THE NAME
Karppi is named after a type of fish that Vietnamese folklore considers a sacred creature responsible for carrying 'Ông Táo' (the Kitchen God) to heaven. Karppi, also known as the golden carp, is a symbol of success and good fortune, closely associated with the legendary tale of the "carp transforming into a dragon."
The legend of the carp transforming into a dragon is a well-known Vietnamese folktale rich in symbolism, representing perseverance and the desire to rise above challenges. According to the legend, a carp that successfully navigates the winding river and leaps over the heavenly gate will transform into a mighty dragon, symbolizing the triumph of determination and willpower. This story not only emphasizes the effort needed to overcome difficulties but also illustrates the dreams and aspirations of reaching new heights. It conveys that even the smallest creatures, with enough courage and persistence, can achieve extraordinary feats.
By adopting the image of the carp, Karppi embodies a spirit of continuous learning and self-improvement in its field. Every member strives to develop daily, overcoming challenges together without losing heart. As long as we do not give up and remain steadfast, we believe that perseverance will eventually lead to success.
At present, Karppi may still be small, but with unwavering dedication and effort, we are confident that one day, we will become our own dragons.
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HEAD CHEF
MEET PATRICK PHAM, THE ARTIST BEHIND KARPPI
"THE KITCHEN IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD, BUT A PLATFORM FOR A SPOKEN ARTISTRY"
Growing up in Vietnamese culture where family meals held immense importance, I cooked for the first time in my third-grade. One day, my mother was away and very busy at work, so I went to get the groceries and cooked for me and my sister since. Despite my young age, I distinctly remember the thrill of venturing into the realm of cooking for the first time.
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My culinary aspirations were sparked by watching Heston's feasts show. The artistry with which Heston Blumenthal transformed ingredients left an indelible mark on my impressionable 14-year-old self. He emerged as a culinary icon in my heart, profoundly shaping my approach to cooking.
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As a self-taught chef, I recognize the imperative of continual learning to hone my craft and culinary journey. Communication not being my forte as an introvert, I find solace in expressing myself through my dishes.
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Karppi stands as the first culinary offspring of me and my partner. It serves as a crucible to test my skills and as a cornerstone in my quest to explore the culinary landscape. With Karppi as my canvas, I am afforded the freedom to unleash my creativity and experiment with diverse ingredients. Through Karppi, I aspire to introduce novel and tantalizing dishes, employing familiar elements with refined culinary techniques to delight palates far and wide.
KARPPI IN THE NEWS
