Bun Bo Hue Noodles: A Vietnam’s Culinary Heritage

Mint Nguyen

This project Bun Bo Hue Noodles: A Vietnam’s Culinary Heritage is a graphic series inspired by my journey exploring Vietnamese culture and self-identity through food. Through this project, I aim to not only gain a deeper understanding of my background but also to share this knowledge with others. Many people are unaware of the traditions and core values that have shaped their cultural identity. By encouraging individuals to connect with their roots, I hope to ignite a sense of curiosity and exploration within them to acquire a more profound insight into their cultural roots, traditions, and core values.

Each work in this series showcases elements that are associated with Vietnamese rich culinary heritage and the stories behind them. For example, the beloved and iconic dish Bun Bo Hue or spicy beef noodle soup reflects not only the traditional cooking methods passed down through generations, but also reflects Vietnam's agricultural heritage by using locally sourced ingredients. Accompanying the visual illustrations, the work provides a brief historical text of how dishes evolved over time. By embracing Vietnamese cuisine as a means to explore my cultural identity, I uncover aspects of myself.

About the Artist

As a multimedia artist my work aims to embrace traditions and histories that are features of my cultural heritage, while also encouraging individuals to explore their own cultural roots.

My form of artwork reflects what I see in real life to replicate the authentic appearance of my subject matter. My creative practice draws extensively from my own personal background, allowing me to bring a unique perspective and authenticity to my work. In order to produce my work, I primarily utilize digital art softwares such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate to create graphic illustrations. Through these illustrations, I aim to represent my unique aesthetic, but also the emotions and stories associated with it.

Exploring my cultural roots allows me to connect with traditions, customs, and values that have shaped generations before me. It opens up a world of knowledge and wisdom that can guide me in navigating life's challenges and making sense of my own experiences. By immersing myself in the stories, art, music, and cuisine of my culture, I begin to see how these elements reflect who I am at my core. Moreover, by learning about my own culture, I am exposed to new ways of thinking and living and develop a sense of appreciation for other cultures.

Additional Documentation [Forthcoming]