Putney, London
Anyone can cook,but only thefearless can be great
I'm 13, I live in Putney, and I bake to order. Cakes, pastries, kimchi, sourdough, made fresh with a lot of care. Available weekends and school holidays.
Putney, London
I'm 13, I live in Putney, and I bake to order. Cakes, pastries, kimchi, sourdough, made fresh with a lot of care. Available weekends and school holidays.
Valentin Thang
Baker & Pastry Chef, 13
My Story
Hi, I'm Valentin. I'm 13, I live in Putney, London, and I've been obsessed with cooking for as long as I can remember. I couldn't even reach the kitchen counter when I started — but I kept going.
I've run my own cake orders, worked in a Vietnamese restaurant in Wales, taught cooking workshops to kids, and applied to Junior Bake Off. Food is how I talk to people, and I love making it.
"Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great."
Chef Gusteau, Ratatouille
I made Junior Bake Off
24th out of 3,000 applicants, selected as standby
I speak 3 languages
English, French and Vietnamese
I'm a Youth Councillor
Elected to represent Kingston young people
Highlights
I applied to Junior Bake Off and placed 24th out of over 3,000 applicants. I was selected as a standby contestant. It was the moment I knew this was more than a hobby.
I organised and ran a three-course Easter cooking class for 10 children with Vorwerk at Clapham Junction. Planning a menu for kids from scratch was one of my favourite projects.
I ran my own weekly cake order business from Putney while still in school — taking orders, decorating, delivering, and handling everything myself.
I worked as kitchen and front-of-house assistant at a Vietnamese restaurant in Wales. Real service, real pressure during busy periods. I loved every minute.
What I bake
I make these to order for any occasion. Tell me the flavour, the design, the date — and I'll handle the rest.
I've been practising French technique for years. Croissants, éclairs, the classics. I love how precise it has to be.
My mum is Vietnamese, so kimchi feels personal to me. I make it fresh with a recipe I've been testing for years — my own twist.
I keep my own sourdough starter. Each loaf takes two days from start to finish. Completely worth it.
I make the pastry from scratch and use seasonal fillings. Great for sharing at a gathering or giving as a gift.
I've taught three-course menus to kids at community events. Planning a menu for others is one of my favourite things to do.
Behind the scenes
Something different
I am 13, I have run a cake business, worked in a restaurant, taught cooking to kids, and applied to Junior Bake Off. I love what I do. But I am still figuring a lot of things out.
If you work in food, hospitality, business, or anything creative and you are open to a conversation, I would genuinely love that. I am curious about everything and I ask a lot of questions.
What I am looking for
Someone to talk to
I want to hear how people got to where they are. The path, the mistakes, the parts they did not expect.
Honest feedback
On my work, my ideas, my direction. I would rather hear something hard than something polite.
Connections
I am 13 and I do not know many people yet. I am trying to change that.
Be first to know
I am 13 and still in school, so I can only take orders in school holidays. If you join the list, you will be the first to know when I have time to bake and when stock is ready. No spam, just a message when something is available.
First in line when kimchi, cakes, or sourdough is ready
A heads-up when school holidays are coming
I only message when I actually have something ready