In addition to the individual accolade, Nha Hang 360, under Benjamin Werge Jensen's direction, also secured a spot in the top 5 "Excellent resort restaurants." These two awards highlight Topas Ecolodge's commitment to quality service and culinary excellence in Vietnam.
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Benjamin (right) receives the "Vietnam star chef" award at the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025 on 12/12. Photo: Topas Ecolodge |
Benjamin (right) receives the "Vietnam star chef" award at the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2025 on 12/12. Photo: Topas Ecolodge
Head chef Benjamin was born into a family with a long tradition in the restaurant and hotel industry. He began his culinary journey at the age of 10, washing dishes at his father's restaurant. Later, he specialized in French and Nordic cuisine at the Copenhagen Hotel College.
In his late 20s, finding his work and life in Copenhagen, Denmark, less appealing, Benjamin sought new experiences through overseas job opportunities. He first arrived in Vietnam in 2018, following a period of working and living in Greenland.
The head chef noted that the distinct cultural differences between the two countries have provided him with many interesting experiences. Upon arriving in Vietnam, Benjamin was amazed by the vibrant pace of life. After three years of living and working in Sa Pa, he shared that he no longer wishes to return to Denmark. "Vietnam is a wonderful country," Ben said.
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The Danish head chef is captivated by Vietnamese cuisine and Sa Pa's fresh air and serene landscapes. Photo: Topas Ecolodge |
The Danish head chef is captivated by Vietnamese cuisine and Sa Pa's fresh air and serene landscapes. Photo: Topas Ecolodge
Currently, Ben serves as the Executive Head Chef at Topas Ecolodge, leading teams at restaurants such as: Nha Hang 360 and Stilt House. Most of his team members are local ethnic minorities. Together, they have overcome language barriers to develop and deliver quality culinary experiences and services to guests.
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Benjamin (center) with his indigenous ethnic minority kitchen team. Photo: Topas Ecolodge |
Benjamin (center) with his indigenous ethnic minority kitchen team. Photo: Topas Ecolodge
Benjamin had previously promoted several team members to head chef and sous chef positions. The Danish head chef emphasizes that diligence is a quality he highly values when selecting his team. Furthermore, his deep connection to the mountains of Sa Pa has inspired him to continue honoring unique local ingredients such as black cardamom and smoked buffalo meat.
"Beyond ingredients hard to find elsewhere, we also apply knowledge from formal education and practical experience to develop special menus for Topas Ecolodge," Benjamin stated.
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Topas Ecolodge, where Benjamin works, is located in Ban Ho commune, Lao Cai, 45 km from Sa Pa town center. Photo: Topas Ecolodge |
Topas Ecolodge, where Benjamin works, is located in Ban Ho commune, Lao Cai, 45 km from Sa Pa town center. Photo: Topas Ecolodge
Under Benjamin's guidance, the restaurants at Topas Ecolodge have become a hub for culinary cultural exchange between Europe and Northwest Vietnam. His individual title and Nha Hang 360's recognition partly demonstrate his commitment to local ingredients and the quality of his dishes.
Dan Minh
During this festive season, Topas Ecolodge offers diverse culinary experiences and a range of engaging activities with exclusive promotional prices for Vietnamese tourists. Information on these offers is available here, valid for stays until 28/2/2026.
