Renowned Chef Charles Phan, Pioneer of Vietnamese Fine Dining, Dies at 62

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Charles Phan, the celebrated chef who revolutionized Vietnamese cuisine in the fine dining scene with his iconic Slanted Door restaurants, died Monday, January 20, at the age of 62. His representatives confirmed the cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Phan, a trailblazer in the culinary world, opened the first Slanted Door in San Franciscou2019s Mission District in 1995. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim for its modern take on traditional Vietnamese dishes, blending bold flavors with elegant presentation. Over nearly three decades, Phan expanded his empire to include multiple locations across the Bay Area, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of Vietnamese cuisine in the U.S.

u201cWhile this was sudden and shocking to many of us, we will endure as the Slanted Door has for almost 30 years,u201d the Phan family and the Slanted Door Group said in a statement. u201cThe restaurants will continue to operate under the leadership of our management team as we navigate this transition.u201d

Phanu2019s influence extended far beyond his restaurants. He authored several cookbooks, including u201cVietnamese Home Cooking,u201d and earned numerous accolades, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: California in 2004. His work helped elevate Vietnamese cuisine to new heights, inspiring a generation of chefs and food enthusiasts.

Born in Vietnam, Phan and his family fled the country during the fall of Saigon in 1975. They eventually settled in San Francisco, where Phanu2019s passion for food and his cultural heritage flourished. His journey from refugee to culinary icon became a testament to resilience and innovation.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from the culinary community. Fellow chefs, food critics, and diners alike celebrated Phanu2019s contributions to the industry and his role in shaping the Bay Areau2019s vibrant food scene.

The Slanted Door Group assured patrons that its restaurants will remain open, continuing Phanu2019s vision of sharing Vietnamese cuisine with the world. Updates on memorial services and tributes are expected in the coming days.