News Summary
On May 17, 2025, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, hosted a cooking demonstration of the traditional Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. Led by Executive Chef Phi Nguyen, the event attracted both faculty and students eager to learn about Vietnamese culinary traditions. Participants engaged in hands-on preparations, including the essential pickled vegetable Đồ Chua and a flavorful garlic aioli, resulting in a shared appreciation for this popular dish. The event highlighted the significance of cultural diversity and heritage in the community.
Orange Coast College, a prominent community college in Costa Mesa, California, celebrated AANHPI Heritage Month with an engaging cooking demonstration of the traditional Vietnamese dish bánh mì on May 17, 2025. The event, which took place on the college campus, was led by the institution’s Executive Chef Phi Nguyen and attracted a mix of faculty and students eager to learn about this beloved dish.
The cooking demonstration aimed to provide participants with a hands-on experience, where attendees not only observed but also participated in preparing their own sandwiches. Chef Nguyen guided the audience through various components essential to creating an authentic bánh mì, which typically features a crusty baguette filled with savory ingredients.
One of the highlights of the demonstration was the preparation of Đồ Chua, a pickled carrot and daikon mixture that is an integral part of the bánh mì. Chef Nguyen showcased the recipe, which required one quart of water, white distilled vinegar, sugar, and a tablespoon of salt. This mixture adds a refreshing crunch and tanginess to the final sandwich.
In addition to Đồ Chua, Chef Nguyen demonstrated how to make a flavorful garlic aioli. The aioli was created using one and a half gallons of Hellman’s mayonnaise combined with a pint of minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. This creamy spread enhances the overall taste of the bánh mì and complements the other ingredients perfectly.
The preparation of the Vietnamese pork marinade also featured prominently in the demonstration. Chef Nguyen outlined the ingredients needed, which included ½ cup of sliced lemongrass, minced garlic, six ounces each of granulated sugar and fish sauce, along with three ounces of sesame oil. This marinade is crucial for infusing the pork with robust flavors.
As a result of the interactive nature of the demonstration, attendees were given the opportunity to taste their creations after the cooking session concluded. This hands-on atmosphere ensured that participants not only learned how to make bánh mì but also experienced the joy of sharing food with others.
The event was made even more enjoyable by the perfect weather conditions, which featured abundant sunshine with a high of 81°F and a low of 59°F, accompanied by light winds from the southwest at 5 to 10 mph. Such pleasant weather contributed to a festive and inviting ambiance for the cooking demonstration.
Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the experience. For instance, one student, Justin Lim, noted that while he was already familiar with bánh mì, Chef Nguyen’s insights and cooking techniques inspired him to attempt making the dish at home. This reflects a growing interest in Vietnamese cuisine within mainstream American culture, particularly in areas like Orange County, where diverse culinary influences flourish.
AANHPI Heritage Month is a time for celebrating the rich cultural contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Through events such as this cooking demonstration, Orange Coast College is fostering appreciation and awareness of Vietnamese culinary traditions and contributing to the broader dialogue about cultural diversity in the region.
The bánh mì cooking demonstration exemplifies not only the celebration of heritage but also the increasing recognition of Vietnamese cuisine’s popularity in American society. Such events are essential for encouraging community engagement and furthering the understanding of cultural culinary arts.
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Additional Resources
- Coast Report Online
- Wikipedia: Vietnamese Cuisine
- OC Register
- Google Search: Vietnamese cuisine
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vietnamese Food
- Veg Out Magazine
- Google News: AANHPI Heritage Month
