Designed by Paris-based architect Arte Charpentier, Villa Minh is a six-bedroom villa with breathtaking ocean views. Many of Phuket’s sights are within easy reach, just between the Kamala and Patong beaches. Perched on a hillside, Minh has been built to preserve its gorgeous coastal setting.
The bedrooms are magnificently decorated and connected both by stairs and a lift. The villa’s lavish living areas are accentuated by art and antiques. The 17.5 metre pool with built-in jacuzzi is illuminated by the beautiful night sky. You’ll want to restore your senses in the spa room and luxuriate in the wonderful living pavilions.
Villa Minh is perfect for entertaining, whether for a casual barbecue or a formal dinner. We sat down with Chef El to get a glimpse into what goes on in the kitchen.
Elite Havens: Hi, Chef, Please tell me about yourself.
Chef El: I am El and I am the chef of Villa Minh.
Elite Havens: How long have you been cooking?
Chef El: For 15 years.
Elite Havens: How did you start cooking?
Chef El: At first, I was not a chef. I used to help the chef in food preparation and presentation and that’s how I learned to cook.
Elite Havens: And how did you become the chef here?
Chef El: A friend recommended me.
Elite Havens: And what do you love to cook? Is there a particular dish that you love to cook?
Chef El: Pad Thai. I’ve received a lot of compliments from my guests. They say my Pad Thai is not too spicy and it is unique.
Elite Havens: Can you tell me what you’re currently making?
Chef El: Spicy Pomelo Salad. We will also make Panang Curry. Chilli paste is very important for Panang Curry and we make chilli paste too.
EH: Ok. And what else do you like to cook?
Chef El: Pineapple fried rice. I like to put in a lot of ingredients so there’s a combination of sour, sweet and spicy flavours. That is a typical traditional Thai flavour combination. Some of the other chefs adjust the taste for foreigners. I like to stick to the authentic taste. But I can adjust the spice level for our foreign guests. I ask them if they like spicy food or not. If they can’t eat spicy food, I can make the food less spicy.
EH: What do you think it takes to be a good chef?
Chef El: I think it’s very important to listen to guests, to find out what they like and don’t like. And regarding the ingredients, a chef should know how to select the freshest ingredients.
Chef El’s Spicy Pomelo Salad
Ingredients:
- Pomelo, torn into chunks 350 g
- Shrimps 100 g
- Shredded coconut, dark toasted 4 tbsp
- Cashew nut 2 tbsp
- Fried shallots, thinly sliced 3 tbsp
- Chopped red chilli 2 tbsp
- Kaffir lime leaves, very thinly sliced 2 tbsp
Dressing Ingredients:
- Chilli powder 1 tbsp
- Shallots, thinly sliced 3 tbsp
- Palm sugar 2 tbsp
- Fish sauce 2 tbsp
- Tamarind juice 3 tbsp
- Water 3 tbsp
Instructions:
- Boil tamarind juice then adds water and shallots. Simmer for 5 mins. Add palm sugar, chilli powder and fish sauce and reduce the heat.
- Pour the dressing into a mixing bowl, then add all other ingredients and toss to combine. You can serve it as is or serve some wild betel leaves (Champloo leaves) which you can use to make a little bite-sized wrap of the salad.
For those seeking an ultimate foodie vacation in paradise, Phuket is the perfect setting.
