About Me

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that originates in Northern Vietnam and has spread throughout the rest of the country and now has become pretty much the only dish that people associate with Vietnamese cuisine.  Whenever I meet new people and tell them that I’m Vietnamese and that I like to cook, I get the good old “Do you know how to make pho?”  I used to get really annoyed because 1) there are so many other kinds of amazing Vietnamese food and 2) even though I’m Vietnamese, I can make a lot of other stuff, too!

So I made this blog to address those two things.  I am second-generation Vietnamese graduate student who relieves her copious amounts of stress by cooking.  I like to make a lot of dishes that my mom used to make while I was growing up because they remind me of home.  I also feel that this is my way of celebrating my Vietnamese heritage and sharing it with others who may not have experienced it before.  Also, between the financial constraints and immense amounts of stress from being a grad student, the randomness of my recipes will depend on either what I find on sale at the grocery store or what my anxiety is compelling me to make.

However, being in school and working doesn’t give me much time in the day, so I’ve developed some easy short cuts.  I try to keep the steps simple and the ingredients minimal, while still maintaining authentic flavors.

Also, being California born and bred as well as being exposed to so many different cuisines, I have a love for food of all different cultures.  And I have been watching cooking shows since I was a little kid (back when there was no Food Network, but there was PBS cooking shows on the weekends!), so I’ve picked up recipes and techniques that build on what my mom has taught me.

If you have an questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to contact me!