Luke Nguyen is a celebrated Vietnamese-Australian chef, restaurateur, author, and television host, widely recognised for bringing the flavours and stories of Vietnam to a global audience. Born in a Thai refugee camp in 1978, his family moved to Australia when he was an infant, settling in Cabramatta, Sydney. Growing up amid his parents’ restaurant, Luke was immersed in Vietnamese cooking from an early age, developing a deep appreciation for its rich culinary traditions

At just 23, Luke launched his first restaurant, Red Lantern, in Surry Hills alongside his sister, Pauline. From the beginning, the restaurant was praised for its authentic flavours, focus on freshness, and strong cultural identity. Red Lantern quickly became a destination for diners seeking genuine Vietnamese cuisine in Sydney.

Luke’s culinary ventures expanded with the creation of other restaurants, including Fat Noodle and Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City. Across these establishments, he blends traditional Vietnamese and Southeast Asian flavours with contemporary approaches, often adapting recipes to local ingredients while preserving their distinctive taste and authenticity.

Beyond the kitchen, Luke has built a significant media presence. His travel and food television series—Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam, Luke Nguyen’s Greater Mekong, and Luke Nguyen’s Street Food Asia, among others—take viewers on journeys across Asia, exploring regional dishes, street food, and the cultural stories behind them. His cookbooks follow the same philosophy, combining recipes with personal and historical narratives from his Vietnamese roots.

Philanthropy is another cornerstone of Luke’s work. In 2009, he co-founded the Little Lantern Foundation in Hoi An, providing disadvantaged youth with hospitality training and career opportunities. His efforts to promote Vietnamese cuisine and culture globally have earned him recognition, including an Honorary Doctorate from RMIT Vietnam.

As of 2025, Luke is closing Red Lantern after nearly 25 years, marking the end of an era for the beloved Sydney restaurant. He continues to focus on his other restaurants, media projects, and philanthropic initiatives, carrying forward his mission of sharing Vietnamese food and culture with the world.