American Woman Becomes a Master of Vietnamese Cuisine Through TikTok

Diamond Logan, an American enthusiast for Vietnamese cuisine, has gained significant popularity on TikTok by sharing authentic recipes. Since starting her channel, she has grown her following with impressive viewer engagement. Having developed her skills through experiences with her Vietnamese boyfriend’s family, Logan continues to deepen her cooking abilities and aims to promote Vietnamese cuisine worldwide.

In the culinary world, Diamond Logan has made remarkable strides, presenting herself as a passionate advocate for Vietnamese cuisine. The Illinois native has gained considerable online fame through her TikTok channel, where she showcases authentic Vietnamese dishes. One video features her preparing bun moc, a traditional northern Vietnamese pork meatball noodle soup, garnished with scallions and cilantro, complemented by pickled chili garlic. “A few slices of pickled garlic and chili can elevate the entire bowl,” she explains, captivating her audience with her insights.

Her videos have captured the attention of many, attracting viewership ranging from 500,000 to two million per clip. In just six months, Logan has amassed 54,000 followers and over a million interactions on her channel, with numerous comments from enthusiastic Vietnamese viewers praising her technique and authenticity. One comment even humorously noted, “She’s more Vietnamese than I am,” which resonated across audiences from the UK, France, and various African nations intrigued by her take on the traditional recipes.

Logan, who grew up in a multicultural household in Illinois, met her Vietnamese boyfriend, Giang, in late 2020 after relocating to Seattle. Their relationship blossomed through shared meals at Vietnamese restaurants, marking her first tasting of banh mi. “I was completely won over,” she reminisces, recalling the delicious fusion of crispy baguette and creamy pate. However, her journey into genuine Vietnamese cooking began earnestly as she sought to replicate the flavors that often eluded American renditions.

Her culinary exploration added another layer during the pandemic lockdown in 2021. Settling down in Chicago, she and Giang began by preparing simple Vietnamese meals together, such as banh cuon and steamed veggies. Initially, without access to a steamer, she faced challenges, suffering mishaps with texture and sticking rolls, but continued to persevere in her culinary experiments.

The turning point came with her first trip to Vietnam in mid-2022. The vibrant street food of Hanoi was a stark contrast to familiar tastes in the U.S., awakening her to the nuances in pho. She proudly learned cooking techniques directly from Giang’s family, discovering that fish sauce is considered the backbone of Vietnamese cooking, tying flavors harmoniously together—an insight she continues to hold dear in her own kitchen.

Returning to the U.S. with bags full of Vietnamese ingredients, Logan now incorporates Vietnamese dishes into her meals half of the week. Her current favorites include braised pork belly with eggs, a dish she learned directly from Giang’s mother, alongside her homemade pickles and caramel sauce, which she insists on perfecting as a tribute to the cuisine she admires.

In late 2023, determined to expand her culinary repertoire, Logan returned to Vietnam, eager to sample more authentic dishes. Her immersion into local cooking cultures came with some humorous adjustments, such as her initial shock at encountering live crabs destined for bun rieu cua, a crab and tomato noodle soup she had requested. But, as she adapted to new cooking methods and raw ingredients, the experience enriched her understanding and appreciation for the cuisine she now loves.

After these transformative trips, she felt her cooking skills significantly improved, moving on from pre-packaged seasonings to making everything from scratch. Admittedly, some recipes, like bun rieu, posed considerable challenges. The process can take over three hours and requires meticulous attention to details, which she finds rewarding when everything comes together.

As Logan’s social media presence grew, friends and colleagues began to seek her expertise. Offering complex dishes like banh xeo and bun thang showcased the depth of her knowledge. Many recipes are inspired by her interactions with Giang’s family. His mother, Nguyen Ngoc Han, expressed her pride in Logan’s culinary journey, noting her initiative and skills.

With Giang’s unwavering support propelling her onward, Logan feels empowered to tackle even more dishes. “I believe I can make anything as long as I have the right ingredients and a recipe,” she states boldly. Her vision extends far beyond mastering individual dishes; she wants Vietnamese cuisine to gain wider appreciation globally.

Diamond Logan, an American woman with a deepening passion for Vietnamese cuisine, reflects a growing trend of culinary cross-cultural exchange. With her innovative approach and authentic engagement, she has successfully transformed her love for food into a thriving online platform. Her journey showcases her determination, evolving skills, and commitment to honoring the rich traditions of Vietnamese culinary artistry, ultimately fostering greater global appreciation for the cuisine.

Original Source: e.vnexpress.net