Latest Posts
Pad See Ew with Tofu & Mikado Spinach
When I’m craving something light and flavorful, yet am feeling unmotivated to cook, this is the dish I turn to. Pad see ew is simply flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce. My meatless version with fried tofu and mikado spinach only takes 15 minutes to whip up, making it an ideal work from home lunch or satisfying weeknight dinner after a demanding work day.
Spicy Lemongrass King Oyster Mushrooms
This spicy lemongrass king oyster mushroom dish is a meatless version of gà xào sả ớt (lemongrass and chili chicken). Although the cooking time is much shorter than that of the chicken dish, it’s equally as flavorful and delicious.
Tarte Fine aux Poires | Thin Crust Pear Tart
This savory sweet tart makes for a quick & effortless meal that is delightfully satisfying paired with salad greens and a glass of sweet white wine.
Bún Riêu | Crab & Tomato Noodle Soup
There are a handful of dishes that I turn to time and again because I can make them in my sleep. The simplicity and familiarity of these dishes wrap me in a soothing blanket of comfort with every bite. When I’m low on creativity and motivation, I pull from my repertoire of these tried and true dishes. Bún riêu is among those dishes for me because I can whip it up in no time. Not only does it require minimal effort, it also has a satisfying combination of savory + slightly tart + umami flavors that hits the spot every time!
Christmas Stuffing Pâté Chaud
Leftover stuffing of ground pork, foie gras, chestnuts, egg and browned onions deglazed with cognac make the perfect filling for pâté chaud meat pies.
Stuffed Tofu in Tomato Sauce
Fried tofu stuffed with minced pork, woodear mushrooms and bean thread noodles bathed in a tomato sauce is a simple, yet satisfying weeknight meal.
Canh Cà Bung | Eggplant & Tomato Soup
Canh cà bung is a North Vietnamese specialty. The soup is composed of eggplant, tomatoes, tofu and pork ribs seasoned with turmeric & garnished w/Vietnamese perilla. I usually eat it with either steamed rice or vermicelli rice noodles.
Solitude in Confinement
The halting decrescendo of the urban symphony pulsating through the city’s streets abruptly faded into a deafening silence following the confinement order. The bustling whir that once animated my day-to-day has temporarily given way to an achingly muted solitude. As we all retreated to our respective nests, the quiet stillness reverberated throughout the confines of my home. I tried to drown out the hushed air with music and the sounds from my own routine movements, but eventually the murmur of my own voice eclipsed all else.
Poulet à la moutarde | Mustard Chicken
The simplicity of this French classic makes for a quick, yet delectable weeknight meal. Served with rice and a side of greens, this mustard chicken will satisfy just about any appetite!
Cake Salé au Poulet et Curry | Chicken Curry Savory Cake
This variation of the French cake salé | savory cake infuses the flavors of a traditional Vietnamese chicken curry into a radiantly colored loaf. You’ll often find such savory cakes served alongside apéritifs during the cocktail hour. Given how easy they are to make and their versatility, they also make an ideal hors-d’œuvre for picnics or potlucks. They travel well and can be served warm, room temp or even cold.