Vietnamese Food Cooked With Heart is what Tuan of NGON is all about. NGON, Paddington, Brisbane, QLD 4064.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got to be where you are now. Also tell us about NGON the restaurant.
I’ve grown up in the industry since the age of 10, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it. My parents immigrated to Australia with my 7 siblings in 1983 with little to their name but a dream to make it home. I completed the family as the 8th child in 1985, my dad was working over 20 hours a day farming while mum looked after all of us in our housing commission homes around the western suburbs. After years of hard work dad meet a man who taught him how to cook commercially and the rest is history. We opened our first restaurant in central Queensland and since then I have lived and breathed the hospitality game. My very first restaurant I opened myself was on James street and since then I have opened quite a few establishments around the Brisbane city area. For a short time I was a Culinary Consultant because we were having our first child but I missed the action too much running my own business so NGON Paddington was born.
How long have you been established in Paddington and where was the business before this?
This week we actually celebrated our first year in Paddington, before that we have had restaurants in Brisbane city, James street and Fortitude Valley.
We understand that this is a family business? If so, who works here?
At NGON I have my oldest brother who has been with me for all of my businesses, my oldest sister and my wife’s cousin. My wife is a dentist so if she isn’t working or looking after our baby she helps out.
What drew you into the area?
At first it was the views, the gullies of Paddington and it’s close proximity to major Brisbane attractions such as Suncorp stadium but since opening the business it has definitely been the people. The ongoing support we get from the local community and surrounding areas has been amazing.
Since you’ve been here, how has the suburb changed?
It’s only been a year so we haven’t felt a lot of change, the area is majestic and like a good glass of wine it ages beautifully.
What are some of the most popular dishes?
Our signature Pho, who doesn’t like a hot bowl of noodle sole soup for winter? Or Vietnamese yellow curry duck and the salt and pepper squid is also very popular. Our menu has been created small so that we can focus on the quality rather than quantity. We get our vegetables and proteins in daily to ensure freshness.
What’s your favourite thing to do when you have some time off?
Family, I have a 1 year old at home and love spending time with her and watching her grow. I’m the youngest of 8 siblings so I also love to cook for the family, it doesn’t happen often enough as we are all very busy with work and family commitments but when I can, I love it.
Any words of wisdom that can inspire others or words that you live by?
Push yourself beyond your boundaries because beyond your boundaries is success.
NGON
183 Given Terrace
Paddington QLD 4064
3705 3082