Restaurant KOTO Van Mieu, Vietnam

In Hanoi, Vietnam, we support KOTO, a restaurant founded in 1999 by the Australian–Vietnamese chef Jimmy Pham after he saw first-hand how many young people in Vietnam lacked access to education and work. The aim was to give disadvantaged young people a genuine chance in life. Many of those at KOTO have experienced poverty, missed out on schooling, or grown up in unstable family situations, leaving them with limited opportunities to build a future for themselves.

The name KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One” and reflects the project’s core belief that knowledge grows when it is shared.

Young people enrol on a structured training programme that combines vocational training with personal development. A central part of the programme takes place at KOTO’s restaurant, where they gain hands-on experience in cooking, service, and restaurant operations. At the same time, they are taught English, IT, and life skills, strengthening their chances of securing lasting employment after graduating. The programme runs for 18 to 24 months and is free for participants.

KOTO’s work isn’t just about vocational skills; it’s also about building confidence, a sense of responsibility, and belief in oneself. The young people receive close support throughout the programme and are given the tools to navigate adult life and the world of work. Many then go on to work in hotels and restaurants across Vietnam, while others find work overseas or return to KOTO as role models for new trainees.

When you stop for lunch at KOTO as part of your city tour of Hanoi, you’re supporting a tangible, long-term sustainability project, with your visit directly contributing to education, social responsibility, and brighter future prospects for young Hanoians.

– And you’ll also enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes, made from scratch with a focus on seasonal ingredients.