American Woman Excels in Mastering Vietnamese Cuisine on TikTok

Logan, an American woman, has captivated TikTok audiences with her Vietnamese cooking skills. From bun moc to braised pork belly, she shares authentic recipes while gaining tens of thousands of followers. Her journey, fueled by her boyfriend’s Vietnamese heritage, showcases her dedication to mastering the cuisine and bridging cultural divides. Logan’s story highlights a unique blend of cultures through the joy of cooking.

In a fascinating blend of cultures, an American woman, Logan, has captivated audiences with her mastery of Vietnamese cuisine. Her popular TikTok cooking videos are not merely tutorials; they are a showcase of authentic practices that resonate deeply with the Vietnamese community. Recently, she demonstrated how to elevate bun moc, a northern Vietnamese pork meatball noodle soup, with a touch of pickled chili garlic, remarking, “A few slices of pickled garlic and chili can elevate the entire bowl.”

Logan’s talents have not gone unnoticed, amassing between 500,000 to two million views per video, not to mention gaining over 54,000 followers in just six months. The comments section of her postings is flooded with praises from Vietnamese viewers, acknowledging her cooking techniques, such as pouring hot water over braised fish, or adding beer to the batter for banh xeo, which makes the crispy pancake even better. One viewer even quipped, “She’s more Vietnamese than I am,” racking up over 3,000 likes.

Her culinary journey took root in Illinois, where she grew up in a diverse African-American and Mexican family. Logan’s introduction to authentic Vietnamese flavors began in Seattle while dating her boyfriend, Giang, originally from Hanoi. Early explorations included frequent trips to Vietnamese restaurants, where she was introduced to banh mi. “I was completely won over,” she recalled, comparing the baguette’s crunch with the rich creaminess of the pate.

Before fully diving into Vietnamese cooking, her culinary experiences had been diverse. She spent time working at a Thai restaurant and became friends with a Vietnamese couple who educated her on pho and other recipes. Then, during the pandemic lockdown in 2021, she first tried her hand at cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes in Chicago. Although her initial attempts faced challenges, such as thick rolls and sticking issues, she persevered through the learning curve.

Logan’s perspective on Vietnamese food broadened significantly after her first trip to Vietnam in 2022. Immersing herself in the street food scene, she discovered the distinctive flavors that set northern and southern dishes apart. She recalls learning to make pate from Giang’s father and mastering garlic and shallots with the help of his mother. Her realization that fish sauce is “the soul of Vietnamese cuisine” marked a pivotal moment in her culinary education.

Armed with authentic ingredients from Vietnam, Logan began to incorporate Vietnamese dishes into her weekly meals, with braised pork belly with eggs becoming a personal favorite. She crafted her own caramel sauce and pickled carrots and daikon to accompany it. “Getting the flavors right is my way of honoring the cuisine,” she emphasizes, often scouring Chicago for specific culinary items.

By late 2023, Logan returned to Vietnam for three months, eager to delve deeper into the cuisine. She even requested bun rieu cua, a crab and tomato noodle soup, from Giang’s mother. However, upon encountering live crabs in the kitchen, she was taken aback, unaccustomed to that aspect of food preparation. But she adapted quickly, learning to handle the raw ingredients with ease.

Her cooking skills soared after this trip, abandoning pre-packaged seasonings for more authentic, homemade flavors. While she encountered some missteps, such as missing essential toppings in her bun rieu, she persevered. With her boyfriend’s help in taste-testing, she has successfully recreated the recipe several times, much to his delight, who noted how closely it matched the northern style.

The interest in her cooking has echoed more broadly, with friends and coworkers requesting her recipes. Advanced dishes like banh xeo and bun thang have sparked considerable enthusiasm, reflecting her growth as a chef. Giang’s mother has also praised Logan’s progress, noting her proactive nature and skill. “She is proactive, skillful and highly motivated to embrace Vietnamese culture,” she remarked with pride.

Looking ahead, Logan aims to continue expanding her culinary repertoire, adding new dishes like nem chua and mi Quang to her arsenal. “I believe I can make anything as long as I have the right ingredients and a recipe,” she asserts passionately, making it clear that she wants the world to appreciate Vietnamese cuisine far and wide.

Logan’s journey embodies a unique fusion of cultures, showcasing her passion for Vietnamese cuisine. Her video creations, rooted in authentic methods and flavors, have won the admiration of many, including native Vietnamese. With each dish, she not only pays tribute to the rich culinary traditions but also unites communities through the joy of cooking. Her story is a testament to the power of cross-cultural exploration, driven by curiosity and respect for diverse culinary arts.

Original Source: e.vnexpress.net