Visionary Culinary Leader & Hospitality Innovator

Richard Gillet is a French-born chef, entrepreneur, and culinary consultant whose career has spanned over three decades and two continents. Known for his classical French training, entrepreneurial drive, and quiet precision, Richard has left an indelible mark on the culinary and hospitality scene in Southeast Asia.

Richard began his journey in the kitchen at just 16, working under the legendary Chef Bernard Loiseau at La Côte d’Or in Saulieu, France. He later trained under several Meilleurs Ouvriers de France including Chef Christophe Quantin and joined the team at Laurent in Paris under Chef Philippe Braun, a disciple of Joël Robuchon.

In 1996, Richard moved to Cambodia to helm the kitchen at the French Embassy. There, he fell in love with the region and soon after co-founded what would become one of Cambodia’s leading hospitality groups—Thalias Hospitality. He played a pivotal role in developing Topaz into Phnom Penh’s premier fine-dining French restaurant and later launched Khéma, a contemporary brasserie and delicatessen.

As Culinary Director and R&D Head of Thalias, Richard collaborated with Michelin-starred chefs including Benoît Vidal, Christian Têtedoie, Serge Granger, Philippe Girardon, and Guy Lassausaie. His contributions have extended to Singapore and Jakarta, where he helped launch acclaimed establishments like Bistecca and Moovina—earning accolades including Best French Restaurant (2nd prize) in Jakarta in 2012.

In 2017, Richard founded the Cambodia Chapter of Disciples Escoffier and now serves as Vice-President for the Asia-Pacific zone, championing young talent and culinary excellence across the region.

Today, Richard continues to shape the culinary world through Atelier by Richard, his Bali-based delicatessen that blends local Indonesian resources with refined French tradition. Through his consulting work, he supports chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs in bringing their culinary visions to life.

Whether in the kitchen or boardroom, Richard’s unwavering belief in quality, mentorship, and innovation remains at the heart of his journey.”