Our story
Our Story
Otao Kitchen has evolved from a cooking school celebrating multicultural food experience to a multi-faceted culinary business at the forefront of immersive food experiences. From humble beginnings in 2014 to becoming an award-winning food experience business, Otao Kitchen continues to create unique experiences that embrace cultural diversity and the joy of cooking.
Our Journey
2014
Otao Kitchen Cooking School was founded in vibrant Victoria Street, Richmond, by Chef Ha Nguyen. Inspired by his Vietnamese heritage, Chef Ha launched classes to share the exotic flavors of Asian cuisine.
2016
Expanded its offerings with an 8th cooking class menu, introducing a diverse range of cuisines and flavors.
2018
Launched Vietnam and Japan food tours, offering guests an immersive culinary experience beyond the classroom.
2020
Adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing online cooking classes, bringing the joy of cooking into homes worldwide.
2021
Upgraded the cooking facility, increasing seating capacity from 10 to 24-32 participants to accommodate a larger audience.
2022
Joined the AIME business promotion event in partnership with Melbourne Convention Bureau.
Won the prestigious Victorian Tourism Award for excellence in tourism.
2023
Won the Victorian Tourism Award for the second consecutive year.
Expanded operations with the opening of a second venue.
2024
Launched Mealfresh, an innovative culinary extension.
Why Us?
Otao Kitchen is a cooking school and event space built on the mission of bringing people together to cook, connect, and celebrate. We believe cooking and eating should be a memorable experience, not just a meal. Otao Kitchen was created as an extension of our passion for cooking, sharing, and inspiring.
Expert in Cooking Classes
Founded in Melbourne, Australia, in July 2014, Otao Kitchen was built to honor and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural communities.
What We Do Best
We inspire guests to cook with both local and international chefs, share their culinary and travel experiences, and bring global cooking techniques and cultural knowledge home. Reflecting Melbourne’s cultural diversity, we offer an array of global food experiences, from Indian to Japanese to Mexican and beyond.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, we launched an online cooking curriculum to bring guided cooking experiences to homes across Australia and the world, promoting better cooking skills and healthier lifestyles.
Our Products & Services
Cooking Masterclasses
Private & Corporate Events
Catering & Event Services
Kids & School Programs
Gift Vouchers
What's "Otao" Mean?
Otao Kitchen is named after Ông Táo, the Vietnamese Kitchen God. Regarded as the family's advocate to the heavens, Ông Táo serves as a messenger between Heaven and Earth. At the end of the year, he returns to Heaven on a magic carp to report on each family’s life and experiences to the Jade Emperor, the King of Heaven. Vietnamese families honor Ông Táo with prayers and offerings, recognizing him as a vital figure in their culinary and spiritual traditions.
Otao Kitchen embodies this spirit of community, tradition, and culinary celebration.