Meet Otao Kitchen

For Ha Nguyen, food has always been more than just a meal but a way of life. Having grown up in Hanoi, Ha was regularly trying new dishes and experimenting with different flavours but his favourite part of a meal was the simplest—seeing everyone’s face light up at that first bite.

It was with this passion he decided to open his own cooking school in 2014, Otao Kitchen. Nestled in Abbotsford’s vibrant Victoria Street, lovingly referred to as ‘Little Vietnam’, step inside his homely kitchen ready to ignite your senses with food. Whether it’s the steaming bowl of pho noodle soup, bite-sized Chinese gyoza dumplings or fresh barramundi steamed in banana leaf, you’re guaranteed to learn flavourful new recipes and enjoy an appetising home-style feast.

No matter how experienced (or not!) you are in the kitchen, Ha and the team at Otao Kitchen are eager to share their passion for cooking (and eating) simple, delicious food with you.

Our top tips for first-time cooks is…

“Learn basic knife cutting, place a damp paper towel under your cutting board and bid adieu to damp oven mitts. Season and taste as you cook, adding salt to elevate every dish.

“For budding bakers, invest in a kitchen scale and set your timer a few minutes early to achieve perfection. Keep your kitchen clean as you go so you can enjoy your own cooking journey. Trust your instincts and everything works just fine!”

Otao Kitchen is on a mission to…

“Cook and connect with more people and provide food to those less fortunate. Our community meal cooking class is a truly heartwarming social program that will inspire the very best in your group. By harnessing everyone's culinary skills, creativity and teamwork, we can work together to plan and prepare a mouthwatering, multi-course meal—all for a noble cause in serving lunches or dinners for local families.”

Our most heartwarming student moment ever is…

“When we had a father and son who hadn't been talking much, so the Mum gathered them to cook together. It was proof that cooking food can not only fill hearts with comfort but also foster a bond between families. This creates a space where they can share food with one other and start conversation.” 

Our biggest cooking fail is… 

“When we forget to embrace simplicity. Food doesn't need to be complex. We adore using high-quality ingredients, bringing out their best flavours, and savouring the meal in a relaxed and informal setting.”