Thao’s story began in the mountains and coastline of Phu Yen, in Central Vietnam, where food is more than just nourishment, it’s a way of bringing people together.

She began cooking for her entire family at just 12 years old, learning traditional recipes and techniques passed down from her mother. These early experiences shaped not only her skills, but her passion for honest, comforting Vietnamese food.

At 18, Thao moved to Saigon, where she would spend almost 20 years living, cooking, and absorbing the city’s vibrant culinary culture. For 12 of those years, she ran a large, bustling coffee shop with her sister. The coffee shop became a beloved neighbourhood spot known not only for excellent coffee but also for its famous noodle dishes that kept customers coming back daily. You’ll get to experience some of those very same dishes right here at Thao’s Kitchen.

If there’s one thing you should know about Vietnam, it’s that home-brewed Vietnamese coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a craft. And Thao’s coffee knowledge is second to none. From selecting beans to perfecting the slow-drip “phin” technique, she has mastered the balance, strength, and flavour that define true Vietnamese coffee. Thao is undoubtedly one of the best Vietnamese baristas you can find in England today.

Now, Thao brings her lifetime of experience to Thao’s Kitchen, a long-held dream of hers that has finally come to fruition. Every dish – every bowl of noodles, every bánh mì, every cup of coffee – is prepared with the same care, warmth, and authenticity she learned at home as a young girl.

This is her cooking. Her story. Her Vietnam. And she is thrilled to finally share it with you!