Charles Phan

The Slanted Door - San Francisco, CA

Charles Phan, the visionary behind modern Vietnamese cuisine in America, serves as the Executive Chef and Owner of the esteemed Slanted Door restaurant family.

Hailing from Da Lat, Vietnam, Charles Phan’s journey led him to Guam before settling in San Francisco, California. His culinary intrigue blossomed in his youth, inspired by his aunt’s cooking at home and the diverse culinary landscape of San Francisco. Recognizing an opportunity to introduce American diners to the vibrant flavors and delicate complexities of Vietnamese cuisine, Phan opened his flagship restaurant, The Slanted Door, in 1995, emphasizing the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Renowned for his innovative fusion of Western and Vietnamese culinary traditions, Phan’s culinary prowess earned him the title of “Best Chef: California” by the James Beard Foundation in 2004. Expanding his culinary empire, Phan introduced Slanted Door San Ramon, Chuck’s Takeaway, and recently debuted Slanted Door locations in Beaune, France, and Napa.

Phan’s influence extends beyond the kitchen with appearances on network television and the publication of two acclaimed cookbooks, “Vietnamese Home Cooking” (2012) and “The Slanted Door” (2014), which not only share recipes but also chronicle Phan’s remarkable journey from refugee to celebrated chef.

Amassing a collection of accolades, The Slanted Door was honored as an “Outstanding Restaurant in America” by the James Beard Foundation in 2014, while Phan’s books garnered recognition from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) with Cookbook Awards for Chefs and Restaurants, as well as Photography.

In addition to his culinary endeavors, Phan remains an active leader within the San Francisco food community, participating in numerous charitable initiatives with organizations such as Share Our Strength, Meals on Wheels, CUESA, One Vietnam, La Cocina, and Taste of the Nation, among others.