Bobby Chinn, a New Zealand born Chinese-Egyptian chef and restaurateur based in Hanoi has been stirring up trouble in Vietnam since 1994. Along with Frenchman Didier Corlou who was at the Metropole Hotel and now has his own restaurant Verticale, Bobby was one of the first foreign chefs to come to Vietnam.
He's opened and closed a number of restaurants in Vietnam; doing business as a foreigner has it's many ups and downs. His current eponymous eatery called Restaurant Bobby Chinn remains steadfast. It's located in the Hoan Kiem District and offers interesting takes on Vietnamese food. Like many chefs, Bobby's cooking reflects who he is, where he's been. He used to live in San Francisco so his interpretation is California-Vietnamese, which means there's a bit of the Pacific Rim, France, and the Mediterranean too, along with fresh, seasonal organic ingredients.
In late October at the Asia Society in New York, I met Bobby as we were both on a Vietnam food panel. With a background in finance and stand-up comedy, he's smart, funny and energetic -- a savvy entertainer. He's full of self-deprecation when he describes how he had to invent his own version of Vietnamese since it's a hard language to master. Listen to his Vietnamese on this YouTube trailer for a new television travel/food show, World Cafe Asia. He's got a bit of Anthony Bourdain's sincerity and brashness and sounds a bit gravely/serious like Anderson Cooper on CNN:
"Who is Bobby Chinn?" - World Asia Cafe trailer on YouTube
At the Asia Society event, Bobby prepared a take on a Vietnamese pho cuon -- hand-held rolls comprised of the pho beef and herb garnishes wrapped up in a fresh rice sheet. It's retro food that's come back in full force in Hanoi for the past couple of years. Bobby's version had duck gizzard confit and Japanese shiso, a stand-in for Vietnamese tia to, which is hard to get in New York these days. Freshly made Cantonese haw fun from Chinatown was the perfect, supple rice wrapper.
Bobby is a very nice person who respect Vietnamese people and their cuisine. He also loves to joke around. "You know what my name means in Vietnamese?" he asked me. I was trying to botch "Bobby Chinn" in Vietnamese but didn't get the joke. "Bop chim, bop chim, " he barked. "That means strangle the bird. I do my best Foghorn Leghorn whenever I hear that." (Foghorn Leghorn is an American cartoon character based on a rooster.)
His show airs in Asia on Discovery's Travel and Living channel. If you watch it, post your thoughts!
Jaden says
I saw him a couple of times on Tommy Tang's show. I thought the two of them every incredibly obnoxious to the point of painful to watch. I'll watch Bobby's show to support my fellow Asians, and I'm hoping that he's better than what I've seen.
Cathy says
I'm gonna have to agree with Jaden. I've caught World Asia Cafe on a number of occasions and found Bobby Chin rather annoying. If he toned it down a bit, I'd enjoy his show much more.
Perhaps I would like him more in person?
Andrea Nguyen says
Ladies,
I've not seen the show but understand what you mean. I can't stand to watch most of the shows on the Food Network.
Some people when they're in front of the camera become overbearing. Bobby is a nice person in person. But he is a showman. Nowadays, food programs focus more on entertaining rather than education. It's a shame.
Anonymous says
I've watched most of the Bobby Chin episodes and find them very entertaining and not at all obnoxious. He's really funny and rather down to earth in his own way.
Jenn says
I've never met Bobby Chinn himself, but did have the chance to eat at his restaurant in the Hoan Kiem District. I'm not Asian, just like Asian (and specifically Vietnamese food) so take my review for what it is worth.
The food was very inventive, flavors much like that of other food I ate during my visit (nice balance of hot, sweet, salty, etc.) but much more expensive. I think what was even more impressive than the food (hard to imagine, as the food really was wonderful) was the atmosphere.
Andrea Nguyen says
Jenn,
You're right about the atmosphere at Bobby's restaurant. It's dramatic and very elegant. You can't miss it when you walk by.
He's got a bevy of women cooks in the back. You're fortunate to have dined there. Thanks very much for your positive, balanced feedback.
Anonymous says
Jenn
Thanks for the restaurant review, sounds like the place to dine. The website sounds like it doesn't serve the restaurant justice since the site looks quite ordinary.
Andrea Nguyen says
Yep, the Bobby Chinn website badly needs attention.
Roshi says
I love bobby chinn.My mom and,i make a point not to miss his show on travel and living.I am mad about his attitude.How he speaks,his humour.I would love to meet him,if,ever get a chance.
If you are reading this message bobby,then promise me,that next time you come to India don't go back with out meeting me.U are most welcome.I"ll appreciate if you stay with my family.I"ll show you what real India is.
Andrea Nguyen says
Roshi, Thanks for the impassioned remarks about Bobby! I'm sure he appreciates them.
magdalene says
Finally caught up with Bobby's travels on the discovery channel and living. He is a good host but at times he tries too hard and this is annoying. He is a sport and certainly knows his stuff. I take my hat off to him because I can never do what he has done. Change careers to be a good chef. I cannot be interested in cooking as he does. The most I can be in the kitchen is three days and its back to survival food for the rest of the week. But after watching his shows, I am still keen of cooki
magdalene says
Finally caught up with Bobby's travels on the discovery channel and living. He is a good host but at times he tries too hard and this is annoying. He is a sport and certainly knows his stuff. I take my hat off to him because I can never do what he has done. Change careers to be a good chef. I cannot be interested in cooking as he does. The most I can be in the kitchen is three days and its back to survival food for the rest of the week. But after watching his shows, I am still keen of cooki
Andrea Nguyen says
Good for you Magdalene. Glad to know that you've been inspired by watching Bobby Chinn!
Andrea Tehan says
I just saw Bobby Chinn on Anthony Bourdains "No Reservations" season 3 premiere and instantly recognized him. While I haven't actually seen Bobby's show, I have eaten at his restaurant in Hanoi and have met him in person. He's food is out of this world delicious and inventive, and he's a really funny guy. If you're ever in Hanoi, it's definitely worth a visit!
Andrea Nguyen says
Thanks Andrea! Bobby is ha-ha funny.
Smoky says
Please no more World Cafe. Bobby Chin is rude, obnoxious, annoying and has no sense of humor. Unfortunately he is part Asian and yet treats the locals in the show, mostly Asian, with not much respect.Please enough.
Andrea Nguyen says
Point well taken, Smoky.
Nadeshiko says
He is great!I love his show and his energy!I hope he continues to host the show!And visit Brasil sometime!
Thuy says
On the subject of Bobby Chinn, I caught his show for the first time last night. I am Vietnamese and am deeply insulted by Mr. Chinn's attitude and treatment of locals on his show. He referred to one dessert as tasting like an old shoe, and another (which someone was eating) as tasting like leather. He also seemed to disregard people quite easily. While I crave greater knowledge re: Asian cuisine, I'm afraid I will have to find it elsewhere. Also, in regard to the feedback to some of these posts,
Andrea Nguyen says
Erm, Thuy, I've acknowledged the +/- and neutral feedback too. Television should NEVER be the only source for learning. You need to talk to actual people, read, and most importantly, cook.
helena says
where abouts can i purchase these products in melbourne, australia?
regards
helena
Visha says
Oh baby...Bobby is HOT!!! He's has an attitude to die for! I'm like a HUGE fan of his show World Cafe Asia and have watched all of them. In fact I've watched all the repeats as well....Wish I could meet him some time and extend my compliments....Nevertheless shall visit his restaurant when in Hanoi...If you're reading this Bobby...Love you darling & God bless!!
T says
Andrea, "bop chim" is vulgar if you didn't know that.
Kevin says
I just watched World Cafe Asia: Penang presented by Bobby Chinn. Must say I really tried to enjoy the show having grown up in Penang myself. But he is just unbearable. He's so obnoxious and disparaging to local culture that it's obscene
rupa says
I agree Bobby Chinn is offensive and rude to local people he meets on his travels and makes fun of their culture. Just because he is half Chinese and half Egyptian it doesn't give him the right to make inappropriate and offensive comments about other peoples' customs. Quite often the joke is at the expense of the people who he is interviewing or have invited him into their homes and kitchens. He's not funny or entertaining - I cringe everytime I watch him...just another obnoxious ego trying to m
Vinhminh says
Bobby Chinn is so full of himself and he thinks that he is the greatest chef on the planet where everyone has to look up to him to be inspired to make great Vietnamese food. Mind you that he is NOT even Vietnamese!!! There were numerous articles about him or written by him and all he could write about was his mixed heritage. Give me a break please! With so many people now able to travel/live abroad, I don't see him as anything but lame. I live in Hanoi and I think his restaurant is totally prete
HNexpat says
Agree with Vinhminh, bobby chinn is obnoxious and thinks that we want to go to his restaurant to watch him and not to eat his food... as a matter of fact, no body cares about his over-priced food nor his what ever mutt-background that he always wants to talk about.
His poor, self-conceited and obnoxious personality aside, there are tons of great restaurants in Hanoi and sadly Bobby Chinn is not one of them. Unless of course you are smart enough to pay 15/dish for something lame that you can prob
Jaxteroy says
I ate at Bobby chinns restaurant, and I have to say I had the best salmon i have ever eaten!
Aside from that, they knew we were on our honeymoon and bought out chocolate olates at the end of the meal, one saying "its about time" (given to my husband) and one saying "congratulations" (Given to me). Staff were extra friendly. Atmosphere amazing. GO THERE FOR SURE!!!!
Jan Bedggood says
I am looking to find the program that was done by a presenter and I think it was Anthony Bourdain but not sure regarding finding the best dumpling making persons around the world. The best was a young lady from America and she made polish dumplings and was rated the very best.
Where can I find this program or any information about her and when it was aired?
Please can you help?
Jan Bedggood
Neha says
I think he is cute and funny.
people have said many bad things about him here,that he doesn't respect local people,food etc..
But common,give him a break,If he doesn't like a dish,he cant say its good,just cause is in front of camera.
And about not respecting locals....well I would say He might just being himself,if it doesnt hurt anyone,little humor is always good.
I personally love his attitude and cooking.
Also I think he looks way younger than he is,first time I watched his show, I thought h
Ngieen says
What have we, the TV viewers , done to deserve such a narcissistic, uncharismatic, and thoroughly insufferable brat thrust upon our consciousness?
his shows offer no culinary value what so ever and of course no "travel & living" value as well.
he is just an insensitive, egocentric loud and rude presenter.
please remove him from the air!!
New Balance Shoes says
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Jimmy says
Bobby Chinn is not edgy, funny or entertaining. He has mistaken rude and disrespectful for entertainment. He's wrong. He seems to forget that he's a guest in all of the places he visits. Unfortunately he's simply promoting the stereotype of "ugly American". TLC should take him off the air in Asia.
Chichi says
I agree 100% with Smoky and Rupa's comments. Bobby Chinn is rude and he does make degrading remarks to his staff, to the point where I'd say it's racist. I saw him on Andrew Zimmern's show, Bizarre Foods - it was an episode of clips that were not included in the main show. I can totally see why that part was cut from the Vietnamese episode. Bobby Chinn was extremely rudy to Zimmern, and even made fun of one of his Vietnamese chefs in the back because of the way she talks (he said some kind of fa
Mr. Cooking Grill says
You brought some nice points there. i did a search and found that mostly people gave u compliments.
marlon says
I have eaten at his restaurant in Hanoi and have met him in person.