NAME: |
Matt Ryan |
FROM: |
U.K. |
LIVED IN THAO DIEN FOR…? |
Union Jack’s has been in Thao Dien for 2 years. |
ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THAO DIEN: |
Sitting by the river – I love the coffee shops but my absolute favourite is chilling by the river. The Boathouse is my favourite spot but mostly I love Thao Dien because it feels like you’re not in Saigon anymore. This place gives me an Island vibe. |
FAVORITE FOOD: |
Vietnamese – Cao Lau those noodles, bbq pork and crackling. mmmm! Western – Fish & Chips of course, followed closely by a homely Sunday Roast. |
FAVORITE COLOR: |
Sky Blue |
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU: |
I missed my flight home 12 years ago which sped up plans to move to Asia. |
Known For
I’m known for Union Jack’s Fish & Chips & Indika Saigon. Union Jack’s is the quintessential British Fish & Chips restaurant in the heart of Thao Dien. If you’ve never tried British Fish ‘n’ Chips, you must – it’s the emblematic British meal, and very tasty.
My family came from a background in hospitality – my Grandad owned a pub for many years and my Dad owned a cafe and a food truck in England. I’ve always enjoyed being a host and absolutely love making people feel happy and welcome.
I came through Vietnam as a backpacker 12 years ago and fell in love with this crazy vibrant place. One of the first ‘local pubs’ I frequented was owned and operated by four sisters. I soon became partners with two of the sisters in a new bar and then a new cafe which taught me a lot about how to do business in Vietnam and how to work with people from different cultures.
We initially started with another Fish & Chips restaurant in D1. We took over the premises and some furniture but started from scratch with a new brand – Union Jack’s Fish & Chips. Union Jack’s has been in Thao Dien for 2 years. We love it here. It’s a great community and we feel at home here.
