Anh and Chi
[/ aĭŋ / ænd / tʃi/]: noun / conjunction / noun
- Elder brother and elder sister of the same family;
- respectful form of address for a friend or a even a stranger, man or woman respectively, generally above one’s age; address for fellow members of the same community;
- an award-winning and vibrant hub at 3388 Main Street in Vancouver, BC – to eat, drink and gather over authentic Vietnamese fare and tasteful cocktails made from fresh and local ingredients with culture, love and excitement.
Vincent Nguyễn, Brother Chef & Owner
Amélie Nguyễn, Sister & Co-founder
Vincent and Amélie were born to Vietnamese refugees and raised in Vancouver, BC. Amélie is an academic in health, passionate to tell stories that inspire thought, compassion and change. Vincent was a medical school drop out whose drive for legacy, and passion for food and design, committed the brother and sister duo to advance Vietnamese cuisine in Vancouver. Together, they created the highly acclaimed and beloved Anh and Chi.
Lý Nguyên, Mother & Executive Chef
Chef Lý grew up in her mom's Saigon café, a place where people gathered, ate, and expressed themselves. Grandma's shop played pre-1975 Nhac Vang "Yellow music" – songs of peace, prosperity and freedom – which were then banned throughout the country. Her café became a hub for artists, musicians and the whole community.
Fast forward 40 years, her family’s recipes, dream for freedom, and love for bringing people together have reached the Pacific Northwest. Lý not only established one of the most iconic restaurants in Vancouver, but also continues to reimagine Vietnamese cuisine with the next generation at Anh and Chi. She is thrilled to pass on her culinary "secrets" to her children so she can (finally) retire and hang out in her garden with the new love of her life - her grandchildren!
Lý & Hoàng Nguyên, 1991
- Photo courtesy of Nguyên Family Archives
Standing on the Shoulders of the Giant
Hoàng & Lý Nguyen arrived in Canada as boat people from Vietnam in 1980. They created the iconic Pho Hoàng, which was the first ever and longest standing Pho speciality house in Vancouver.
Our parents were self-trained chefs, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Like the majority of Canadians who have settled here from another country, they have taught us to start where we are, use what we have, and do what we can. What they did out of necessity and courage has become a strong foundation propelling us forward. Their shoulders are what we stand on.
Anh and Chi is a tribute to our parents, friends and family who have helped us and families alike, along the way.
~ Amélie & Vincent
