The Mathieu Teisseire Flavour Masters Vietnam 2025 competition attracted over 80 contestants from across the country. The final round saw 12 contestants compete: 6 from the North, one from the Central region, and 5 from the South.

Pham Hoang Nam impressed the judges with his drink called "Bun Bo Hue," inspired by the Hue specialty. He emerged as the champion and will represent Vietnam in the international competition in France from 13/10 to 15/10.

Originally from Hue, Nam shared that Bun Bo Hue is a flavorful dish that is not too difficult to make. He often prepares it himself with basic ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, Hue vermicelli noodles, pineapple, beef bones, and more. Using this savory dish as inspiration, Nam created his cocktail by pan-searing beef fat and then infusing it with shallots, lemongrass, and ginger in alcohol before freezing the mixture. After a day, he strained the ingredients, resulting in a clear mixture with the richness of fat and the aroma of spices. To enhance the flavor, he added chili syrup, Mathieu Teisseire pineapple syrup, diluted shrimp paste, and lime juice.

"I've been working on this recipe for two years, but I haven't had the opportunity to make it until now. With the theme of memories, this year's competition was the perfect chance for me to experiment with a drink that celebrates Vietnamese cuisine and evokes my childhood memories," Nam said.

Champion of Mathieu Teisseire Flavour Masters Vietnam 2025 - Pham Hoang Nam. Photo: Trust Media

Champion of Mathieu Teisseire Flavour Masters Vietnam 2025 - Pham Hoang Nam. Photo: Trust Media

This year's Mathieu Teisseire Flavour Masters Vietnam, held on 22/7 in Ho Chi Minh City, had the theme "Make drinks memorable." According to Annam Group, the representative and organizer of the competition in Vietnam, this year's theme aimed to reaffirm Mathieu Teisseire as a premium syrup brand, supporting and inspiring a new generation of bartenders and mixologists.

Besides the champion, Pham Hoang Nam, the other 11 finalists also delivered remarkable performances. The organizers noted that each contestant brought a unique style, representing a generation of talented and confident young mixologists who constantly innovate drink experiences with creativity and pride in Vietnamese culture.

The competition provides a platform for the Vietnamese bartending community to test their skills, gain recognition, and learn from regional and international experts. The competition also takes place in France, the Netherlands, Dubai, and Greece. The winner receives 30 million Vietnamese dong and a trip to France.

Pham Hoang Nam (second from left) receives the 30 million dong prize and a ticket to France for the competition finals. Photo: Annam Group

Pham Hoang Nam (second from left) receives the 30 million dong prize and a ticket to France for the competition finals. Photo: Annam Group

This year's judging panel consisted of four veterans in the beverage industry: Ho Hoang Huy, Mathieu Teisseire Brand Ambassador in Vietnam with over 15 years of experience; Marie Cabaret, Global Brand Ambassador for Mathieu Teisseire; Nguyen Phu Cuong, Founder of Jack In Bartender; and Pham Tien Tiep, Diageo World Class 2012 champion.

The results were based on five main criteria, referencing international professional standards and Mathieu Teisseire's brand orientation, emphasizing flavor, technique, and storytelling. : The first criterion was flavor balance, where judges considered the harmony of sourness, sweetness, bitterness, and aroma. The second was creativity and uniqueness, with entries judged on their novelty, unexpected flavor combinations, and ability to create a distinct experience. Bartending technique, including handling, hygiene, time management, and tool use, was the next factor, reflecting the bartender's fundamental skills. Another important criterion was brand integration: contestants needed to demonstrate how to use Mathieu Teisseire syrup as a core part of the recipe, not just a supplement. Finally, presentation and storytelling were assessed, as a memorable drink needs a story to accompany it. Mathieu Teisseire sought confidence, logic, and emotion in the presentations.

"These five criteria reflect the qualities of a modern bartender: creativity, expertise, and emotion. This is also the spirit that Mathieu Teisseire wants to spread, turning every drink into a memorable experience," a representative of the organizing committee said.

Ho Hoang Huy - Mathieu Teisseire Brand Ambassador in Vietnam. Photo: Trust Media

Ho Hoang Huy - Mathieu Teisseire Brand Ambassador in Vietnam. Photo: Trust Media

Matthieu Teisseire was founded over 300 years ago in Grenoble by its namesake. After Francois Reynaud acquired the company in 1907, the brand was run by four generations of the Reynaud family until it was acquired by Fruite Entreprises in 2004. Since 2010, the company has been owned by the British beverage manufacturer and distributor Britvic. Teisseire's main production facility is located in Crolles, near Grenoble, France. Teisseire specializes in developing innovative syrup flavors and is renowned for incorporating natural, pure mineral water from the French Alps. Teisseire syrups have a distinctive taste, sweet aroma, and elegant colors.

The brand is favored by baristas and bartenders worldwide for its noticeable presence in drinks. They also create tools like the "Flavor Handbook" to help bartenders deepen their product knowledge and spark creativity through mixology stories.

Marie Cabaret, Global Brand Ambassador for Mathieu Teisseire, said they meet annually with flavor experts to explore emerging trends and sample new flavors. "New trends drive our innovation, but we are committed to never losing our heritage," she said.

Marie Cabaret - Global Brand Ambassador for Mathieu Teisseire. Photo: Trust Media

Marie Cabaret - Global Brand Ambassador for Mathieu Teisseire. Photo: Trust Media

With the Flavour Masters competition, the brand representative stated their desire to invest in mixology education, unlock creative potential, and deliver memorable experiences, in line with this year's theme, "Make drinks memorable."

"This is how Mathieu Teisseire builds a sustainable position with consumers and the F&B community in Vietnam," said Ho Hoang Duy, the brand ambassador in Vietnam.

Dan Minh