Vietnamese street food with a tasty takeaway twist

Do you ever wish you had a chef on speed dial who could answer your cooking questions? Well, here’s your chance.

We ask some of the most talented chefs and sous chefs across the Middle East the tough questions, so you don’t have to.

Vietnamese-born, Do Van Thang, 31, is the sous chef in the pastry kitchen at Dubai's Banh Mi & More - famous for its speciality Vietnamese street food.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Vietnam, one of the best places on the planet.

Did you eat your veggies?

Yes, always. It's a big part of the diet in Vietnam.

When did you know you wanted to be a chef?

Pretty much all my life but especially after I graduated from high school. I had a passion for food.

What is your favourite food memory?

It's as simple as a traditional Vietnamese dinner, surrounded by my family.

Where did you train. How difficult was your training?

I was trained as a kitchen helper in a small bakery shop. Training is never hard when you are doing what you love. It's a passion so work was always fun and interesting.

Where do you get your inspiration?

From the many banh mi sandwich carts that line the streets of Vietnam. They serve the best food, with the best flavours, yet it's all so simple.

Favourite kitchen equipment or gadget?

My oven, no matter where I am.

Best piece of advice you would give a home enthusiast?

Just make sure you always cook with passion. Food always tastes better when it's made with passion.

Do you always make your own meals, or do you occasionally go for a cheeky McDonald’s, or a frozen pizza?

I hate to be boring but I do always take the time to make my own meals, even if it's a quick snack.

What spices should I add to my repertoire when I'm just causally cooking a chicken breast or something?

Never underestimate the power of a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. It really can be the difference between a good and a bad meal, when used correctly.

Would you rather do the cooking or do the washing up afterwards?

Cooking, every time!

What kind of message does cooking for another person express?

Every dish you make holds a message, this can be interpreted in many different ways. The general message is usually satisfaction and happiness but i also love that food can say so much more to someone, depending how they are feeling.

Do you still use recipes to cook? If so, where do you get the best ones — friends, family, online, or from cookbooks?

The World Wide Web is such an amazing tool these days. It is full of the best inspiration from some of the greatest minds in the culinary world, which have then been adapted numerous times. I love exploring and experimenting.

What’s the most popular dish at Banh Mi & More and what’s your spin on it?

Banh mi is the most popular dish. In Vietnamese cuisine, bánh mì is a short baguette with thin, crisp crust and soft, airy texture. It is often split lengthwise and filled with savoury ingredients like a submarine sandwich and served as a meal.

Five ‘must-have’ items in your shopping basket…

Garlic; tomatoes; fish sauce; noodles; eggs.

Funniest kitchen incident?

Making the banh mi bread is a real art. I remember the first time I ever tried to make it. I thought it was going to be so easy but the first batch came out as hard as stone. It was a disaster. Luckily I got better!

What do you think is the most challenging ingredient to work with?

Bread flour. You never quite know what it's going to do.

One favourite cookbook?

The Science of Cooking

What would be your ‘Last Supper’ meal? Your ‘Death Row’ meal, as the late Anthony Bourdain would say?

Beef tenderloin Pho. Just amazing.