Often referred to as the “Pearl of East Africa,” Zanzibar has welcomed Kim Anh, who came to the island five years ago to oversee a hotel. However, she soon discovered a deeper passion for introducing Vietnamese cuisine to the local residents.

Kim Anh’s adventure on Zanzibar began when she accepted a resort management role. Shortly after she got settled in, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, putting her in a challenging situation as the island went into lockdown and the resort closed down.

With the halt in tourism, Kim Anh utilized her time by preparing Vietnamese meals for friends. The enthusiasm her dishes received inspired her to think about offering them for sale. Although she was initially uncertain, she decided to start a small takeout menu.

Her initial clientele consisted mainly of expatriates and hotel staff, who quickly became regular customers. This led to catering requests for various events, allowing Kim Anh to further promote Vietnamese cuisine within Zanzibar.

When tourism resumed in August 2020, she returned to her role at the hotel but also proposed a Vietnamese food initiative to the management. Though they approved, balancing both tasks proved challenging. In the end, she opted to resign and chase her culinary aspirations.

By October 2020, she launched Zanzibar’s first Vietnamese eatery, Duyen – Vietnamese Homecook, marking it as only the third Asian restaurant on the island. Despite the thrill of opening, difficulties arose as the pandemic disrupted the supply chain, leading to ingredient shortages and price hikes.

Refusing to be defeated, Kim Anh took proactive steps by cultivating her own herbs and mastering the creation of tofu, bean sprouts, pho noodles, and rice paper. Her ingenuity allowed her restaurant to feature over 40 traditional Vietnamese dishes, including pho, banh cuon, and xoi lac.

In late 2021, she further expanded by launching a Vietnamese-themed café named Hanoi House – Coffee by Kim in Paje, a vibrant tourist area in Zanzibar.

This café specializes in traditional Vietnamese drinks, familiarizing both locals and tourists with the unique tastes of Vietnamese coffee.

Kim Anh’s restaurant has also played a significant role in local employment, providing job opportunities to numerous residents of Zanzibar.

She is now exploring the possibility of franchising her restaurant to empower local women and extend the reach of Vietnamese cuisine to popular tourist locations on the island.

Through diligent hard work and commitment, Kim Anh has built a reputation and trust among locals and tourists alike. Her establishment has become a beloved spot, offering a distinct Vietnamese flavor amidst the island’s culinary scene.

“The warmth and hospitality of the people here inspire me, and I find joy in sharing my culture with them,” she expresses. Kim Anh’s journey exemplifies her determination and love for representing Vietnamese cuisine on an international platform.