Peter Cuong Franklin‘s journey reads like a masterclass in reinvention. From fleeing Vietnam as a child refugee in 1975 to graduating from Yale, building a career in investment banking, and finally following his culinary passion at Le Cordon Bleu, Franklin has consistently defied conventional career paths. Today, he’s the chef-owner of Anan Saigon, the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Vietnam, where he transforms local cuisine through a lens shaped by his global experiences.
Based in the heart of Saigon’s bustling District 1 market, Franklin operates from a restored shophouse surrounded by the vibrant energy of local market life. This setting embodies his approach to cooking – deeply rooted in Vietnamese traditions yet unafraid to embrace innovation.
How would you describe Vietnam’s emerging food scene?
Vibrant street food to Michelin star fine dining, one the most exciting food destinations in Asia.
Favourite local restaurant?
Chuyên Ký, in District 1. The Chinatown area of Saigon in District 5 and 10 are full of good Cantonese eateries, but my go-to place is conveniently located in District 1 in Cho Cu wet market, within walking distance from my restaurant.
They have been in business since 1948 and one of the last surviving Chinese restaurants in the centre of Saigon. The rice bowl is served with chicken or beef and a lot of ginger in old-school stone pots, but don’t miss the lap xuong, the Vietnamese version of lap cheong Chinese sausage.
Best place for people watching?
For better or worse, some parts of Saigon are becoming more like Bangkok. One of the best places for people watching is in the heart of the the city, to feel the bustling, vibrant, colorful and craziness of Pham Ngu Lao (Bui Vien). But it’s a better place for cheap beer and people watching than for coffee.
Best neighbourhood bar?
Birdy, a local dive bar, in the best sense of the word. Small, unglamorous, eclectic, old-school, cheap drinks and a local clientele. It’s a great starting point to explore Phạm Viết Chánh, the new ‘little Japantown’ area.
Where do you go for relaxation?
Hội An, a city on Vietnam’s central coast, it’s a charming city to relax, chill and enjoy, as long as you avoid the heavily touristy areas.
A hidden gem you love?
Đà Lạt in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands is still relatively hidden that more people should visit and explore.
Where do you travel for culinary inspiration?
Travel is a great source of new ideas and inspiration. Huế, located in central Vietnam, is a city steeped in history and culture. It’s renowned for its elegant architecture, artistic traditions, and refined cuisine, and still relatively free of tourists.
I need to return to New York City soon to explore some of the New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants such Semma, Atomix and an exciting new kid on the block, Ha’s Snack Bar.
Favourite hotel in the world?
Ana Mandara Villas, also in Đà Lạt, a one-of-a-kind hideaway nestled in pine forests. The last time I stayed in one of their villas built in the 1920s, it still had remnants of the cheese cellar where probably the first cheese was produced in Vietnam.
Travel splurge you’ll never regret?
A luxurious but understated jacket from Shanghai Tang on a recent trip to Hong Kong.
One item you always bring back on your travels?
I tend not to bring back much from my travels except for special unique foods that I can’t get anywhere else. For Hong Kong, it’s Yung Kee‘s signature roasted goose, great to share a taste of Hong Kong with friends in Vietnam.
Most inspiring city visited recently?
Love the food the landscape and the people in Huế, and the legendary Azerai La Residence on the Perfume River is one on my favourite hotels.
Your most memorable recent dining experience?
Spurge meal at Chef Corey Lee’s three-Michelin-starred Benu in San Francisco. Both inspiring and intimidating at the same time, knowing that I might never be able to reach this level of refinement and perfection.
Top cities for cuisine innovation?
I hope that one day Ho Chi Minh City can be added to the list of great innovative food cities, such as Copenhagen, Barcelona, Bangkok, Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo and London.
If you could take Anan global, where would you choose?
London, Paris, New York and Tokyo, in that order.
Dream destination, not yet fulfilled?
Although I find the ocean very peaceful, when traveling I prefer landlocked, mountainous and spiritual places that are isolated and protected from the outside world. Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos is one of my favourite places. Bhutan and Tibet are my dream travel destinations.
