Hoang Huong Giang

At just 26, Huong Giang became the youngest-ever chief flight attendant at Vietnam Airlines, a role that afforded her the opportunity to explore the world’s finest cuisines. Inspired by her travels and driven by a passion for Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage, she launched her first bun dau mam tom restaurant in Saigon in 2012. The modest eatery swiftly captured the hearts of diners with its bold yet authentic flavours and impeccable service. By 2014, a second location had opened, and a decade later, Dau Homemade had grown into an eight-restaurant empire, cementing its status as the definitive name in bun dau mam tom in Saigon.

Beyond her culinary endeavours, Huong Giang is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture. A member of the Institute for Research, Preservation and Promotion of National Culture, she is also a dedicated water puppeteer, bringing this time-honoured art form to new generations. She stages free performances at schools and hospitals for children and hosts regular shows at the Dau Homemade branch in District 1, offering diners a taste of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

For Huong Giang, food and tradition go hand in hand. Her mission is simple yet profound: to safeguard and celebrate Vietnam’s culinary and artistic legacy, ensuring that future generations inherit a heritage infused with the true spirit of Vietnam.