CHO: Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar: Chef Vaibhav Bhargava takes Delhi on an unforgettable culinary trip

Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, known for his incredible curation of Vietnamese delicacies, has brought the essence of Vietnam to life with a new restaurant in Delhi called CHO — it’s derived from the word ‘CHÔ nhà’, which means a cottage or a home in Vietnamese. This youthful brand, launched in December 2021, reimagines the vibrant street food and regional favourites of the Mekong Delta and Nguyen Dynasty. Nestled in a 160-year-old haveli overlooking Qutub Minar, CHO: Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar is an exquisite dining destination, with a vibrant atmosphere that is an ode to Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

CHO offers a menu curated by Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, featuring a variety of dishes, from salads and dumplings to hot pots and pho. Some standout items include Chicken Pho, Tenderloin Pho, salads, gluten-free dumplings, and Vietnamese-style pizza. The desserts, like caramel flan and Vietnamese-style tres leches, are also a treat for the senses. In the next five years, CHO plans to expand internationally, with a vision to become a widespread chain of Vietnamese cuisine. They aim to open in three more Indian cities (Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata) and host pop-ups in various locations, eventually expanding to Dubai and Bangkok. In this interview, Chef Bhargava, partner at CHO- Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar, talks about his mission to establish Vietnamese cuisine on Delhi’s culinary map. Excerpts from the interview: 

Delhi’s restaurant scene has become oversaturated with a crowd of Asian eateries, all striving to encompass a wide array of cuisines without specialising in any one. This culinary landscape has created a void, where the uniqueness and authenticity of specific cuisines often go unnoticed. For instance, some cuisines, like Burmese, have thrived due to their singular focus and dedicated approach, garnering remarkable success. Recognizing this gap in the market, we made a deliberate decision to introduce a fresh concept: a new Asian cuisine that prioritizes comfort and health. After an immersive three-month research and training expedition in Vietnam, we were inspired to bring Vietnamese cuisine to the forefront of Delhi’s dining scene. Our mission is to firmly establish Vietnamese cuisine on Delhi’s culinary map, offering a dining experience that is both inviting and health-conscious within this vibrant city. 

We prioritise maintaining the purity and cleanliness of flavours. At CHO, our identity is rooted in the ingredients we select, all of which are carefully sourced to ensure freshness and quality. We place great emphasis on obtaining perishable goods from local farms and importing specific ingredients directly from Vietnam. Our approach involves harmoniously blending local, sustainable elements with international products, resulting in a culinary experience that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options. Notably, our cuisine itself is gluten-free and relies extensively on rice paper sheets. In essence, our core principles revolve around sustainability, a commitment to a farm-to-table ethos, and the creation of mild, easily enjoyable flavours tailored to the Indian palate. These principles form the bedrock of our work at CHO: Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar.  

Our commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients leads us to collaborate closely with local farmers. By directly procuring our ingredients from these farms, we ensure that our offerings stand apart from the conventional market fare. Notably, all the ingredients we acquire are organic and free from pesticides and harmful chemicals, reflecting our dedication to quality and purity. When these exceptional ingredients arrive at our kitchen, we prioritise a meticulous inspection process to guarantee that what we receive aligns with the high standards we set for what we serve to our valued guests.

We have embraced the uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine as our groundwork, but we have added a distinct flair inspired by French and Chinese culinary traditions, which are the predecessors of Vietnamese cuisine. This fusion has given birth to our interpretation of Vietnamese dishes. While we have introduced creative twists by merging Vietnamese flavours with other cuisines, we have remained steadfast in preserving the authenticity of classic dishes like banh mi, pho, sandwiches, banh khot, and Vietnamese stews. We believe in respecting the heritage of these timeless recipes. Our commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers ensures the freshness that is reminiscent of Vietnam. We also go the extra mile by directly sourcing ingredients from Vietnam to infuse our dishes with an authentic taste.

Pho, a quintessential Vietnamese dish, varies significantly across different regions of Vietnam. During my training in Vietnam, I had the opportunity to experience the diverse versions of this iconic dish served in various parts of the country. Notably, the southern and northern regions of Vietnam each offer their distinct interpretations of Pho. At our establishment, we specialize in the northern style of Pho, meticulously crafting it using traditional ingredients and a tried-and-true recipe. This ensures that our Pho captures the authentic texture and flavor reminiscent of what one would savor in Vietnam. What sets our Pho apart from others is our commitment to maintaining the classic essence of this beloved dish. We have taken great care to replicate the genuine taste and texture, allowing our customers to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience. Our dedication to preserving the integrity of Pho has received recognition and approval from the Vietnamese Ambassador in Delhi, who graced us with a visit and savoured our delectable Pho dishes.

Vietnamese cuisine boasts a rich tapestry of key ingredients that give its dishes their distinctive flavours and character. Herbs like Vietnamese mint, shiso leaf, and lemongrass play a prominent role, infusing dishes with their fragrant and fresh notes. Raw banana and caramel are also frequently utilized, adding textures and sweetness to various dishes. Coffee lime, red chili, and lemon juice contribute tanginess and zest, enhancing the overall taste profile. Rice, in various forms such as rice paper sheets and rice flour, serves as the fundamental base for many Vietnamese dishes. This diverse array of ingredients serves as the foundation for a creative fusion of flavours, resulting in innovative dishes like gluten-free chicken dumplings and tapioca starch dumplings, and offering a delightful culinary experience that melds Vietnamese ingredients into a harmonious and enchanting cuisine.

Achieving a well-balanced harmony of flavours is of utmost importance when crafting delicious and delightful dishes. A successful dish typically requires a combination of sweet, sour, and salty elements to create a pleasing gastronomic experience. When developing recipes, our primary aim is to ensure that these flavour profiles are carefully maintained in each dish, resulting in a symphony of tastes that tantalize the palate. Our approach to menu creation is deeply influenced by the seasons and the availability of ingredients. We design our menus to align with what is in season and what the market has to offer at any given time. This means we have distinct summer and winter menus, each tailored to the characteristics of the season. For instance, during the summer season, we might feature a delectable sago pudding infused with the vibrant flavours of ripe mangoes, which serves as a delightful dessert at CHO. In contrast, during the chilly winter months, we draw inspiration from the harsh weather and incorporate warming elements like hot pots, reminiscent of those enjoyed in Vietnam, into our offerings. Our approach to creating dishes is inherently flexible, adapting to the changing seasons and the ingredients available. By embracing the ebb and flow of nature’s bounty, we ensure that our culinary creations are always in harmony with the time of year, resulting in a diverse and captivating dining experience. 

Our menu boasts a wide array of delectable street food options that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you are craving a bowl of soup adorned with delicate dumplings or hankering for the iconic Vietnamese pizza, we have got it all. Our classic street food offerings include the Banmi sandwich, a delightful combination of flavours and textures, and the Bancott, a savoury meat sensation that is sure to satisfy your palate. Additionally, we proudly feature a variety of dishes, including pho and flavourful curries, which can be found across our menu. So, whether you are in the mood for something familiar or eager to explore new street food delights, you'll find a wealth of tempting options to choose from.

A truly memorable experience for us was the recent opportunity to serve the Italian Prime Minister and his delegation of 40 people. We took pride in crafting a special meal that excluded onions and garlic, which was an accomplishment. It was a privilege to create this culinary journey for our distinguished guests. At CHO, we aim to provide our patrons with something distinct from traditional Indian or Asian flavours. Our focus lies in ingredient-driven recipes that offer clean and pure flavours. We avoid overly spicy dishes and, instead, present our sauces separately, allowing diners to customize their experience. Our philosophy centres around creating flavourful, farm-to-fork cuisine, making CHO a destination for those seeking an ingredient-centric dining experience.

Pho holds a special place as one of my favourite comfort meals. What makes it truly appealing is its nature as a one-pot dish, bringing together noodles, proteins, and vegetables in a harmonious combination. The beauty of Pho lies in the flavours that unfold with every bite, as you continually add condiments, transforming the taste as you go. This aspect adds a fascinating element to the overall comfort of enjoying a one-pot meal. It is the kind of dish that provides comfort and satisfaction, perfect for indulgence at any time of the day.

The role of presentation in cuisine is undeniably crucial, and this holds true across different culinary traditions. However, when you venture into Vietnam and experience both street food and restaurant dishes, you will notice that they may not always prioritize elaborate presentation. At CHO, we take a different approach. We believe in crafting a range of flavours that also delights the eyes. As the saying goes, we eat with our eyes first, and so, at CHO, we strive to maintain the authentic flavours of our dishes while elevating their visual appeal. Our aim is to present these flavours in an attractive and enticing manner, sparking excitement in our diners as they anticipate enjoying their meal not only with their taste buds but also with their eyes.

At CHO, our commitment extends beyond just providing delicious food; we strive to enrich our patrons with knowledge and cultural insights. If you look at our table mats, you will find a treasure trove of information about Vietnamese culture, including historical context and terminology. We have incorporated concise quotes that offer glimpses into the culture. Also, our restaurant is adorned with various props from Vietnam, each telling a story about the rich cultural heritage of the region. We have meticulously recreated the ambiance you would find on the streets of Vietnam, where the fusion of food and experience is an integral part of the journey. Our goal is to offer our customers an immersive experience, allowing them to feel as if they have visited Vietnam while savouring the same magical flavours they enjoyed there — all in the heart of Delhi.