Real guests · Real dinners · Verified on Take a Chef
Chef Tien Tran has cooked 289 private chef services through Take a Chef alone, from brunch in Joshua Tree to a 24-guest dinner. Below are guests’ own words, grouped by the kind of night they booked, so you can find someone whose party looks like yours.
Large tables are where a private chef earns their fee. Planning the menu ahead, pacing courses for a crowd and keeping the kitchen under control while guests mingle is most of the job. If you’re hosting a group, see small-event catering or event dining.
“Chef Tran was absolutely amazing! He was incredibly easy to work with, helped plan all the details ahead of our dinner and created an experience and meal all 24 of our guests loved.”
“He was very helpful when deciding on a menu and we were very pleased with the taco meal he prepared for our group of 14.”
“We had some setbacks (a 3L bottle of wine that just didn’t want to open) but Chef Tran and his team were creative and resilient and did what needed to be done to deliver an end-to-end awesome experience!”
“Chef Tien was an amazing person, so talented and each and everyone line up for a second plate.”
For dinners for two, Tien usually talks the menu through with whoever is booking so the night can land as a surprise. Couples planning something similar can start with our Palm Springs personal chef page or browse sample menus.
“He worked with me beforehand to customize a menu that my partner would love, and arrived right on time to begin preparing our meal… I could not recommend Chef Tien enough, both as a great human and talented chef!”
“He was on time, fun to hang out with, and cooked us a fantastic dinner for our wedding anniversary! Food was delicious, 10/10”
“We had an intimate dinner with just a few friends and it was delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by all!”
“He went above and beyond to accommodate my changes, both to the menu and to the number of attendees. I still dream about his ceviche…”
A late, slow brunch at the rental is one of the most-booked formats in the desert. More on menus and timing on our brunch private chef page.
“The brunch was absolutely lovely! With 6 dishes, plus pastries it was more than expected and each dish did not leave us wanting!”
“Tien was an amazing personal chef. We had [the] most delicious breakfast! Thank you!”
Many of Tien’s dinners happen in Airbnbs and vacation homes, from Joshua Tree cabins to Temecula wine-country houses. See vacation rental private chef, Joshua Tree and bachelorette dinners.
“Chef Tien was Incredible! Could not recommend enough. Will definitely hope he will be available for any future trips to Joshua tree.”
“Chef Tien cooked us an amazing outdoor meal for our Temecula girls weekend!… His west coast tri-tip was delicious and I will dream about that bananas foster bread pudding for a long time!”
“Tien crafted a fantastic menu, was incredibly responsive and thoughtful, and helped create a fantastic dining experience… I would love to bring him in for more events.”
Allergies, restrictions, cleanup and leftovers: the things guests notice most after the fact. Read about allergy-friendly menus and plant-based private chef options.
“He was right on time and cooked us a delicious meal. He was able to accommodate to my boyfriends and I dietary restrictions.”
“His food is delicious, he cleaned after he cooked, and he stored the leftovers for us so we could continue to enjoy it. A 5 star experience all the way!!”
“Chef Tien was unbelievable. Just say yes. He will do the rest.”
Every quote on this page comes from Chef Tien’s public profile on Take a Chef, where guests review after a completed booking. We show first names or initials, shorten some reviews for length (marked with …) and leave out private notes guests wrote to the chef. Totals were checked in October 2026. Want to know the chef behind them? Read Chef Tien Tran’s story or watch him cook.
Already dined with Chef Tien? A short Google review helps other hosts find him.
From Thermal, CA to the coast, we cook with passion. A private chef who comes to you for in-home dinners, celebrations, team meals and cooking experiences across the Coachella Valley, the High Desert and Southern California.
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