EAST VAN
EAST VAN
craft. She still personally cooks at her stall every day, ensuring each bowl carries the same heart and tradition that she grew up with. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that food isn’t just about taste — it’s about connection, history, and love. Tell us how The Lunch Lady came to be in Vancouver. The Lunch Lady in Vancouver was born out of a deep love for Vietnamese cuisine and a desire to bring an authentic yet elevated version of it to Canada. After visiting The Lunch Lady in Saigon, I was inspired by the way Chef Thành cooked with heart and intuition, changing her “Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that food isn’t just about taste — it’s about connection, history, and love.” menu daily based on the freshest ingredients available. I knew I wanted to bring that spirit to Vancouver while adapting it to a full-service restaurant. We opened in 2020 with the goal of offering a taste of Vietnam beyond the usual pho and banh mi. Our menu respects tradition while introducing modern techniques and high- quality ingredients. What’s the story behind your mural? I wanted to bring the soul and heart of the original Lunch Lady location in Saigon to Vancouver — paying homage to Chef Thành and the legacy she built, as well as the moment Anthony Bourdain visited and introduced her to the world. The mural captures a moment in time, filled with intricate details that reflect the everyday
© Niko Myyra
Steak Lúc Lắc was born in our Vancouver location — tender ribeye caramelized in a hot wok, coated in a rich peppercorn sauce, and served with crispy cassava. It’s a dish that brings nostalgia while elevating traditional flavors. But if we’re paying homage to The Lunch Lady in Saigon, Chef Thanh’s Bún Bò Huế is a must. It’s a deep, aromatic beef and lemongrass noodle soup, packed with layers of flavour and spice. It’s one of the most soulful bowls of noodles you’ll ever have, and it represents the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Both dishes showcase what The Lunch Lady is all about — bold flavors, deep tradition, and incredible food that brings people together. What do you love about Commercial Drive? Commercial Drive has an energy that feels alive — there’s a sense of community, a love for food, and a mix of cultures that make it one of the most dynamic areas in Vancouver. It’s
a neighborhood that embraces authenticity, and that’s exactly what we strive for at The Lunch Lady. Whether it’s the local markets, the independent coffee shops, or the people who stop in to chat, it’s a place that feels like home. Share your favorite spots in the community. La Grotta Del Formaggio: An absolute institution for Italian sandwiches. Being in the heart of Little Italy, it’s a must-visit for some of the best sandwiches in the city. Kin Kao: One of the best spots for authentic Thai food. Their flavours are bold, fresh, and deeply rooted in tradition. Moja Coffee: A great independent coffee shop with consistently excellent roasts.
life of her humble street-side eatery. You’ll see the familiar plastic stools, the bustling energy of customers enjoying their bowls of noodle soup — including Anthony Bourdain himself — along with the motorbike culture of Vietnam, like the man napping on his bike, a common sight in Saigon. I wanted this mural to transport people the moment they see it — bringing them straight into the vibrant streets of Vietnam. It’s more than just an image. It’s a window into the experience of eating at the original Lunch Lady, where the air is thick with the aroma of simmering broth, where locals and travelers sit side by side, and where food is more than just a meal — it’s a story, a tradition, and a connection to something bigger. What’s your favourite dish on the menu? And why? It’s hard to choose just one, but I’d have to say our Steak Lúc Lắc and Chef Thanh’s Bún Bò Huế.
© Niko Myyra
Chef Nguyên Thi Thanh
In Conversation With The Lunch Lady A VIETNAMESE ICON FEEDS VANCOUVER Meet Co-Owner Michael Tran
Born and raised in Saigon, she grew up cooking for her family, learning traditional techniques and recipes passed down through generations. Her love for food comes from the joy of feeding others and creating flavours that bring people together. Many of the dishes she serves at her street stall in Saigon come from these family recipes, perfected over decades with her own unique touch. She has a husband and daughter, both of whom have played a big role in her journey. Her husband and sisters often help run the business, ensuring that her mother’s legacy continues. Despite the global recognition she has received — including being featured by Anthony Bourdain on No Reservations — Chef Thành remains humble and dedicated to her
Tell us about Chef Nguyễn Thị Thành. Chef Nguyễn Thị Thành, affectionately known as The Lunch Lady, is a culinary icon in Vietnam, famous for her soulful, ever-changing noodle soups that have captivated both locals and travelers for over 25 years. But beyond her success, she is, at heart, a mother, a wife, and a cook who learned everything from her family.
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