“Both the French and the Chinese occupied Vietnam for many years,” says Chef Chi Le of Vancouver’s newest Vietnamese restaurant, the Chi Modern Vietnamese Kitchen. “The Chinese like to fry things and the French like to add cream. In Vietnam, our food is the best of both worlds—a delicious cultural mix that draws from the two of the finest cuisines on the planet.”
According to Chef Chi, the difference between Vietnamese cookingand dishes from other countries is that Vietnamese cooking is more rustic, with robust flavours that come from the use of fresh herbs, spices and textures.
“As a country, Vietnam consumes an enormous amount of fresh herbs,” she says. “It’s why Vietnamese food is so flavourful.”
An example of an exciting new flavour found at Chi Modern Vietnamese Kitchen is a cumin-inspired barbeque sauce.
“I like to take North American dishes such as barbeque ribs—but instead of traditional barbeque sauce, I mix cumin and dried chili to make a coating. It’s delicious!”
Chef Chi notes that, not only are herbs delicious in cooking, but they’re also good for us.
“Take Chinese medicine,” she explains. “It’s full of herbs to help people when they are sick or have a disease. That’s why Vietnamese people tend to be so skinny and healthy. They don't have a Medicare system like here—so they have to take good care of themselves. Fresh herbs play an important part in that.”
The beauty of Vietnamese food is that it is so light and fresh.
Chi notes: "You can have a bowl of Vietnamese food at lunch and a few hours later you can have another bowl and not feel tired or bloated."
The Chi Modern Vietnamese Kitchen manages to incorporate two of Chi's passions. "I love cooking and I love people," she laughs. "I love to talk to people and that's what hospitality is all about. You come to my restaurant and I want you to share your meals with your family and friends, just like we do. We make soups, and meat, fish, seafood, for lunch or dinner and we share.”
"The restaurant will also have tables for couples that want to share special moments alone, like an anniversary,” Chi adds. “There will be space for people to enjoy their dinner without being so close that they are in danger of knocking the water glass over on the next table."
For more information on Chi Modern Vietnamese Kitchen call 604.336.3010, check out their website, send them an email, or stop by 1935 West 4th Avenue during open hours. The restaurant can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
