Charles Phan, the acclaimed chef behind Slanted Door, the San Francisco restaurant that revolutionized Vietnamese cuisine in fine dining, has passed away at the age of 62.
A Sudden Loss to the Culinary World
Phan died unexpectedly on Tuesday from cardiac arrest. His death was confirmed by the restaurant’s official Instagram account, which described the loss as “heartbreaking” and “unexpected.”
“Charles was more than a chef. He was one of the most generous humans,” Slanted Door’s statement read. “Our hearts are heavy with this tremendous loss.”
A Legacy in the Restaurant Industry
Phan was best known for transforming Slanted Door into a globally recognized name, with additional locations in Napa, San Ramon, and even France. His flagship restaurant, once located in San Francisco’s Ferry Building, closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. It was set to reopen this spring in the Mission District, although it remains uncertain how Phan’s death will affect these plans.
Tributes Pour In from the Culinary Community
Chefs and food industry professionals have been paying tribute to Phan on social media. Carolyn Jung, a longtime food and wine writer, noted that Phan’s guidance had a significant impact on many chefs. “He definitely paved the way for a lot of Asian and other minority chefs,” Jung explained. “He showed them that with passion, care, and respect, you can create something meaningful and find an audience.”
From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Icon
Born in Vietnam in 1962, Phan was the oldest of six children. His family left Vietnam when he was 13 and settled in the U.S. Phan grew up in a home without a refrigerator, so his family often went to a local café to enjoy pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. He learned to cook from his mother and aunt, and eventually began watching cooking shows on TV to pick up Western techniques.
Despite being told there were too many Vietnamese restaurants in San Francisco, Phan opened his own in the Mission District in 1995. Slanted Door quickly became a sensation, known for its modern twist on Vietnamese dishes. Phan used organic ingredients and premium meats, such as filet mignon, to elevate the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
A Visionary in the Kitchen
Phan’s impact went beyond the food itself. His restaurant was not just a place to eat but a modern, stylish space that introduced people to Vietnamese food in a new light. “Before him, there were very few Vietnamese restaurants that went beyond the mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall style,” said Jung. “He came with a love for architecture and created a contemporary space that showcased thoughtfully prepared dishes.”
Phan was also an innovator, introducing new ideas like cocktail bars and meal kits for people to recreate his dishes at home. Over the years, he earned multiple prestigious awards, including the James Beard Award for “Best Chef: California” and recognition for Slanted Door as “Outstanding Restaurant in America.”
Remembering His Culinary Philosophy
Phan was known for his honesty and commitment to high standards. Jung recalled an interaction in which Phan explained his decision to avoid serving pho at dinner, saying, “That’s like ordering French toast at night.”
To honor Phan’s legacy, Slanted Door encouraged people to keep his spirit alive by sharing meals “family style.” The restaurant has not yet made public announcements about memorial services and has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Related topics:
