Nén draws its essence from the heart of Vietnam, turning simplicity into something extraordinary
Nén is a F&B brand dedicated to exploring the vast potential of Vietnamese ingredients and culture. We tell stories through our food, using 99% hyper-local ingredients sourced from across Vietnam and our own farms, highlighting the true essence of Vietnamese flavors.
What sets Nén apart is our unique dedication to storytelling through each dish we create. Our trademarked Sto:ry Menus are carefully crafted narratives that reflect the artistry and philosophy of the Vietnamese traditions. We take pride in being different – each plate is a canvas, each flavor a brushstroke, telling stories that matter.
Summer Le
Founder/Executive Chef
Drawing from over a decade of experience as an acclaimed food blogger advocating for Vietnamese cuisine, Summer Le founded Nén, where she oversees every detail of the brand’s innovative culinary concepts.
Coming from an intellectual background, Summer is unorthodox, yet respectful in her approach to innovate long-established Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Her signature storytelling creative style has become the trademark of Nén.
Chef Summer Le in the process of designing a Sto:ry Menu
Leon Le
Founder/Experience Designer
Leon Le is the man in charge of restaurant management, and is Summer’s creative partner. He is equipped with a refined palate and a passion for tailoring experiences. Leon is professionally trained as a Sommelier.
Leon loves a good story and is a natural in picking up details that matter. His sensitivity to media with great substance made him a driving force in the creation of Sto:ry Menu and the overall experience at the Nén brand. His involvement goes beyond the food served, helping Nén tell its story digitally and physically. More often than not, the audience is engaged with Leon’s work long before being physically present at the restaurants.
Le Hung
Beverage Director
Le Hung, our Beverage Director, spent 15 years living in Japan and immersing himself in its culture. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for fine beverages. Being one of the select few to hold dual titles as an International Sake and Wine Sommelier, Le Hung offers a distinctive perspective on these exquisite brews, emphasizing an emotional connection over a purely technical one. His extraordinary curation of beverages reflects a deep appreciation for their stories and origins.
Nén Danang: Vietnam's First MICHELIN Green Star Award Winner and Why Sustainable Cuisine Is in the Country's DNA
The Michelin Guide
Summer Le shares her fruitful journey in showcasing the stories of Vietnam’s local ingredients and produce.
36 hours in Ho Chi Minh City
The New York Times
Opened in 2022 in District 1 and set in an intimate, single room with black ceilings and dark cloths on the eight tables, the restaurant serves creative Vietnamese dishes with seasonal produce
Original Cuisine – The Quiet Luxury
Luxuo Vietnam
Nén captivates its users and offers a distinctive culinary experience through a dedication to hard work, rather than relying on ostentatious or flashy elements.