About the Project

The (Ăn)thology Project publishes the art of Vietnamese-Canadian women and artists (ages 18-29). From British Columbia and Ontario, the collective explores connections between Vietnamese food, identity, and culture. The project was led and co-faciliated by Monika Lê, Vivi To, and Jennifer Trương–with support from Julia Huỳnh, Linda Bùi, Anna Nguyễn, and Linda Phạm. A total of 10 artists were involved in the fruition of the book. Meet the artists, here!

The call for submissions asked artists to explore the following themes: Memories/Nostalgia, Familial Ties/Traditions, Love, Recipes, Fusion. 

The (Ăn)thology was published in both English and Vietnamese, and shared with the public through a book launch event. The celebration involved the artists, EPN team, community partners, friends, family, and local food caterers. 

Creative prompts explored:

  • How does food relate to your community?
  • How does Vietnamese food make you feel?
  • Do you have a favourite recipe? How would you share that with others?
  • What makes a dish Vietnamese?
  • How does food intersect with your culture and identity?
  • What are the ingredients, or layers, that make up your identity/who you are?

Back/Top Row (L-R): Julia Huỳnh, Linda Bùi, Tiffany Dương, Angela Hoàng, Michelle Huỳnh, Anna Nguyễn, and Monika Lê. Front/Bottom Row (L-R): Jennifer Trương, Vivi To, Connie Lê, Delia Nguyễn, Anna Đỗ, and Linda Phạm. Missing: Kelsey Ngân Phùng, Megan Trầnphạm, Thuỳ Dung Phan, and Y Vy Trương

Photography by Anna Nguyễn taken at Junto Studio.

The Book Launch

Meet the Artists. Taste Local Vietnamese Food.

On Sunday May 28th, 2023, the (Ăn)thology Book launched at Junto Studio! Together, with the artists and community, we celebrated the documentation of art, stories, and conversations about Vietnamese culture, identity, and food. We'd like to give the warmest thank you to our caterers who collaborated with us to make this event possible: LÀ LÁ Bakeshop, Tâm, Châu, R Bakery, and auntie Thuy Tien Tu. 

The (Ăn)thology project and book launch was made possible by the ArtReach Toronto Grant.

(Cơm)munity Conversations

A 3-part speaker series featuring thoughtful panel discussions with culinary professionals, scholars, and local leaders digging into food’s connection with culture, identity, memories, and community. We had the pleasure of having Lenora Huỳnh, Jane Tran, and Andrea Nguyễn. Learn more about the series and the speakers below:

I. Lenora Huỳnh

Lenora Huỳnh (b. 1996) is a second generation Vietnamese-Canadian multidisciplinary artist who graduated with a BFA from the University of Waterloo, and is currently pursuing an MI in Archives and Records Management with a Food Studies Specialization at the University of Toronto. Her visual poetry videos and photographs have been exhibited at the UWAG, OCAD Learning Zone, Art$Pay, Button Factory Arts, and can be found on her website.

II. Jane Tran

Jane Tran is the executive chef and founder of Chau. Jane has over 15 years of culinary experience, first training at the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City and then securing an apprenticeship under Daniel Boulud. Chef Tran went on to work in Michelin and fine-dining restaurants across the world, from New York to London. Although Jane holds a special place in her heart for pan-Asian cuisines, she loves to move out of her comfort zone and develop creative menus for everything from weddings and corporate parties, to vegan food festivals and local farmers markets. In the past year, Jane has worked hard to evolve from being a one-woman business to a local favourite caterer, slinging modern Asian bites across the GTA and beyond. 

For more information about Chau Toronto, please visit WeddingWire and Facebook.

III. Andrea Nguyễn

A culinary bridge builder and leading authority on Asian food, Andrea Nguyen was born in Vietnam and came to the United States at the age of six as a refugee. She has authored six acclaimed cookbooks, including The Pho Cookbook, a James Beard Foundation award winner. Epicurious named her one of the 100 Greatest Home Cooks of All Time. Her vegetable-driven cookbook, Ever-Green Vietnamese, publishes in April 2023.

A former Saveur contributing editor and Cooking Light columnist, Andrea holds a master’s degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She has written articles and developed recipes for Food & Wine, EatingWell, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times. 

Andrea lives in Santa Cruz, California, where she does most of her writing, teaching, and podcasting. Stay in touch with her via vietworldkitchen.com, on Twitter, and Instagram. Subscribe to her Substack newsletter, Pass the Fish Sauce. 

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