CHEF HELENE AN

Chef Helene An, is affectionately known around the world as “Mama,” and celebrated as the “Mother of Fusion Cuisine.” She is the culinary pioneer behind House of AN and Crustacean Beverly Hills. After fleeing from Vietnam in 1975 after the Fall of Saigon, she introduced San Francisco and America to its first Vietnamese restaurant and created the legendary AN’s Famous Garlic Noodles®. By blending Vietnamese flavors with French technique and Chinese precision, she helped define Asian fusion dining in America. Her groundbreaking work has been honored by the Smithsonian Institution and the California Hall of Fame.

Chef Helene’s philosophy is simple yet profound: food should nourish, balance, and connect. Guided by Eastern principles and a respect for fresh, seasonal ingredients, she crafts dishes that are bold, elegant, and timeless. Her legacy continues at Crustacean Beverly Hills, where innovation and heritage meet to create one of Los Angeles’ most iconic fine dining experiences.