Meet the Otao Kitchen Team

At Otao Kitchen, we believe food is one of the most powerful ways to connect - with culture, with creativity, and with one another. Our team brings together diverse culinary backgrounds, global experience and a shared passion for hospitality. Together, we create cooking experiences that are welcoming, hands-on and full of flavour.

HA
Founder & Chef Instructor

Ha is the visionary behind Otao Kitchen, bringing more than 20 years of international culinary experience to the table. Having worked and taught in Vietnam, New Zealand and Australia, Ha combines deep food knowledge with a gift for cultural storytelling. His cooking experiences are immersive, educational and always generous - designed to help guests feel at home while discovering new flavours. From steamy bowls of pho to refined French-Asian fusion, Ha’s classes highlight both tradition and innovation.

Specialties:

• Vietnamese, Thai and French fusion cuisine

• Cultural food education and storytelling

• Event and group cooking experiences

• Menu development and food innovation

   

PHILLIP
Operations Manager & Head Chef

With over two decades in executive chef roles across Korea, Singapore, Macau and Australia, Philip leads Otao Kitchen’s culinary operations with vision and precision. He brings a calm, structured presence to the kitchen - paired with a love for bold, vibrant flavours. Whether designing a seasonal menu or training new chefs, Philip approaches everything with a dedication to quality, sustainability and team leadership. His specialties lie in the art of Korean cuisine and the elegance of Italian food, always prepared with intention.

Specialties:

• Korean and Italian cuisine

• Restaurant and banquet operations

• Menu design and seasonal concept planning

• Staff training and food hygiene systems

   

JENNIFER (JEN)
Marketing & Sales Manager

Jen brings a truly global perspective to Otao Kitchen, with professional experience spanning the UK, Denmark, the US and Spain. She has worked across artisan food brands (including her own Latin-inspired venture), international hospitality groups and global marketing teams, always with a focus on creating exceptional guest experiences. She leads our marketing and sales strategy while helping guests plan unforgettable events, private classes and corporate activations. Outside the office, Jen is also pursuing her passion for pastry arts as a chef-in-training, adding another layer to her love of all things food and hospitality.

Specialties:

• Event planning and customer experience

• Marketing strategy and digital campaigns

• Luxury hospitality and food tourism

• B2B and D2C sales and partnerships

  
  

DYLAN
Chef Instructor

Dylan is a chef who approaches food as both an art form and a philosophy. With training in Western fine dining and deep experience in traditional Japanese cuisine, he brings a high level of craft to his teaching. Guests love his calm and encouraging energy, as well as his attention to detail - from the perfect knife cut to beautifully plated dishes. Dylan is passionate about food sustainability, fermentation and the stories behind every technique.

Specialties:

• Japanese cuisine (Kaiseki, sushi, tsukemono)

• Pickling, sauces and fermentation

• Knife skills, butchery and plating

• Food sustainability and storytelling

   

ANAN
Chef Instructor

Chef Anan is a friendly and engaging instructor known for his passion for Thai cuisine and approachable teaching style. With a focus on healthy, flavour-packed recipes, Anan brings fresh energy to every class - whether he’s rolling dumplings or tossing wok-fried favourites. A weekend regular at Otao Kitchen, he creates experiences that are family-friendly, beginner-friendly and always full of flavour.

Specialties:

• Thai cuisine and dumpling making

• Healthy cooking techniques

• Family-friendly workshops

• Plant-based and gluten-free options

   

MADHAV
Chef Assistant

Madhav supports the smooth delivery of Otao Kitchen’s cooking classes and private events, bringing skill, consistency and attention to detail. With a background in South Asian and contemporary Australian cooking, he’s a quiet force behind the scenes - known for his efficiency, precision and passion for culinary teamwork. From mise-en-place to baking to stock rotation, Madhav ensures every class is set up for success.

Specialties:

• Modern Asian and contemporary Australian cuisine

• Knife skills and kitchen prep systems

• Baking and desserts

• Inventory management and service support