Lê Quý Hưng

I am a Certified Sake Sommelier and Educator with over 12 years of studying and working experience in Japan, which has given me a strong foundation in Japanese language, culture, craftsmanship, and drinking traditions. This long-term immersion allows me to bridge not only the language, but also the mindset and philosophy behind sake production and appreciation.

With extensive experience in fine dining and the premium food and beverage sector, I have worked closely with chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality professionals to develop beverage programs where sake plays a central and expressive role. My approach emphasizes balance, context, and storytelling, presenting sake as a cultural product shaped by history, technique, and place.

I am currently the Sommelier-Owner of Mita 274 Sake & Smoke Cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City, a sake-centric restaurant dedicated to introducing sake through thoughtful pairings, guided tastings, and shared experiences. Committed to education and community building, my mission is to deepen the understanding and appreciation of sake in Vietnam and beyond, while nurturing the next generation of sake professionals and enthusiasts.

Protrader JSC is a subsidiary of Nihon Shurui Hanbai, a leading Japanese company specializing in the import,
export, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Since 2024, Protrader JSC has been actively engaged in sake promotion and educational activities in the
Vietnamese market. Drawing on close collaboration with Japanese producers and industry partners, our mission
is to develop a sustainable sake ecosystem in Vietnam – encompassing education, community building, and
professional workshops, while serving as a cultural bridge between Japan and Vietnam through sake.

We work closely with restaurants, beverage professionals, and institutions to promote proper understanding, appreciation,
and the long-term sustainable development of sake culture in the local market.

Tam Le Dang Vinh

Originally from Vietnam, Tam Le Dang Vinh brings a unique perspective from a country rich in rice culture and culinary heritage.

With a background in F&B management, he explores the cultural depth of sake through travel, judging, and education, driven by a passion for its elegance, diversity, and culture.

Although already holding numerous qualifications in sake (SSA’s CSS, WSET, CSP, 国際唎酒師, SSC, JSSA), Tam believes his journey is just beginning. For him, every day brings new things to learn, sake is a world that never stops growing.

Last but not least, he is especially thankful to his mentor, SSA Sake Educator and Sake Samurai Baku Takahashi, who poured him his first sake and introduced him to this rabbit hole, and continues to inspire his journey