Mommy,

People ask why I write all this in English, but they don’t know that you are my first English teacher, haha. You taught your 4-year-old girl her first vocabulary words, and I’ll never forget that. Thank you, Mom!! You’re always the best.

Till now, I still love bún thịt nướng, the “grilled meat vermicelli,” in all the different versions you made for us. On those hot, high-tempered days, it was always a relief to have a meal like that—mixing fresh herbs, vermicelli, and some perfectly grilled meat. The flavors were light, refreshing, and yet so satisfying, and it’s such an easy dish to prepare, but somehow, it always felt special when you made it.

Thank you for all the meals, the lessons, and the love you’ve given me over the years. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done and continue to do for me. You’ve shaped me in more ways than I can count, and I’m proud to be your daughter.

– Con gái –

Mom,

I remember the way you would expertly wrap the sweet cabbage around the perfectly seasoned porks stuffed, and how every bite was a delightful blend of tenderness and flavor. It’s one of those dishes that, no matter how much time passes, always brings back fond memories of home and family dinners.

Living away from home, I often try to recreate some of your recipes, but nothing compares to the original made by your hands. The Sweet Cabbage Pork Rolls, in particular, are something I haven’t had in what feels like ages. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. 
On video calls, we don’t just talk about life and how things are going here and there. Sometimes, I ask you about recipes. You and Dad still share more and more tips with me, whether it’s a secret ingredient, a cooking technique, or just the right amount of seasoning. Your guidance makes me feel closer to home, even when we’re miles apart.

Gonna be me who cook next time and you will score if i upgrade to next level, ok? 😀 Until then, I’ll keep practicing and trying to bring a little bit of home into my kitchen here.

– Con gái –

Mom,

I think these days I pay a lot of attention to my eating routine, which means I plan regular veggie meals whenever I can. Thanks to the heritage you’ve passed down and the teachings from Grandma, I have a rich collection of veggie recipes, many of which are deeply connected to Buddhist practices. I remember how you often went to the pagoda, just as Grandma did when she was with us and we had chance to taste vegetarian food in the food hall there.

These vegetarian dishes are not just meals; they are a way to honor our cultural and spiritual traditions. Each recipe reflects the principles of balance and harmony, rooted in our family’s practices and beliefs. Incorporating these meals into my routine helps me stay connected to our heritage and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

I’m grateful for the wisdom and recipes you’ve shared with me, and I find joy in preparing and enjoying these dishes. They serve as a reminder of our family’s values and the importance of mindfulness in our daily lives.

– Con gái –

Mom,

You told me time and again to keep my mind open to learning about things I didn’t know before, and even if I thought I knew, to relearn in order to refresh and understand different angles of the same subject. When it comes to cooking lessons, I think I’ve learned a lot from you and Grandma, and even from my friends.

Every cooking session with you was a new discovery, a chance to see familiar ingredients in a new light, and to understand the subtle nuances of each technique. From Grandma, I inherited the wisdom of traditional recipes, passed down through generations, each with its own story and significance. My friends brought diverse influences and fresh perspectives, enriching my culinary knowledge and broadening my horizons.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about embracing a continuous journey of learning and adaptation. Each lesson, whether from you, Grandma, or my friends, has taught me to appreciate the complexity and beauty of food, and the cultural heritage it represents.

As I share my recipes, I hope to pass on this spirit of open-mindedness and lifelong learning. I want to encourage others to explore, experiment, and appreciate the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that cooking offers. Thank you, Mom, for instilling in me the love for learning and the passion for culinary exploration.

– Con gái –

Mom,
I still remember the countless cooking lessons you taught me. It became an everyday routine, and little by little, I began to understand how to use and mix ingredients, which sauces to pair with which dishes, and the intricate details of cooking. You always emphasized the importance of harmony, yin, and yang in every meal. You explained why hot and spicy elements complement fish or seafood, why salt is an indispensable element in the kitchen, and the essential role of green vegetables.
These lessons were not just about cooking; they were about balance, understanding flavors, and creating harmony on a plate. Your teachings have become a part of me, shaping my approach to cooking and life. Thank you for passing on your wisdom and making the kitchen a place of learning and love.

– Con gái –