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Named Best Gay Chef at Puerto Vallarta Gays Awards
[This story originally appeared in our summer 2025 print issue. ]
Chef Charlie Huynh, owner of Let’s Pho, was honored as Best Gay Chef at the Second Annual Puerto Vallarta Gays: Best of Awards on February 27, 2025. The event, held at Industry, recognized notable contributions within the local LGBTQ+ community and had more than 300 people attend.
In addition to Best Gay Chef, his restaurant was a finalist for Best Gay Owned Restaurant. And in the recent We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards, he was named Favorite Chef.
Huynh, originally from Saigon, Vietnam, relocated to the United States at age 13. He developed a passion for cooking early on, leading him to establish multiple restaurants in Houston, Texas. In October 2022, he expanded his culinary ventures to Puerto Vallarta with the opening of Let’s Pho.
At the young age of 37 he has had a career as a model, been a philanthropist for the LGBT+ community and successfully opened five restaurants.
Building on the success of his Puerto Vallarta location, Huynh expanded Let’s Pho to Guadalajara in the summer of 2024. The Guadalajara restaurant, located at Morelos 1854 in the Ladrón de Guevara neighborhood, has been well-received for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
“As a college dropout, I had to create my own opportunity. I had to do something with my life. So when the opportunity of owning my own restaurant presented itself, I took it,¨ Huynh said.
He is a self-taught chef and Huynh says he has a natural ability to see opportunities and take action, which is what brought him and his new restaurant, Let’s Pho, to Puerto Vallarta. He started his career as a waiter, learned how to cook at the early age of 13, and knew then that he had a passion for cooking.
“I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta for more than 10 years,” Huynh explained. “But when the pandemic hit, I suddenly had more free time on my hands and Puerto Vallarta was open for visitors. I visited often then and fell in love with the Zona Romantica area, the people and the community. Everyone here is so helpful and welcoming. It’s amazing.”
Huynh’s recognition underscores his commitment to both the culinary arts and the LGBTQ+ community in Puerto Vallarta. He emphasized, “Cuisine is not just the food we serve, it’s also culture, and part of my identity. It’s part of who I am that I have the privilege of introducing to this charming city.”
Beyond his culinary endeavors, Huynh is dedicated to community involvement. He quietly supports many community endeavors, and recently Let’s Pho served as a Gold Sponsor for the annual “So You Think You Can RISE” talent show, benefiting the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza children’s shelter.
“I wanted to make a big impact in the community. When Let’s Pho moved into town, everyone welcomed us with open arms. We are here today because of the support we received from this beautiful place we call home,¨ he said.
Huynh’s dedication to authentic Vietnamese cuisine and community engagement has solidified Let’s Pho as a notable establishment in Puerto Vallarta’s diverse culinary landscape.
Puerto Vallarta Gays: Best of Awards Winners and Finalists
The Puerto Vallarta Gays: Best of Awards, initiated by local entrepreneur Jet De La Isla, celebrates individuals and businesses that enhance the city’s LGBTQ+ scene. This year’s ceremony featured various categories, including Best Cocktail Bar awarded to La Noche, Best Male Strip Club to Wet Dreams, and Best Gay Hotel to Casa Cupula.
Following an open nomination period and a final round narrowing down the top three contenders in each category, winners were announced by hosts Alison Lo and Father Chaka Paradise. The night featured music by DJ Jameson Rabbit and was proudly sponsored by Dog & Cat and ThrIVe MedSpa.
A dedicated committee—consisting of Philip Weir, Alison Lo, and John Ramsey—oversaw the nomination and voting process to ensure fairness and transparency.
“It was an absolute pleasure to witness the community come together for this celebration of the best in Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ scene,” Jet said. “We are what makes Vallarta an international gay destination, and this is just the beginning.”
The event was co-produced by Johnny Paraiso Productions, alongside the incredibly talented performers Eva Jimenez, Chris Lopez, Evita Loca, and Maru Prado Conti.
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