A Sensory Dialogue Between Fragrance, Nature, and Contemporary Vietnamese Cuisine

From March 14 to 16, 2025, Chef Alain Pham and Pastry Chef Trâm Anh partnered with Guerlain to present a bespoke culinary experience conceived as a dialogue between fragrance, nature, and taste.

Founded in Paris in 1828, Guerlain is one of the world’s most storied perfume houses, renowned not only for its mastery of scent but also for its long-standing commitment to biodiversity and craftsmanship. Central to its philosophy is the protection of bees – a living symbol of the Maison since the nineteenth century – and a broader vision of sustainability that connects beauty to the natural world.

This collaboration invited Alain Pham to translate Guerlain’s olfactory universe into a culinary language.

Rather than pursuing intensity or complexity, the menu was intentionally designed to be light, fresh, and nuanced. Each dish echoed Guerlain’s philosophy: subtle layers, natural clarity, and a quiet elegance that unfolds over time. Notes of honey, delicate florals, and fresh botanicals were woven throughout the menu, evoking the warmth and purity associated with Guerlain’s signature ingredients.

Working closely with Pastry Chef Trâm Anh, Alain approached the table as a sensory landscape – where fragrance-inspired ideas could be expressed through texture, temperature, and aroma. The cuisine favored restraint over spectacle, allowing natural flavors to breathe and interact gently with one another.

More than a brand collaboration, the experience reflected a shared vision of craftsmanship: one that values patience, origin, and the invisible work behind refinement. From concept to execution, the project challenged the culinary team to think beyond taste alone, transforming the dining table into a space of sensory storytelling.

For Alain Pham, the collaboration resonated deeply with his own culinary philosophy – one rooted in respect for nature, narrative expression, and the emotional power of subtlety. Just as Guerlain composes fragrances that linger softly on the skin, this culinary encounter was designed to leave a lasting impression through delicacy rather than excess.