known. The good news spread far and wide, and the number of customers increased day by day.
Kiki Phụng and her bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) brand were honored in the Best Vietnamese Restaurant category at the Foodie Forks 2025 awards in Hong Kong. (PHOTO: Provided by the interviewee)
After being honored in the Best Vietnamese Restaurant category at the Foodie Forks 2025 awards in Hong Kong, one of the prestigious culinary awards as well as receiving recognition from the Michelin Guide, the bakery is famous throughout Hong Kong.
Recently, Banh Mi Nem continued to cause a stir when famous artist Ta Dinh Phong came to eat and gave compliments: "This is the best hamburger I have ever eaten."
Talking about this memory, Ms. Kiki Phung smiled and shared that the bakery used to be visited by many famous people. "Of course, I didn't spend money to invite Nicholas Tse to promote the shop. They are famous artists, how much money is enough," the owner explained about the rumors on social networks.
Many customers visited the shop to support. PHOTO: NVCC
Currently, she owns two bakeries in Hong Kong with 14 employees, mainly locals, Filipinos and Vietnamese students studying abroad. The shops are open from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm every day. Although quite busy with work, the owner is always full of energy: "Tired but happy!".
Happy home and "big dream" of brave Vietnamese women
At the age of 20, Ms. Kiki Phung "wet behind the ears" from Vietnam to Hong Kong to live and work. The Vietnamese girl at that time had to do many different jobs to make a living, but never stopped trying. It is her relentless efforts, perseverance, and determination to achieve her goals that have helped her have a stable and happy life like today.
The beautiful owner wants to promote Vietnamese cuisine to the world . PHOTO: NVCC
Tim Richardson and his wife. PHOTO: Provided by the interviewee.
In 2016, she had the chance to meet Tim Richardson, a Hong Kong-born British man. It was their similar personalities that made them lovers, sticking together for a long journey.
At the end of 2024, in the midst of their growing careers, they officially got married. She commented that he was a gentle husband, loved his wife and especially loved Vietnam.
Mr. Tim said that in the past, every few months, he and his wife returned to Vietnam, to Ho Chi Minh City to have fun and visit his wife's family. He likes Vietnamese food, especially banh mi, and feels happy living in his wife's homeland.
Not content with just two bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) shops, Kiki Phụng has bigger dreams, with a desire to introduce the rich and diverse Vietnamese cuisine to even more people in Hong Kong.
They often visit Vietnam. PHOTO: NVCC
A happy moment for Kiki Phụng and her husband. PHOTO: Provided by the interviewee.
For her, her own efforts are also to contribute a little to spreading the beautiful image of Vietnamese people and Vietnamese culture to international friends. She is willing to cooperate with young people who have aspirations, the same ideals and aspirations as her.
"I think all Vietnamese women can realize their dreams. Try to do it with perseverance, it's never too late no matter what age you are," said Kiki Phung.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-phu-nu-viet-lam-nen-ky-tich-tiem-banh-mi-o-hong-kong-duoc-michelin-vinh-danh-185251016160053821.htm
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