Johnny Pham, chef and founder of VIVANT, was born in Lyon to a Vietnamese family whose restaurant shaped his early love for French cuisine. He began cooking at 14 under celebrated French masters, gaining a deep appreciation for precision, discipline, and craftsmanship. These formative years allowed him to train in some of France’s most refined kitchens, where he learned to observe, listen, and understand the subtle details that define great cooking.
In 2015, his passion for gastronomy led him to China, where he immersed himself in regional cuisines and the culinary cultures of Asia. Discovering the historic links between Chaozhou and Vietnamese food sparked a new creative direction, inspiring him to blend Asian ingredients and techniques with French culinary foundations.
His professional journey in Asia strengthened this vision, shaping a distinctive style that bridges cultures with elegance and clarity.
Opening VIVANT marked a defining moment in his career. Meaning “alive,” the name reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: vibrant, warm, and expressive. At VIVANT, Chef Pham and his team create modern French cuisine enriched with Asian influences, offering a seasonal tasting menu and an engaging, welcoming atmosphere designed to make every guest feel at home.
