Our BM Corner Journey

My name is Anna, and I’m 40 years old, originally from Vietnam. As the eldest of six siblings, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to carry forward the legacy of my family’s rich culinary heritage. 

My mom, an extraordinary cook, could effortlessly create nearly every Vietnamese dish to perfection. Her passion and skill in the kitchen shaped not only my love for food but also my life’s journey. 

Growing up, I watched her transform the simplest ingredients into flavorful masterpieces, embedding in me a deep appreciation for the art of cooking.

Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in learning about food, health, and nutrition. And you know what makes Vietnamese cuisine so unique? It’s fish sauce. Without fish sauce, it simply wouldn’t be Vietnamese food. 

Preserving traditional way of making fishsauce has always been close to my heart, which led me to create the Thuyền Nan (Bamboo Boat) brand a decade ago. Fondly known as the “Fish Sauce Queen,” I take pride in this legacy. 

Why Bamboo Boat? It’s a tribute to my roots. I come from a fishing family in Central Vietnam, where we lived by the river, catching fish and crafting fish sauce and fermented fish, a tradition I’m determined to keep alive.

Fueled by a desire to contribute to a healthier, wealthier society, I pursued a Master of Sustainability at the University of Adelaide in 2012 through the Government scholarship.

After graduating, I returned to Vietnam to apply my knowledge to sustainable agriculture. We manage 30-hectare coffee farm in Gia Nghia City, Dak Nong Province, near the highlands of Da Lat.

The coffee you enjoy in our menu is sustainably grown, roasted, and prepared from our farm, where we care lots for land, for water and biodiversity. It’s more than just coffee; it’s a taste of home.

My younger brother Loc, is working as a Chef at the 5 start hotel in Hope Island

Inspired by our mother’s legacy and my passion, my younger brother also embraced his love for cooking. After finishing high school, he pursued culinary arts at TAFE Queensland, earning a Diploma in Kitchen Management. Today, he works as a chef at a five-star hotel in Hope Island, bringing our family’s flavors to life.

At the core of everything we do is a belief that food is love, and food is energy. When you enjoy our dishes, whether it’s Banh Mi, Pho, Spring rolls, cold rolls, or our signature Vietnamese coffee, you’re not just tasting a meal. You’re experiencing the love, care, and tradition of a family devoted to sharing the flavors of Vietnam with the world.

We can’t wait to bring a piece of our home to your table. Let’s savor this journey together!