THE STORY OF GIA x MOSCONI

Some journeys leave us with much more than just work experience. Our recent visit to Ristorante Mosconi in Luxembourg was exactly that kind of journey. Moving from a beautiful friendship into real life, we did not just have the chance to introduce Vietnamese flavors to international diners, we were also lucky enough to find a second home, filled with warmth and family love, on the other side of the world.

The Connection

A three-year friendship between two sous chefs became the bridge between two kitchens.

This collaboration did not start with distant, formal plans. Instead, it grew from a simple friendship over the past three years between our two Sous Chefs: Quang Anh Nguyen (from Gia) and Gabriele Martini (from Mosconi). The two friends first met while studying culinary arts in Italy. Spending days in the kitchen and sharing the ups and downs of student life created a deep understanding between them. It was this natural bond of friendship that brought two teams from distant countries together for a very special colaboration.

Telling the story of home through the language of today.

Even though we grew up in two completely different cultures, Gia and Mosconi share the same great love: we both want to use modern and creative cooking to retell the stories of our traditional hometown dishes.

On the dining table this time, we brought flavors connected to our childhoods—the food that raised us. This is how each chef shares their own meaning of "home" in every plate served to our guests.

In the heart of Luxembourg,

Gia found the comforting feeling of being at home.

During this trip, Gia brought along simple and familiar ingredients from Vietnam, such as phật thủ (citron), hạt dổi (wild macadamia seeds), lá lốt (piper lolot leaves), and rau răm (Vietnamese coriander). We were so happy to introduce these tastes of home to Mosconi’s guests for the very first time.

But what touched our hearts the most was the incredibly warm welcome from our friends there. From the moment we stepped through the door, any language barrier or distance simply disappeared. The Mosconi team welcomed Gia with warm hugs, friendly smiles, and plates of hot pasta that felt just like a comforting family meal for children returning from afar.

We treasure every single minute spent sharing the same kitchen, using the same tools, and working alongside such genuine, kind colleagues. At Mosconi, we never felt like "guests." The protection and full support from everyone made us feel as if we were cooking in our own familiar kitchen back in Hanoi.

Vietnamese and Italian cuisines

meet in their deep love for family.

Vietnamese and Italian food cultures share something very deep: we both cherish gathering around the table with our families. For us, the best food is always the food shared with the people we love.

Standing inside a kitchen with 26 years of history, cooking together, laughing together, and learning from each other is a memory that the Gia team will never forget. The journey has ended, but the warmth of Mosconi’s hospitality and the genuine love we found there will always be a great inspiration for Gia on the path ahead.