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The story of Paul Vigo Berrospi is that of a Peruvian, like so many others, who ventured to leave his hometown of Cajamarca to start a new life in the Netherlands. With determination, passion, and a deep love for his family and Peruvian heritage, Paul has overcome challenges, found new opportunities, and reinvented himself in the face of adversity to share the richness of Peruvian flavors in Europe. In this interview, he shares his adventures, his drive to succeed, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Cajamarca: Where it all began
Paul was born in Cajamarca, a city he describes with great affection: “I lived in Cajamarca until I was 33, just two blocks from the main square. I have wonderful memories of my time in Peru—the best and most lasting ones from my city, where I was surrounded by family, friends, and, above all, my own culture.” He studied Communication Sciences, and though he wasn’t a formal cook, he always had an interest in cuisine thanks to the influence of his family. His mother, aunt, and other relatives—most of them women—imprinted the flavors and aromas of delicious home cooking on his soul.
The Start of a New Adventure: Emigrating to the Netherlands
Paul’s life took a turn when he and his wife, Sara, decided to move to the Netherlands in 2017. “We lived in Cajamarca with my Dutch wife Sara for about nine years, and when our first daughter, Julia, was born, we decided to start from scratch. Sara wanted to return to her country, but she understood when I told her I would be devastated if anything happened to my parents, as their health was declining.”
One day, Paul shared his plans with his father: “‘Ancestro’—that’s what I affectionately called my father—’I’m going to live in the Netherlands.'” His father responded with a father’s love: “No, cholito, you’ll leave when I’m six feet under.”
Sadly, his father passed away a few months later, and a year after that, his mother—whom he lovingly called “mi ancestrita”—also passed away.
“I’m not a traditional chef, but I bring the flavors I remember from childhood to my dishes.”
His decision was emotional, especially after losing his parents, who had played a fundamental role in his life. But with the support of his wife and daughters, Paul decided to embark on a new adventure in a different country, with a culture and customs unlike those he was accustomed to.
The Awakening of a Chef in the Netherlands
Upon arriving in the Netherlands, Paul discovered his true passion for cooking. Though he initially had some good—albeit challenging and eye-opening—experiences working in restaurants, his love for gastronomy kept him going. “At first, I worked in two Peruvian restaurants, but it wasn’t what I expected, so I decided to explore other opportunities. Then I met Devora, a fellow Peruvian chef, and thanks to her, I fell in love with cooking again. It was like an intensive course in the fast-paced world of a professional kitchen, and I realized I wanted to stay in this world,” Paul recalls.
His time in different restaurants allowed him to learn from both the good and the difficult situations. “In bad places, I learned how not to do things, and in good ones, I picked up techniques, staff management, and, most importantly, an understanding of the Dutch palate.”
Venturing into Peruvian Cuisine: A Fusion of Flavors
Paul didn’t stop at learning—he decided to take the leap and blend the flavors of his homeland with local and Asian influences. “At the places where I worked, I proposed Peruvian recipes, and I saw they were well-received. That motivated me to start a workshop project where I could showcase the versatility of our cuisine,” he says. For Paul, entrepreneurship meant bringing the roots of his culture to new tables, adapting to local tastes while preserving Peruvian authenticity.
“I’m not a traditional chef, but I bring the flavors I remember from childhood to my dishes,” he says proudly. For him, there isn’t one specific dish that represents his venture, but rather a creative fusion that explores Peruvian flavors and ingredients from other cultures. “I love improvising and combining, but the most important thing is that the customer enjoys something tasty and meaningful on their plate.”
Strengths, Challenges, and Achievements: The Face of Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs aren’t born—they’re made—and Paul has faced challenges head-on, relying on his strengths to push forward. “I like taking risks, and when I’m working on something that’s mine, I give 150%. I love sharing what I’ve learned here, and I care deeply about customer satisfaction,” he says. However, he admits that administrative tasks aren’t his strong suit, and he’s still learning to handle accounting and financial organization.
Despite the difficulties, his greatest achievement has been developing a personal Peruvian food project in a country as culturally different as the Netherlands. “For me, the fact that my project is appreciated here is my greatest accomplishment, both professionally and personally.”
Peruvian Cuisine in Europe: A Promising Future
When asked about the evolution of Peruvian cuisine in Europe, Paul has a clear vision: “If those of us in the gastronomy industry put our heart and soul into it, we can take our culinary culture far. I deeply respect our food, but I’m also willing to tweak and adapt it slightly for local tastes. I believe that fusion and adaptation are key to gaining wider acceptance.”
For him, ceviche is the dish that connects him most emotionally to Peru. “It’s a dish that’s been with us practically since birth, in different versions, and it’s always present—at family gatherings and among friends.”
Family: The Driving Force in His Life
Paul emphasizes that his family has been fundamental to his success. “My wife and my two young daughters are the main engines behind this crazy journey I’m on here, and from the beginning, I’ve had their unconditional support. It’s for them that I’m doing what I’m doing.”
For those who wish to follow a similar path, Paul offers this advice: “If you have a dream, first ground yourself, analyze the market, and if you see it’s going to work—go for it! Don’t be afraid to take risks if you know it’s what you want.”
A Path of Learning and Adaptation
Reflecting on his journey, Paul highlights that every experience—good or bad—has been a learning opportunity. “The road is long, and every day you learn something new. To this day, I know that I know nothing, and that motivates me to keep growing.”
With passion and effort, Paul Vigo Berrospi has succeeded in bringing the essence of Peruvian gastronomy to the Netherlands, fusing flavors and showcasing the best of his learning, achievements, and perseverance—blending his Peruvian culture with his life in the Netherlands for a new and diverse audience. His story is an inspiring example of how perseverance and passion can help you achieve great things, no matter how far from home you are.
Share Your Thoughts!
Don’t miss out on trying their delicious dishes at their “Ceviche con cuchara” stand located in Foodhall Arnhem (Rijnkade 49, 6811 HB Arnhem). We also invite you to visit their website www.workshopperuvianfood.nl and discover their culinary talent. Share this article with your friends so they can also learn about their story and support a Peruvian talent in the world of gastronomy!
We’d love to hear your opinion about Paul—your input is very important! Leave us your comments and share this experience. Thank you for joining us on this Peruvian culinary adventure!
