It all started with a small family restaurant named Hanoi Bistro, but for Ken, one of the owners behind Tuan & Thuy Kitchen, the journey has always been about more than just food.
“We opened our first Vietnamese restaurant back in 2013,” Ken recalls, “but as our daughter grew, we knew that family time was irreplaceable.”
This realization spurred a transition from restaurateur to a 9-5 job, only to be drawn back into the culinary world by unforeseen circumstances.
The Birth of Tuan & Thuy Kitchen Amidst a Pandemic
When the pandemic struck, Ken turned to his roots. “Making food is what I do best,” he says.
His Vietnamese steam buns and sticky rice balls, sold on Facebook, were a hit, leading to an outpouring of orders and the eventual establishment of Tuan & Thuy Kitchen.
“It got so busy that opening a restaurant felt like the right step forward,” he explains.
Strategically Located in Vancouver’s Little Saigon
Ken chose the bustling intersection of Kingsway and Victoria, the heart of Little Saigon, for a reason.
“This is where our community thrives, and we wanted to contribute to the representation of our culture,” he shares.
It’s this sense of belonging and service that drives Tuan & Thuy Kitchen.
A Menu with a Story: Authentic Northern Vietnamese Street Food
At Tuan & Thuy Kitchen, Ken and his wife bring the essence of northern Vietnam to Vancouver.
“Pho is just the beginning,” Ken says. “We’re excited to showcase the variety of Vietnamese cuisine to a city that’s eager for new flavours.”
Since opening in early November 2023, they have been offering a menu with appetizers and small fares that encapsulate the spirit of Hanoi’s bustling streets.
Such as Banh mi que pate hai phong (mini baguette with pork pate), various steam buns (Bánh gạo gà, Bánh bao thịt viên, etc.) sticky rice (with braised pork belly, pandan, corn, or peanuts) and desserts (smoothies, pudding, fruit cocktail).
Yes pho is on the menu, but we suggest everyone to hop by Tuan & Thuy Kitchen to go beyond your usual Vietnamese noodles and experience something new.
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Address: 1962 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2S9