Meet the Team: GNS Culinary Maestro Chef Leon

In the heart of the bustling kitchen at GNS is Chef Leon, the culinary artist behind the delicious and diverse menu. He shares his life story that led him to become the school’s main chef.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Chef Leon’s journey to Canada began in his late teens. Spending much of his childhood in a refugee camp in Vietnam, his family was able to come to Canada through sponsorship from a church by the time he was 19.

Upon arriving in Canada, he found himself in the culinary world, honing his skills in various restaurants. His experience eventually led him to the position of Executive Chef at Swan’s for over a decade. He then ventured into entrepreneurship and owned multiple restaurants. 

Seeking a better work-life balance when his family grew, Chef Leon spent 15 years working for the Denford family at Berwick Royal Oak.

The unexpected turn of events during the COVID-19 pandemic brought Chef Leon to GNS. Initially, it started as a part-time endeavour and eventually turned into a full-time role.

When asked about applying creativity to his cooking for GNS students, Chef Leon said that bringing diverse flavour profiles to the students is important to him. The menu has been tailored to fit the differing needs of students across the whole school. The Junior School children enjoy kid-friendly selections and the Senior School students are provided with opportunities to expand their palates across cultures.

Chef Leon draws inspiration from his extensive travels when he was able to explore culinary traditions from Europe to Southeast Asia, and the Middle East with his family. These experiences allow him to infuse authenticity into his dishes while customizing them to suit the tastes of the students.

One of the chef’s proudest achievements is introducing GNS students to a variety of global cuisines. He believes in offering them a taste of different foods as a learning experience, providing an appreciation for culture. 

What makes Chef Leon’s role at GNS particularly fulfilling is the school’s small size, allowing for relatively quick and meaningful changes. He said that he also cherishes the connections formed with the students, relishing the opportunity to influence their culinary preferences and broaden their perspectives.

In Chef Leon, GNS has found a skilled chef and a passionate culinary ambassador who brings a world of flavours to the school community, creating an enriching and memorable dining experience for students and staff alike.