Food has always been more than sustenance to me. It’s a language, a comfort, and a connection to home. When I moved to Ireland to study International Development at Maynooth University, I quickly realized that food would become my bridge to a new world. Little did I know, it would also help me build friendships, present my culture, and create memories that I’ll cherish forever. 

A taste of home in a new land 

When I first arrived in Ireland, the absence of familiar flavors hit me hard. I missed the comforting taste of phở, the crunch of bánh xèo, and the warmth of a perfectly brewed cup of Vietnamese coffee. Determined to bring a piece of Vietnam with me, I ventured to local Asian markets, searching for ingredients to recreate my favorite dishes. It wasn’t always easy—sometimes I had to improvise with local alternatives—but every bite of homemade Vietnamese food felt like a hug from home. 

Phở gà I made with my Vietnamese housemate 

Food as a cultural ambassador 

The first time I shared a Vietnamese dish with my international friends was during the Christmas holidays. I prepared vegan gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) and sốt đậu phộng (Vietnamese peanut sauce) for a delicious and plant-based meal. To my delight, they disappeared within minutes, sparking curious questions about the recipe and Vietnamese cuisine. So, that evening, our small apartment felt like home—not because of the food alone, but because of the warmth and connection we created together. 

Our vegan gỏi cuốn (spring rolls) and sốt đậu phộng (Vietnamese peanut sauce) on Christmas Eve 2024 

Also, I’m grateful to be one of the guests at my Irish classmate’s house and celebrate Christmas holidays with their family. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience a different cultural tradition firsthand. I thoroughly enjoyed the festive atmosphere. The atmosphere in their home was incredibly cozy and warm, filled with love, laughter, and the comforting aroma of delicious home-cooked meals, as well as fun board games. This experience truly broadened my horizons and reminded me of the enriching power of cultural exchange through cuisine.  

A blend of cultures through food 

Thanks to my Irish landlord, my cooking journal now boasts new additions, including recipes for Irish stew and Irish cream. Moreover, I vividly remember the sophisticated flavor of masala chai shared with a friend from India, and the unforgettable warmth of a top-notch hotpot enjoyed with a Chinese friend, or the delightful Korean meals during shared lunch breaks with my Irish and European classmates in cozy restaurant near Maynooth University.  

Through these exchanges, I found food becoming an unofficial ambassador for all nations. By sharing meals, we broke down cultural barriers and built mutual appreciation. Furthermore, one of the most beautiful aspects of this culinary sharing was how they embodied the spirit of Maynooth University – a people-centered community where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has something unique to contribute.  

To sum up, I believe it’s not just about the dishes. But it’s about the hearts you touch and the connections you build, one meal at a time. 

Dinner meal at home with my landlord and housemate