From the Mountains to Hoi An: The Journey of a Food Lover Ms. Hanh’s journey began as the eldest of four in a bustling family restaurant tucked away in the mountains of Vietnam. Life was far from easy, but the kitchen was always alive with laughter, delicious smells, and the gentle guidance of her grandmother and mother. From a young age, Hanh was by their side, learning the fine art of Vietnamese cooking from scratch – no electricity, no shortcuts, just fresh ingredients and age-old techniques passed down through generations. Helping to run the family restaurant taught Hanh more than recipes. She learned to choose the freshest food from the local markets, prep for the menu, and by 12 years of age she was cooking the restaurant meals each evening. Every meal was a celebration of culture, and every dish told a story. In a world without modern conveniences, Hanh mastered the secrets of flavour and tradition, setting the foundation for her future as a culinary artist.

Chasing Dreams: From Dishwasher to Head Chef in Hoi An In 2002, Hanh made the bold move to Hoi An, determined to carve out her own path. She started at the very bottom – scrubbing dishes and learning the ropes in busy local kitchens. But through hard work, curiosity, and relentless passion, she rose through the ranks to become a respected head chef. Her food drew visitors from all over the world with chef’s coming to learn her skills in Vietnamese cuisine. Hanh’s kitchen soon became her classroom. She picked up English from the tourists who wandered in hungry and left fascinated by her stories and recipes. Inspired by their curiosity, Hanh realised she could do more than cook – she could teach.