Born and raised in Viet Nam, I have a lifelong history and great passion for Vietnamese food. I have always wanted to bring Vietnamese cuisine into my art and create a new contemporary look for it. I want to introduce Vietnamese food to everyone because food is one of the best ways to connect people, and sharing my favorite traditional meals in my illustrations is an attempt to bridge the gap and create an organic idea of unity between cultures. People enjoy gathering at the table, getting to know each other, and having interesting conversations over food, in spite of age, ethnic and linguistic distinctions. I believe Vietnamese cooking does this beautifully. Its main purpose is to gather people and appreciate the joy over the differences, no discriminations, only happiness, and that is what “Peace Meals” means to me.
I chose to draw these food illustrations in a graphic way where shapes and color were solidly divided, to capture the attention of the audiences, to entice and boost a sense of adventure the next time they venture into a Vietnamese restaurant. It is quite of a big challenge for me but also a huge motivation that stimulates me to come up with effective solutions and strategies to interpret and present my art.
Phở - Rice noodle soup with rare beef
The most recognizable Vietnamese food enjoyed by all
Bánh khọt - Vietnamese Savory Mini Pancake
Crispy rice flour fried with shrimp, made in individual cups, served as mini snacks starter.
Chè - Vietnamese Dessert dishes cooked with beans, corn, coconut milk,
and sesame seed, an after dinner treat, in a small cup, from a specialty shop with many choices.
Bò bía
Stir fried jimica and carrots, red pork sausage, shredded scrambled eggs, fried grind shrimps, all wrapped with basil in a rice paper roll. Dipped into a spicy peanut sauce (with freshly roasted and grounded peanuts
An easy nightly snack, conveniently serve as you take your stroll the streets.
Bánh mì đặc biệt - Special Vietnamese Baguette
“On the go” breakfast sandwich with several meat variation.
Nghêu hấp xả chua ngọt - Cơm chiên thập cẩm
Clay pot fried rice and – Steamed clams in spicy, sweet and sour lemongrass soup.
Random order for weekend dinner gathering, best over cold beers and conversations
Mực chiên nhồi thịt – Fried Stuffed Squid
Part of the family style dinner, it is easy, simple to make, and loved by all.
Cơm tấm sườn bì trứng
Broken steamed rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork, pork skin, sunny side up egg and egg paste
A typical breakfast dish served from the side of a road where the smoke and the smell from the grill could draw hungry customers.
Ốc len xào dừa - Escargots in Coconut Milk
These special escargots has a hole thru them, making sucking the meat and juice in a quick burst, taking in all the flavors
