Preserving Vietnamese spirit through cuisine
In 2002, at the age of 18, Hanoi native Nguyen Dinh He arrived in Bratislava to begin his academic journey abroad. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Economic Statistics and Auditing before completing a doctoral degree. Six years working as a lecturer at the University of Economics in Bratislava provided him with a relatively stable career and a respected social standing.
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Vietnamese entrepreneur Nguyen Dinh He in Slovakia |
Yet life in a foreign country came with a problem of “making ends meet,” and a lecturer’s salary at the time was not enough to fully support his family. Yearning for a breakthrough in life, he decided to step out of his comfort zone, quit teaching and successfully applied for several positions at major corporations and foreign fintech companies.
During his years immersed in office work, the idea of launching a business gradually took shape. “Quick meals with colleagues often made me long deeply for the flavors of traditional Vietnamese dishes,” he recalled. “That sparked my desire to open a restaurant, not only to pursue my lifelong passion for cooking, but also to introduce Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage to international friends,” he shared.
The year 2016 marked the beginning of He and his wife’s entrepreneurial journey as they invested all their savings in opening a Vietnamese restaurant. Prime locations in the city had already been taken, forcing the couple to rent a rather secluded venue far from areas where the Vietnamese community lived. As a result, their first customers were primarily local Slovaks.
Their ability to overcome the odds stemmed from an unwavering commitment to quality and a sharp business mindset. At a time when social media was rapidly gaining influence, the tech-savvy couple made full use of Facebook as an effective communication channel, bringing images of Vietnamese dishes closer to local diners.
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A corner of a Vietnamese restaurant owned by Nguyen Dinh He in Bratislava |
For He and his wife, the core principle of their culinary business has always been preserving the authentic soul of Vietnamese cuisine. In his view, a proper bowl of Pho must follow a rigorous process, from simmering broth with beef bones, roasted onions, and ginger, to serving it with the right selection of fresh herbs, without compromising or altering the traditional flavors. That dedication to detail quickly won the hearts of many residents in Bratislava. Over time, the restaurant became a popular gathering place for Vietnamese visitors whenever they traveled to the Central European nation.
He’s unforgettable memories were the times he welcomed distinguished guests, including Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, who eventually became a regular customer of the restaurant.
Naturally, each presidential visit involved strict security measures. Food safety specialists and security personnel monitored the restaurant’s preparation process continuously for an entire week beforehand, collecting and sealing food samples every day. Despite the rigorous procedures, the restaurant remained open to other customers, offered no discounts, and, as he emphasized, “never used the image of celebrities for promotional purposes.”
Aspiring to spread Vietnamese spirit
To date, including jointly owned establishments and partnerships, the couple has built a network of nearly 20 Vietnamese restaurants across Slovakia, ranging from traditional restaurants to fast-food outlets located inside major supermarket chains. Together with fellow Vietnamese expatriates, they are nurturing plans to expand through a franchise model, with the ambition of developing Vietnamese culinary brands not only in Slovakia but also in neighboring countries.
Beyond the food industry, He currently manages several companies operating in renewable energy, financial and investment consulting, and legal services. His decision to diversify business activities stems from the principle of “not putting all eggs in one basket” in order to minimize risks and maintain financial stability.
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The daily menu at one of Vietnamese restaurants of Nguyen Dinh He in Bratislava, Slovakia |
His experience in these fields has also enabled him to provide legal support and create favorable conditions for many young Vietnamese entrepreneurs starting businesses abroad. For He, this is his way of fostering solidarity and mutual support within the overseas Vietnamese community.
As a successful Vietnamese entrepreneur in Slovakia, He happily shared that Vietnam’s growing international standing has given overseas Vietnamese greater confidence and opportunities. Witnessing the warm reception extended by the Slovak side to the high-level delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense during this visit, as well as the increasingly strong bilateral ties between the two countries, filled the Vietnamese business community and expatriates in Slovakia with pride and optimism.
Translated by Quynh Oanh