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 NGUYEN

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, he blends deep food knowledge with a gift for cultural storytelling. His classes are immersive, generous and designed to make guests feel at home while discovering new flavours. From steaming bowls of pho to refined French-Asian fusion, Ha’s cooking highlights both tradition and innovation.

Specialties:

• Southeast Asian & European cooking

• Cultural food education and storytelling

• Event and group cooking experiences

• Menu development and food innovation

JENNIFER (JEN) MUNSON-MONTANEZ

Marketing & Sales Manager

Jen brings a truly global perspective to Otao Kitchen, with professional experience across the UK, Denmark, the US and Spain. She has worked with artisan food brands, international hospitality groups and global marketing teams, always with a focus on creating exceptional guest experiences. Jen leads our marketing and sales strategy while helping guests plan memorable events, private classes and corporate activations. She is also training in pastry arts, adding another dimension to her passion for 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

PHILLIP MOON

Operations Manager & Head Chef

With more than 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, expressive flavours. Whether crafting seasonal menus or training new chefs, Philip approaches every task with a commitment to quality, sustainability and team leadership. His expertise spans the artistry of Korean cuisine, refined European dishes and native Australian ingredients.

Specialties:

• North Asian, European & Native Australian cuisine

• Restaurant and banquet operations

• Menu design and seasonal concept planning

• Staff training and food hygiene systems

ANAN PHONYOTHA

Chef Instructor

Chef Anan is known for his friendly teaching style and his passion for Thai cuisine. He specialises in healthy, flavour-rich recipes and brings fresh energy to every class — whether rolling dumplings or tossing wok-fried favourites. A weekend regular at Otao Kitchen, Anan creates experiences that are fun, family-friendly and accessible to cooks of all skill levels. His culinary range extends across Southeast Asian, Latin American, European and Native Australian influences.

Specialties:

• Southeast Asian, Latin American, European & Native Australian cuisine

• Healthy cooking techniques

• Family-friendly workshops

• Plant-based and gluten-free options

MADHAV BHUSAL

Chef Assistant

Madhav ensures the smooth delivery of Otao Kitchen’s cooking classes and private events with precision and care. With a background in South Asian and contemporary Australian cooking, he is a quiet but essential presence behind the scenes. Known for his efficiency and attention to detail, Madhav supports everything from mise-en-place to baking and stock rotation — helping ensure every class runs seamlessly.

Specialties:

• Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern & Indian cuisine

• Knife skills and kitchen prep systems

• Baking and desserts

• Inventory management and service support