Back from Vietnam and Ready for the Holidays

Highlights from my trip, a Denver dinner takeover, cooking with Drew Barrymore, and new ways to bring Đặc Biệt home.

Hey y’all!

I’m back stateside after an incredible journey with Modern Adventure in Vietnam! 🇻🇳 What an experience it was. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beauty of Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi, every moment was filled with amazing food, breathtaking sights, and wonderful people. I’ll be listing my Vietnam travel recommendations at chefnininguyen.com/recs. It’s still under construction, but we’re working on updating it as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ve highlighted all the sightseeing and food stops we made over on Instagram—be sure to check out my Stories for a taste of the adventure!

Check out my highlighted stories on Instagram: @chefnininguyen

After returning to the U.S., I made a quick stop in Denver for a dinner takeover at Sap Sua, and it was such a rewarding experience. Last Sunday night was pure magic! Collaborating with the team there, we explored the depths of what it means to be Vietnamese through food, storytelling, and camaraderie. It was such a joy to share flavors, learn from each other, and cook with passion.

Now that I’m back in New Orleans, I’m settling into the holiday season, which is shaping up to be as busy as ever. And here’s some exciting news:

🎁 My merch page is finally live! 🎁

You can now pre-order signed and/or personalized copies of my cookbook Đặc Biệt and snag a Đặc Biệt hat—the perfect gifts for you or the foodies in your life. Pre-orders for the cookbook will ship by December 18th, just in time to make it under the tree.

Pre-order here!

📺 TUNE IN: I’m appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show! Episode airs tomorrow Wednesday, December 11th.

Photo Credit: CBS/The Drew Barrymore Show

I’ll be cooking up one of my favorite recipes, lemongrass-marinated pork chops, with Drew herself. We’ll chat about Đặc Biệt, my journey, and share a few tips and tricks from the kitchen. The show airs on CBS, with time slots varying by market. Find your local station and time here.

I’m so grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to share even more delicious moments with you this holiday season. Stay tuned for more updates, recipes, and fun to come!

With love and gratitude,

P.S. If you snag a hat or cookbook, tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your holiday vibes!